34 Solving Problems
Error Messages
If the message is not listed, see the documentation for the operating system or the program that was running 
when the message appeared.
CHECK THE TELEPHONE LINE CONNECTION —
C
HECK THE TELEPHONE JACK —
C
ONNECT THE MODEM DIRECTLY TO THE TELEPHONE WALL JACK —
U
SE A  DIFFERENT TELEPHONE LINE —
• 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.
• Disconnect the telephone line from the modem and connect it to a telephone. Listen for a dial tone.
• If you have other telephone devices sharing the line, such as an answering machine, fax machine, surge 
protector, or line splitter, bypass them and use the telephone to connect the modem directly to the 
telephone wall jack. 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 All 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.
VERIFY THAT THE MODEM IS COMMUNICATING WITH WINDOWS —
1
Click the 
Start
 button, then click 
Control Panel
.
2
Click 
Printers and Other Hardware
.
3
Click 
Phone and Modem Options
.
4
Click the 
Modems
 tab.
5
Click the COM port for your modem.
6
Click 
Properties
, click the 
Diagnostics
 tab, and then click 
Query Modem
 to verify that the modem is 
communicating with Windows.
If all commands receive responses, the modem is operating properly.
ENSURE THAT YOU ARE CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET — Ensure that you have subscribed to an 
Internet provider. With the Outlook Express e-mail program open, click File. If Work Offline has a 
checkmark next to it, click the checkmark to remove it and connect to the Internet. For help, contact 
your Internet service provider.
A FILENAME CANNOT CONTAIN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERS: \ / : * ? “ < > | — Do not 
use these characters in filenames.