Review our general checklist for troubleshooting your dialup connection. If you are still having problems, look in our article bin for other article on your problem or try to search google its a very good resource. You can also post on our forums.
1     Reboot Shut down the computer, wait 60 seconds, reboot and try to connect again.
2     Modem correctly plugged in? Make sure that the modem cable is plugged into "Telco" or "Line In/Line" vs. "Phone" on the computer.
3     Cables/Splitters/Devices Be sure modem cable is plugged into correct jack on the computer and that it is seated securely at both ends. Ideally, cables should not exceed a length of 6 feet. Unplug the cable from the modem and jack and reseat; try another cable (from phone). Remove any line splitters, surge protectors, fax machines, duplex jacks between the modem and wall jack and try to connect again. Also try unplugging phones (even those on a second phone line as there may be a problem with internal wiring) and other devices that may be causing interference. Be sure the line is not in use. Test the cable and jack used by the modem by plugging in a phone.
4     Electrical Interference The phone cord should not be wrapped around or routed close to any cord carrying electrical current and should be kept at least 3" from electrical lines and devices.
5     Do you have voicemail? There may be messages waiting. Voicemail causes a beep to occur when the line is picked up so the modem doesn't hear the dialtone right away. If this is the case, a "stuttering" tone is generally heard. Clear your messages before trying to connect.
6     Is the correct modem selected in connectoid? Go to Dial-Up Networking and be sure the modem selected for the connection is correct.
7     Software 'stealing' connection Check to be sure that other software installed on the computer is not attempting to dial and using the modem com port.
8     Dialing properties and access number Check dialing properties. Do you have call waiting? Is 10-digit dialing required? Is the phone number correct? To check the dialing properties, select your operating system in the box to the right ("Check my Settings") or click your operating system in the configuration section above and select the link at the top of the page to check settings.
9     Check login Is your username and password spelled correctly and in lowercase letters? Be sure the CAPS lock key is NOT on and, if there are numbers in your username or password, be sure the NUM lock key is on.
10     Dial-up Connection properties Check the properties of the dial-up connection. Open Dial-up Networking, right click the connection and select Properties. Use the configuration for your operating system above for reference.
11     Old connections? Check your dial-up networking folder for old, unused connections. If any exist, delete them.
12     Network Control Panel properties Check the components listed in your Network Control Panel and the properties of TCP/IP or TCP/IP Dial-up Adapter. There should only be one TCP/IP for each adapter type - i.e., only a single TCP/IP->Dialup Adapater. Click TCP/IP and select Properties. The IP tab should be "Server assigned"; the WINS tab should be "Disable Wins resolution"; the DNS tab should be "Server assigned". NOTE: Do NOT add, remove or change Network Control Panel settings without first locating your operating system CD or ensuring that you have the appropriate Windows .cab files on your hard drive.
13     Delete/Recreate connection Go to your dial-up networking folder and delete then recreate the connection after writing down settings and local access number.
14     Un/reinstall dial-up networking components/trash prefs Depending on the operating system you are using, try uninstalling and reinstalling TCP/IP, Dialup Adapter, Dial-up Networking (Windows) and trashing preferences (Macintosh). Do NOT add, remove or change Network Control Panel settings without first locating your operating system CD or ensuring that you have the appropriate Windows .cab files on your hard drive.
15     Winsock/wsock32 You may need to extract a copy of the winsock.dll or wsock32.dll files as they sometimes become corrupted or you may need to remove Winsock 2. You can extract these files by using the System File Checker/System Configuration Utility in Windows 98 and up. NOTE: You must first locate your operating system CD or ensure that you have the appropriate Windows .cab files on your hard drive before performing any file extraction.
16     Modem drivers or init string Re-install modem drivers and check for modem driver updates or firmware on your computer or modem vendor's website. A modem initialization string may help if you have problems connecting or staying connected. If you have a v.92 modem, try disabling v.92 with an init string. Check your modem's documentation or modem manufacturer's website for this information.
17     Personal firewall or WinXP firewall Disable firewalls, including McAfee, Norton, etc., and if Windows XP, be sure the firewall option is not selected.