PC Access for Windows Reference Guide

for PC Access for Windows 4.30.158

Error In Modem Command

PC Access got an error from the modem while attempting to dial the MLS or a Phone Book service. The error message gives the step in the dialing procedure where the error occurred. Find that step in the following list and follow the instructions.

· Initializing Port COMn: You may have a hardware problem with the COM port you specified on the Modem Setup window. Run MSD and/or PORTINFO to be sure you have selected the COM port your modem actually uses. If your Port setting on the Modem Setup window is correct, you may have a hardware problem with the COM port you specified. PORTINFO purports to be able to diagnose such problems.

· Resetting Modem: Check the Reset Command on the Modem Setup window. For the vast majority of modems, you can safely use ATZ (A-Tee-Zee) or AT&F (A-Tee-ampersand-F) for your reset command.

· Initializing Modem: Check the Default Initialize Command on the Modem Setup window.

¨ Also check the Modem Initialize field on the MLS Setup (Options Tab) or Edit Phone Book Entry window for the remote host you are trying to call. The vast majority of users should leave that field blank. If that field is blank for the remote host you are trying to call and you still get this error, then your modem doesn't like your Default Initialize Command on the Modem Setup window.

· Dialing: Check the Dial Command on the Modem Setup window. Most modems use ATDT for touch-tone dialing and ATDP for pulse (rotary) dialing. Most ISDN modems use ATD. Also check the Dial From fields on the MLS Setup (Dialing Tab) or Edit Phone Book Entry (Dialing Tab) windows for the remote host you are trying to call. Make sure the Dial From fields contain only telephone numbers (and possibly the outside-line and call-waiting prefixes if you need them). Do not type any modem commands such as ATDT in the Dial From fields.

The Test button on the Modem Setup window simulates the first three of the above four steps. This is the most convenient way to debug your modem setup.

If you can't fix the problem on your own, write down the complete error message before calling for technical support. PC Access displays the last command it sent to your modem along with the error message, and your technical support representative must know this.

Last modification date: Friday, January 17, 2003 00:58:53