Diagnosing Modem Problems with HyperTerminal

Quick Contents

Introduction

• Verify your Modem's COM Port
• Verify your Modem is working

Set up Windows HyperTerminal

1. Click Start | Programs | Accessories | HyperTerminal.
   • Note: If HyperTerminal is not in your Accessories menu, click Communications, then HyperTerminal.
2. Double-click Hypertrm.exe.
3. In the Connection Description window, next to Name:, type Test and click OK.
4. In the Connect To: window, next to Connect using: select the Direct to COMx option that matches the COM port for your modem. For example, if your modem uses COM1, select Direct to COM1.
   • Note: If you do not know what COM port your modem uses, click Start | Settings | Control Panel | Modems.
   • From the Modem Properties window click the Diagnostics tab. Locate your modem and COM port in the Diagnostics tab.
5. In the COM Properties window, next to Bits per second select 19,200 from the drop-down list. You do not need to make any changes to the other options. Click OK.
6. In the Test window type:

       ATZ
       

   and press Enter. Your modem should respond with OK.
   • Note: If your modem does not respond with OK this may indicate a problem with your modem's setup. Exit HyperTerminal and set up your modem to use another COM port. For example, if your modem currently uses COM1 try using COM2, COM3, or COM4.
     • If you have an internal modem, and you do not know how to set up your modem to use a different COM port, contact your modem manufacturer.
     • If you have an external modem, you may be able to plug your modem cable into another COM Port on your computer.
     If you need assistance to change your modem's COM port, contact your modem manufacturer. When you have set up your modem to use a different COM port, repeat steps 1 - 6 above.
7. If your modem responds with OK, type the commands below to connect to your MLS:

       ATDT555-1212
       

   • Note: Replace 555-1212 in the above command with the phone number to your MLS system.
   • If you need to dial the area code to reach your MLS system, add 1 and the area code before the phone number. For example: 1-513-555-1212.
   • If you need to dial a 9 to reach an outside line, add 9, before the phone number. For example: 9,555-1212. If your phone systems takes a second or two to reach an outside line, you may need to add an additional comma. For example: 9,,555-1212
8. If you successfully connect to your MLS system using Windows HyperTerminal, make note of the COM port you used in Windows HyperTerminal.
9. Click File | Exit. Windows Hyper Terminal will ask you if you want to save your Test session. Click Yes to save your Test session.
   • Note: If you need to access your Test session in the future, click Start | Programs | Accessories | Hyper Terminal | Test.
10. Click Start | Programs | PC Access | PC Access for Windows.
11. From the PC Access Main Menu click Setup Menu | Advanced | Modem.
12. Next to the Pick button, make sure you have your modem selected. If you do not have your modem selected, click Pick and select your modem from the list.
13. In the Port box, select the COM port your modem uses.
14. Click Test. When the Modem Tests OK message appears, click OK and return to the PC Access Main Menu.
15. Click Call MLS to connect to your MLS system.

Related Information

• What is the Windows Start Button?
• Microsoft Knowledge Base Article: Using HyperTerminal
• Modem Setup Window
• What is a COM Port?

If you need further assistance, please complete the PC Access for Windows Problem Report Form.

Last modification date: Tuesday, May 6, 2003 14:12:58