Connection problem-fixed the how, want to know the why.

This is a non-emergency call.

Yesterday when I went to log on to AOL, my modem never started dialing. I was given a "phone line in use" prompt. After jiggling and checking, I tried again. No problem. Tonight was a different story. I checked and rechecked everything. Nothing worked. I finally went changed my setting in device manager to not wait for a dial-tone before dialing. It works like a charm now. The problem is: I want to know why it worked. I haven't made any changes, nor have I even been on the computer. It's just got me puzzled, anybody got any ideas?

 

It could have been a number of different things, but my first and most logical guess would be the quality of your phone line connection. All it takes is a little distortion on the line, a storm passing by and blowing the lines (if they're above ground), moisture in the pair (if they're underground), the list goes on and on. If the problem persists you might want to have you local telephone company do a line check which they'll do up to your house. I would only do this after you have verified all wiring within your home has been inspected and checked for proper connection, nicks, cuts, etc. since the local phone company will charge you if you initiate a service call and they find their lines okay. More than likely the phone line is your problem. Hope this helps.

 

Good to know it isn't a symptom of a modem going bad.

I'll invest a whopping $5 in to a new wire, and I've been paying for an inside wiring maintainence plan - so it's about time to get my money's worth.

Thanks for the insight

 

The modem going bad is definetly a possibility. I was under the assumption you were certain the modem was good. Have you had any problems with your phone lines in the past. I know where I live all you get up to 6 months ago was dial-up and I had terrible problems connecting and even when I did I only got 28K. Thank Heavens for Broadband.

 

All tests come back saying modem is functioning properly.

I never had phone line issues before, and I checked the line I use to connect to the internet by plugging it into my phone. No problem. The modem is brand new and since I changed the setting to not wait for a dialtone, it hasn't given me any problems. So far so good.

I am going to look into Charter for a broadband service. My research shows most prefer DSL to cable, but I can get basically the same service I have (digital cable + HBO/MAX) and add a cable modem lease, 384kbs/128kpbs, and
an additional movie package for $15 more.

I hate Charter, but DSL would cost $50-$65 more. So for now, I'm going cable.

Well, maybe after Christmas. 2 daughters = 2 expensive