How do I Troubleshoot Dial-up Connection Problems on a Macintosh?

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Summary

This article provides instructions for troubleshooting dial-up connection problems on a Macintosh.

Rules

Prerequisites

Content

Inactivity Timer

An inactivity timer disconnects a dial-up connection if the connection goes idle.

  1. Go to Apple Menu > Control Panels > Remote Access.
  2. Click Options.
  3. On the Connection tab, make sure Disconnect if idle for # minutes is unchecked.

Line Noise

Frequent disconnects can also be attributed to electrical fluctuations on the line (line noise). Plug a phone into the modem's phone jack and raise the handset. If you hear crackling or a steady buzzing sound, there is noise on the line. Contact your phone company. They should be able to detect it.

Error: Cannot Communicate with Modem

This message means that Mac OS X cannot find the modem. The modem control panel controls the configuration.

  1. Go to Apple Menu > Control Panels > Modem.
  2. Under Connect via, select the correct port. This is the modem or printer port used by the modem (also called the serial port).
  3. Save the settings and close the window.

Reset the Modem

If you have an external modem, unplug its power cord for 30 seconds before plugging it back in. This will reset the modem.

Call Waiting

Incoming calls can cause dial-up connections to drop.
  1. Disable Call Waiting. To disable, add *70, (comma included) to the beginning of the telephone number the modem dials.
  2. Go to Apple Menu > Control Panels > Remote Access.
  3. Add *70, (with the comma) to the beginning of the telephone number.
  4. Save the changes and close the Remote Access control panel.

Internal Notes

This article was last modified on 7/27/2007 10:44:20 AM
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