Problems installing dial up internet

[1977Nicky]

I went round my mates last night to try and help her install her dial-up tiscali internet connection. To cut a very long story short - it dials the number (the correct one!) and then all I can hear is the dialling tone rather than it connecting to anything, after a while a long continuous tone is heard.

Various error messages would pop up - No answer -being a favourite one. It says the modem is working correctly in the Device Manager, I have disabled it and enabled it again, queried it, checked the com port etc. Nothing obvious, I even tried to connect to the old internet connection that had been used by the previous owner but it just wouldn't connect.

The only other thing I can think of is that the phone line is connected via 3 extension cables which is why we couldn't connect to Broadband when we tried a couple of months ago - this shouldn't interfere with dial up though surely?!

[Catso]

It does sound rather like you aren't dialling the right number. The continuous tone is 'unobtainable', I think. Do you not get a modem answering it (chirping/whistleing sound)? Try calling the number you have with a normal phone and see if you get a modem at the other end. Try using the modem to dial someone's 'real' phone and see if it gets through to them.

If you can get your modem to dial, it's unlikely the issue is with your com port.

If the extensions are proper ones, of reasonable quality, they are unlikely to affect things (apart from possibly slowing your connection a bit).

Is there anything odd about her home phone system EG does it need a prefix to get an outside line?

One thing that did catch me out once is that ISPs usually require Caller Line Identification to be on. If your friend has disabled this, you may well get the connection refused.

[1977Nicky]

Thanks - will try these things. Didn't get a modem answering it at all.

What is Caller Line Identification?!

[OBonio]

If you go to the properties of the dial-up connection, there is an option there to 'Wait for Dial Tone'. Make sure this is clicked, otherwise it may be trying to dial before it's connected to the exchange (hence you get the dial tone still).

I've not known this to be a problem before, but it's worth a try!

More info here : http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=kb;EN-US;Q1 40260

[1977Nicky]

Thanks OBonio - Wait for Dial Tone was definitely checked though!

[JimmyK]

Caller Line ID is what identifies your number: in this case it identifies your line as being the one thats trying to connect to the net. A security system so they (the ISP) can tell who is online, if you should do anything naughty!

[Buenchico]

The easiest way to check whether things are OK at your end of things is to try connecting to another ISP.

Webtribe lets you log in as a guest (and it doesn't check whether Caller ID is enabled), so it's ideal for seeing if your modem is working correctly.

Simply create a new dial-up networking connection, using this information:
Phone: [phone]
Username: guest
Password: webguest

That information should enable you to connect to the internet (at local call charges). If it works, you'll know that there's a problem specific to your Tiscali connection. If it doesn't work, you'll know that the problem is with the modem (or otherwise associated with the PC).

Hoping this helps,

Chris

[parkesquay]

Just a thought. Remember that it is essential to have a filter connected for every working telephone in the house. Just a thought.

[Buenchico]

I've got a feeling that Parkesquay might not have read the question properly!

I've installed dial-up connections on dozens of computers but I've never need any sort of filter. They're only required for broadband!

Chris

[parkesquay]

Buenchico you are quite right I missed the dial-up bit. Silly me.

[1977Nicky]

Thanks guys - Chris, will definitely try this when I go round next, hopefully then I can isolate the problem to Tiscali or the modem, I have downloaded the modem drivers so can be ready to re-install!

We did have filters on all phones when we were trying broadband - gave up on that one ages ago!