Solving Problems with Your Computer
Troubleshooting Techniques
Corporate Evaluator’s Guide 145
If memory doesn’t increase after adding RAM
• Make sure your computer is using only PC-133 or higher RAM modules.
You may also want to test memory with the e-Diagtools—see “Testing Hardware
Operation“ on page 157.
Modem problems
If the modem seems slow
• Check for excess static or noise on the line, which reduces the overall transmission
speed. If necessary, contact your telephone company about fixing this type of
problem.
• If you’re dialing internationally, line noise is often difficult or impossible to
eliminate.
• If you have call-waiting, disable it—your telephone company can provide
instructions. Call waiting can cause symptoms similar to static.
• Eliminate extra connections in the line. If possible, connect directly to the wall jack.
• Try another telephone line, preferably one normally used for a fax machine or
modem.
If the modem doesn’t dial or no dial tone is detected
• Check all cables and connections.
• Connect a standard telephone to the phone line and make sure the line is working.
• Make sure someone else isn’t using the same phone line.
• Try another telephone line, preferably one normally used for a fax machine or
modem.
• If you’re in a foreign country, the dial tone may not be recognized by the modem. In
Control Panel, open Modems (Windows 98) or Phone and Modem Options
(Windows 2000 or XP), and try disabling the option that waits for a dial tone.
• Phone message recording services provided by phone companies use a “broken dial
tone” to indicate that a message is waiting. This can prevent the computer from
detecting a dial tone.
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