No Dial Tone

[CoachB22]

Ok folks....I've tried to solve this one myself by searching....no joy. Here are the clues!
Compaq Presario w/k6-2 500mhz CPU using Win 98 with PCI Winmodem.
Computer will no longer connect to internet by dial-up after thunderstorm. Modem will dial but does not receive a dial-tone. Logic says modem fried. New PCI modem does exctly the same thing.

Both modems check out ok in Control Panel. Device manager shows no conflict or issues. I've completely removed modems in Safe Mode, removed hardware, allowed 98 to re-install/add new. I've updated drivers, tried different wires, jacks, dialing methods. NADA!
Other computers connect fine using jacks and wires.

Hyperterminal detects no dial-tone when I try to connect that way. Phone Dialer give no joy either. AOL detects modem but can't get dial tone. I've tried different PCI slots thinking original may have gotten zapped.

Only things I still wonder about are PCI controller and Win 98. I don't begin to know how to check PCI but I would think HDD/CD-ROM would be having problems if PCI was buggy???

ANY IDEAS?????

[Paul Komski]

My guess is that the mobo is fried or the PSU compromised in some way or another. Saw a very similar sequence of events to what you have described only last week after a lightening strike brought down the telephone connection to the house. After the telephone was repaired and after trying to troubleshoot the modem for 2days the PC suddenly fried both HDDs and the Keyboard!! Funny stuff electricity.

[CoachB22]

Thanks Paul!

I am afraid you are right about the mobo. Everything works fine other than the modem. To add a quirk, I hooked up my USB External modem to the suspect rig last night and was able to connect fine. I may see if I can find an external USB to get these folks back in business.

I'm trying to help out a co-worker with 8 kids. They use this computer for everything from schoolwork to clothes buying (Ebay) to babbysitter/entertainment. School starts here next week so I'm trying for a quick fix at the moment. I've got a notion to scrounge parts and pieces and build them a new box, more up to date box.

If you get any more ideas about fixing this box, please give me a shout.
Thanks for all your help on this. (I've learned alot from you on this forum).

CoachB

[classicsoftware]

Try another OCI slot as the system works except for the modem. It might be the slot is shot. If the system works otherwise, try a different slot or an external modem as it's cheaper than buying the new system.

[crquevedo]

Hi,
Once in a similiar situation I made a web search and here and explanation (more or less): The thunderstorm broke the modem switch (electronic) that detect the dial tone, and in some cases if you have a phone in the same line, if the modem is connected, it cut off dial tone.
But the modem still can be used, you just plug the line cable in the modem and inmediatly click Connect.
crquevedo

[CoachB22]

Problem Update

I obtained a second modem from a computer refurb shop to try in the problem machine. It is an Aztech brand with Conexent(sp) chips. I installed into a PCI slot, updated the drivers, and tried connecting. AOL initializes the modem but still no dial tone. I went into Device Manager and it says device is working properly (and it is correctly identified). I went into the modem icon under settings and ran "diagnose". Modem communicated with "diagnose" and sent back AT commands...also reported modem working properly.

Still could be a fried mobo BUT...
I've tried both PCI modems in my system (Epox 8hka+) and can't get a dial tone there either.

MY QUESTION!
Is there another step besides installing modem, letting Windows find it, and updating drivers??......something like changing BIOS settings or jumpers. Changing modems doesn't require a CMOS dump does it?

OF COURSE, it is possible I'm dealing with two blasted modems and just need to pay the bucks for a brand spanking new one!

CoachB

[classicsoftware]

I would try an external Serial port or USB modem and see what happens.

[Paul Komski]

I hooked up my USB External modem to the suspect rig last night and was able to connect fine.

[classicsoftware]

The only other things you can try are:

Move the modem to a dfifferent PCI slot.

Try a hardware modem as opposed to a Winmodem.

If not, you are stuck with an external modem as you know it works.