42 Solving Problems
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Hard drive problems
E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems
 HINT: Connect the 
modem to an analog 
telephone jack only. The 
modem does not operate 
while it is connected to a 
digital telephone network.
RUN CHECK DISK —
1 Click the Start button, and then double-click My Computer.
2 Right-click the drive letter (local disk) that you want to scan for errors, and 
then click Properties.
3 Click the Tools tab.
4 Under Error-checking, click Check Now.
5 Click Start.
CHECK FOR INTERRUPT REQUEST CONFLICTS — See page 70.
CHECK THE TELEPHONE LINE CONNECTION — Verify that the telephone 
line is connected to the jack on the modem. (The jack has either a green label or 
a connector-shaped icon next to it.) Ensure that you hear a click when you insert 
the telephone line connector into the modem.
CHECK THE TELEPHONE JACK — Disconnect the telephone line from the 
modem and connect it to a telephone. Listen for a dial tone.
CONNECT THE MODEM DIRECTLY TO THE TELEPHONE WALL JACK —
If you have other telephone devices sharing the line, such as an answering 
machine, fax machine, surge protector, or line splitter, then bypass them and use 
the telephone to connect the modem directly to the telephone wall jack.
USE A  DIFFERENT TELEPHONE  LINE — If you are using a line that is 3 m 
(10 ft) or more in length, try a shorter one.
RUN THE MODEM HELPER DIAGNOSTICS — Click the Start button, point 
to Programs, and then click Modem Helper. Follow the instructions on the 
screen to identify and resolve modem problems. (Modem Helper is not available 
on all computers.)