This problem occurs when the modem does not detect a dial tone. It indicates a problem between the modem and the phone line. You can try to resolve this issue by checking the following.

• Make sure your telephone line is connected to your modem. Insert one end of the telephone wire into the wall socket and the other end into the back of the modem. When connecting the telephone line to the back of the modem, select the socket marked "Line" or "Telco".
• Unplug all other devices attached to the telephone line ( e.g. personal answering machine or fax machine), and make sure your telephone receiver is on the hook. Also make sure you can pick up the phone and hear a dial tone. If you don't hear a dial tone you may need to contact your local telephone provider.
• If you have call notes or answering service, check and clear your new messages. This occurs because call notes gives a series of tones to inform you that you have new messages which can sometimes interfere with the modem successfully detecting a dial tone.
• Run the modem diagnostics tool which is available from the modem icon in the control panel to ensure your modem is responding.
• Click on Start Button> Control Panel> double click on Phone and Modem Options.
   

• Click on the Modems Tab.

• Click on the Properties Button

• Click on the Diagnostics Tab, and then click on Query Modem.

• Be sure your modem is responding to the query. If not you may need to reinstall your modem driver or your modem may be bad.
• Restart your computer and try to connect again.

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