My OS is Windows XP Home Edition

My modem is an internal dial-up type. It is recognised as World Micro Modem HSP56 by the computer but according to the specification when I bought the computer it is SoftModem V1456VQH-P2.!!

The modem has worked OK for 18 months but to-day I am getting the error message “No dial tone” when I attempt to connect.

I have checked the telephone point using another computer. No problem getting a connection.

I have tried a different modem cable which I know to be OK but could still not get a dial tone.

Device Manager tells me that the modem is OK

Are there any other tests I can do before concluding that the thunderstorm last night has knocked out the modem? ( Surge protector was in use but did not cover the telephone point!!)

If the consensus is that the modem is dead I shall probably opt for an external modem as a replacement, because I am not very confident rooting around inside the case, but would welcome views about the easiest solution and most reliable brand.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

If you had a thunderstorm, chances are the modem is fried. Lightning hits phone lines a lot more than power lines it seems.

The modem shows different probably because it was changed at some time. XP usually does a fairly good job of identifying hardware...and if it has been working it was probably identified correctly. The V1456VQH I have is an ISA hardware modem, the World Micro Modem HSP56 is a PCI software [winmodem] modem. The best way I know of to test it is to remove the modem and drivers from Device Manager and ADd/Remove Programs if there, (in Safe Mode works best) then reboot and reinstall the modem.

Also try the Phone Dialer, that dials a phone number instead of cranking up everything to get on the Internet, if it can make a friend's phone ring, it's working and you have a software problem.

Wholeheartedly agreeing with Paleo here, its most likely a shot modem due to the lightning strike.

Things to think about:
1. Getting a dialtone using a phone at the computers point of connection? Good chance its the modem at fault, the chipset used in the V1456VQH-P2 is a very common winmodem chipset, and for the most part whatever Windows sees and installs probably has good reason for doing so, and the most generic drivers will do the job.

2. Winmodems (or Soft Modems, same thing) are VERY inexpensive now, getting one to try it out wouldn't be much, and most likely if it doesn't work, you can perform the test fast enough to take it back to the store if you find you don't need it.

3. If it was a lightning strike, you don't have to worry about it reaching other parts of the computer. Most modems now (standard, I assume?) have optical isolators to separate electricity from the signal, and therefore the rest of the card. Minor fluxuations in the phone line would otherwise interrupt a modems connection to the internet.

4. To prevent (or help) such things from happening again, there is a plethora of office-supply manufacturers that make Surge Protectors for Phone and RJ-45 Data Lines. You might want to give that a shot if thunderstorms are frequent in your area.

Probably more information that you need, but its happened to people I know and they all asked the same questions when they called for help.

Why is it that if someone tells you there are a billion stars in the universe you will believe them, but if someone tells you a wall has wet paint you will have to touch it to be sure?
Because we can't touch a billion stars... and we all want to know 'how it feels',,, to be 'Thick as a Brick!?!?! :eek:

I've got a couple of soft modems that went 'south' over the winter. Both relatively new by design and there's no electrical storms up here north of the 'Arctic Circle'... ..during the winter months anyway... :o

Haven't put any back in to see if 'Phone Dialer' will still work yet, that's a good tip and will try it prior to using the 'recycle bin for modems'... They both say up and running, no probs in Device Manager, but neither will establish a connection. :confused:

Thanks for advice. I bought a new modem and everything is now OK.

I have also shut the stable door (I hope!!) by upgrading to a new surge protector which covers the phone line.

Thanks again.