Both laptop and desktop Vista and W-7....

[Char Jackson]

The backwoods of central TN.

Hmm, thanks. Fortunately, I'm far enough away that I don't have to
admit that I'd be scared to venture into the backwoods of TN and can
just pretend it's too far away. ;-)

 

[Char Jackson]

We click on Control Panel/Hardware and Sound/Devices and Printers/USB modem.
And it sees the modem there. Right-click USB Modem/select dial-up
networking/create a dial-up connection and then we get the screen that says
"Windows cannot detect a dial-up modem." Now can you tell us what's wrong
with these 3 PCs? That's each step we take.

Can you try following the steps outlined in the linked article and
tell us which step is the one that fails? It's slightly different from
how you're currently trying to do it. Whether that makes a difference
or not, I don't know.

<http://support.earthlink.net/articles/dialup/create-a-dial-up-networking-connection-on-windows-7.php>

 

[Leon Manfredi]

Right click Start, ----> Properties ---> Customize

 

[Lewis]

I read it and thought I was asking properly. I can't ask like a tech
because I'm not a tech. It seems no one here has ever had a problem with
their dial-up connection or got the "Windows can't detect a modem" error.

I'm dredging up memories from 13 years ago, which is the last time I had
to deal with a dial up networking issue in Windows, and that was Windows
95.

I've never even seen a modem in Windows XP, much less Vista or 7, so
yeah, probably no one here has seen your problem.

I still think whining to the ISP is the most likely way to get it fixed
if they have tech support.

 

[Paul]

I read it and thought I was asking properly. I can't ask like a tech
because I'm not a tech. It seems no one here has ever had a problem
with their dial-up connection or got the "Windows can't detect a modem"
error.

They have a suggestion here, to try the "Query Modem" button. In
Device Manager, you'd find the hardware entry for the modem,
and then use the query button. If the serial port isn't "busy"
already, you should see the light flash (it if was an external
modem). That is a way of proving serial communications are working.

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-perform-modem-diagnostics-in-windows-vista.html

Other than following their advice there, you'd need to take note
of any error numbers, when it doesn't work. You might see
a three digit number for an error number, for example. Based
on that number, if might be possible to guess at the problem.

The information entered in the Dial Up Networking dialog box,
has to continue to be correct for what you're trying to do.
If some detail changed (say, different COM port), then you'd need
to fix that.

*******

And I do use a dialup modem, but as a backup system. If my
primary provider (ADSL) stops working, I use the dialup modem
to connect to a free ISP, and then web surf to the ADSL
provider to check their hardware status web page, to
see if they think everything is working properly. It gives
me some idea, whether I should be in a hurry to phone them
or not. If they know about the problem, it saves a phone call
and waiting on hold until a tech answers.

I've had problems with the modem. The usual problem is the "serial
port is already in use". That one is a killer to fix. On my
current computer, I have a USB to RS232 adapter, then an external
RS232 dialup modem. And fortunately, the USB to RS232 has a tick box
in its custom control panel, that has fixed my port already
in use problem.

I suggest recording the *exact* wording of the error message
and posting that. Or, if a three digit error number is reports
by dialup networking, you could post that information. For example,
this site has information on various error codes.

http://www.modemsite.com/56k/duns628.asp

The site map, shows a list of DUNS error codes and what they mean.

http://www.modemsite.com/56k/site.asp

Paul

 

[Jim]

OK, THAT got it on the desktop. Others here assumed it was already
there. It wasn't.


On mine also. On Vista it's still a small icon on the taskbar.

Valorie,
You have me confused. You said you Use Wild Blue for PC & TV which I
take it is a satellite connection, correct?

Why are you using a dial-up then?

How are you connecting to the internet to do all your posting here?

Jim

 

[Prescott]

Nothing. No new software on any of the PCs in weeks. Just the usual MS
updates. When I couldn't connect with Vista again today I turned on the
laptop with Vista. That one couldn't see it's modem either. So my
husband added the external modem to the W-7 PC but W-7 can't see the
(external) modem either. Only the two real old XP machines still see the
modem and can get inline with dial-up.


The "event viewer" said the folder is empty. How do I find the
information in the event viewer? I had to do a search for it since I
don't know how else to find it. Is there a special folder I need to find?


If I knew the answers why would I waste my time here asking? How can I
know the info you need since I cannot read your mind and am not a
techie, a geek or a PC nerd?

Yesterday (Friday the 15th) our laptops at work were updated with the
Microsoft Updates that Microsoft released on the 12th. Friday morning
before the patch install and reboot, we could use vSphere Client to
connect to the VMware Hyper-visors. Since the install and reboot we
cannot connect with machines that have been updated, but we still can
with other machines that have not been updated.

So to answer your assertion that nothing has changed, yes it has.

If you have restore points from before the updates, try restoring one of
the machines that can't find it's modem. That will pretty much tell the
tale.

 

[Valorie *~~]

Yesterday (Friday the 15th) our laptops at work were updated with the
Microsoft Updates that Microsoft released on the 12th. Friday morning
before the patch install and reboot, we could use vSphere Client to
connect to the VMware Hyper-visors. Since the install and reboot we
cannot connect with machines that have been updated, but we still can with
other machines that have not been updated.

So to answer your assertion that nothing has changed, yes it has.

BRAVO!!!!!!!!!!! The only thing our 3 PCs that can no longer detect their
modems have in common were MS updates! The two old XP PCs that haven't been
updated in who-knows-how-long are still getting online with dial-up fine.

If you have restore points from before the updates, try restoring one of
the machines that can't find it's modem. That will pretty much tell the
tale.

We already tried that plus removed the latest MS updates and it didn't help.
We tried several restore points on the Vista desktop that left this PC so
unstable and with so many problems we're now planning a System "Recovery."
If that don't work then we'll reformat the HD and reinstall the OS. A major
PIA. Something we never had to do on the old XP machines.

 

[Valorie *~~]

Hmm, thanks. Fortunately, I'm far enough away that I don't have to
admit that I'd be scared to venture into the backwoods of TN and can
just pretend it's too far away. ;-)

Think "Deliverance."

 

[Valorie *~~]

I'm dredging up memories from 13 years ago, which is the last time I had
to deal with a dial up networking issue in Windows, and that was Windows
95.

I've never even seen a modem in Windows XP, much less Vista or 7, so
yeah, probably no one here has seen your problem.

It's hard to believe everyone but myself lives in the country where there's
no DSL or other fast internet. We're 6 miles from the nearest town but the
cable is about 1/2 down at the crossroads. The Cable Co says there aren't
enough people on this side of the lake to make it worthwhile to run it down
here.

I still think whining to the ISP is the most likely way to get it fixed
if they have tech support.

They'er the next ones to be called. So far HP and Zoom were clueless.

 

[Valorie *~~]

They have a suggestion here, to try the "Query Modem" button. In
Device Manager, you'd find the hardware entry for the modem,
and then use the query button. If the serial port isn't "busy"
already, you should see the light flash (it if was an external
modem). That is a way of proving serial communications are working.

We did that and it communicated with the modem. But when we try to get
online, we get the "Windows can't detect a modem" error. The PC knows it's
there. Both techs had us do the query thing. When it comes time to dial
the ISP, these 3 PCs can't detect the modem they just communicated with.

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-perform-modem-diagnostics-in-windows-vista.html

OK, did that and it said SUCCESS,.... but then when I tried to get online
it's the same old thing "Windows can't detect a modem." And there is no
"Resource tab of the Modem Properties dialog box" there (W-7 PC). The PC
knows it's there as I said many times before. But when it comes time to get
online with dial-up, it can't detect the modem it knows is there.

Read more:
http://www.dummies.com/how-to/conte...agnostics-in-windows-vista.html#ixzz12YMHZVdz

Other than following their advice there, you'd need to take note
of any error numbers, when it doesn't work. You might see
a three digit number for an error number, for example. Based
on that number, if might be possible to guess at the problem.

There is no error number, just the small window that comes up and says
"Windows can't detect a modem" and to try again. We try again and get the
same small "can't detect modem" window.

The information entered in the Dial Up Networking dialog box,
has to continue to be correct for what you're trying to do.
If some detail changed (say, different COM port), then you'd need
to fix that.

We can't get that far. When we try to enter the ISPs information that
window comes up and that's as far as we can get.

*******

And I do use a dialup modem, but as a backup system. If my
primary provider (ADSL) stops working, I use the dialup modem
to connect to a free ISP, and then web surf to the ADSL
provider to check their hardware status web page, to
see if they think everything is working properly. It gives
me some idea, whether I should be in a hurry to phone them
or not. If they know about the problem, it saves a phone call
and waiting on hold until a tech answers.

I've had problems with the modem. The usual problem is the "serial
port is already in use". That one is a killer to fix. On my
current computer, I have a USB to RS232 adapter, then an external
RS232 dialup modem. And fortunately, the USB to RS232 has a tick box
in its custom control panel, that has fixed my port already
in use problem.

I suggest recording the *exact* wording of the error message
and posting that. Or, if a three digit error number is reports
by dialup networking, you could post that information. For example,
this site has information on various error codes.

There are no error codes. All it says is "Windows can't detect a modem" and
under that, "Please try again" and somethig like "Try again later." Just
text, no error codes. Now we can't even add our ISP info' because right
away the "no modem detected" small window comes up. We have no chance to
add the information.

http://www.modemsite.com/56k/duns628.asp

The site map, shows a list of DUNS error codes and what they mean.

http://www.modemsite.com/56k/site.asp

This site is beyond my expertise.

 

[Valorie *~~]

I suggest recording the *exact* wording of the error message
and posting that. Or, if a three digit error number is reports
by dialup networking, you could post that information. For example,
this site has information on various error codes.

(Large brevity snip)

What we need is the information as to why Windows can communicate with the
modems on these 3 PCs, but when we try to get online using Dial-up, these
PCs can't detect the modems they can communicate with when queried. This is
the information we can't find Googling or asking here or from the techs at
HP and Zoom.

 

[Valorie *~~]

Valorie *~~ wrote:




Do you get a message like:
"Error 797 a connection to the remote access server was not made because
the
modem was not found"
Or do you simply get "Windows cannot locate a modem"?

Just "Windows cannot locate a modem." And under that is said something like
"Try Again" and under that something like "Try again later." When the
Modem's Properties are checked the USB modem Propertie's window says "this
device is working properly." There are no error numbers. A quiry brings
Success.

When you say W-7 can communicate with the modem. Did you go to
Control Panel > Phone and Modem > Modem > Properties and then to the
Diagnostics Tab and the Query Modem button. This should list about 12 "AT"
commands and replies such as "ATQUV1E0 - Success" and "AT14 - USB Soft
Data/Fax Modem"

Yes, we did that several times on all 3 PCs. We get SUCCESS every time.
The PCs can communicate with the modems (when queried) until we try to get
online. Then it can't detect them.

So if Windows is seeing the modem and can communicate with it, is Dial-up
Networking configured to use this modem?

Yes, there have been no changes. But when he tried to reenter the dial-up
ISP's info, he couldn't because the "Windows can't detect a modem" window
pops ups with no error codes, just text. W-7 didn't come with a modem, HP
figuring the 40% of Americans with dial-up can buy their own modems which we
did. But the same thing happens on W-7 with the external modem as with the
Vista PCs with internal modems.

If you can right click on your Dial-up Networking connection and open up
the
Properties box you should see the same modem listed there as is shown
under
Modems in the second paragraph. This should also be the same modem as is
shown in Device Manager.

On VISTA: There is nothing there under properties for a modem. It's just a
shortcut on the desktop. When I click it now to connect it says "Peoplepc
cannot be found." But if we try to add the info for peoplepc, we get the
"Windows cannot detect a modem" window and that's as far as we can get. So
we can no longer add the info for Peoplepc on the Vista PCs since they
cannot detect their own internal modems although they find them when
"queried."

On W-7: We can't even get peoplepc info installed because as soon as we try
to add it, we get the ""Windows can't detect a modem" window. OK, I got the
window to come up. It says, "Is the modem connected" and "Is the modem
switched on". Under that it says "Try again" and under that, "Set up a
connection anyway." When I try to set up a connection anyway, I can't since
I then get the "Windows can't detect a modem" window with that text under
it.

The only other thing that I can suggest is to ring your ISP and ask if
others are reporting the same problem.

There is no problem getting online with this ISP with the two old XP PCs so
it can't be the ISP. Only the W-7 and two Vista PCs have the same problem.

 

[Valorie *~~]

W7 version of XP's "My Computer" is called "Computer"--ummm if you had
attempted to click onto "Computer" you would of noted that it is the same
as XP's My Computer.

You"ll find Computer by clicking onto the Start icon and looking in the
right column of the Start menu for "Computer".

As I said before. There was nothing there called Computer or My Computer
until that other poster told me how to make it show.

 

[Valorie *~~]

Valorie,
You have me confused. You said you Use Wild Blue for PC & TV which I take
it is a satellite connection, correct?

We use DirecTV for TV and Wildblue for our PC service. Those two are
Satellite services. We use Peoplepc for dial-up backup.

Why are you using a dial-up then?

Because when it rains, drizzles or snows we lose the PC signal. Sometimes
we lose the signal when the sky is clear. We then use our backup dial-up.

How are you connecting to the internet to do all your posting here?

On the Satellite service and one of the Vista machines we plan to do a
system restore on this evening. If it was raining I would have to use one
of the old XP machines now.

 

[Jack]

BRAVO!!!!!!!!!!! The only thing our 3 PCs that can no longer detect their
modems have in common were MS updates! The two old XP PCs that haven't
been updated in who-knows-how-long are still getting online with dial-up
fine.


We already tried that plus removed the latest MS updates and it didn't
help. We tried several restore points on the Vista desktop that left this
PC so unstable and with so many problems we're now planning a System
"Recovery." If that don't work then we'll reformat the HD and reinstall
the OS. A major PIA. Something we never had to do on the old XP
machines.

Probably several million installed those updates; many thousands with dialup
modems. Strange that only you have constant problems with everything on your
PCs, yet you're not doing anything at all to cause the problems. Maybe you
shouldn't have computers.

 

[Ed Cryer]

Both laptop and desktop Vista PCs, including the new W-7 will no longer
work with dial-up. What MS update did this to our 3 PCs? Yes, it still
works on XP but we don't use the old XP PC anymore. How do we get
dial-up back on Vista and W-7?

Have you tried reinstalling the modem?

Ed

 

[John Aldred]

Valorie *~~ wrote:

Just "Windows cannot locate a modem." And under that is said something
like
"Try Again" and under that something like "Try again later." When the
Modem's Properties are checked the USB modem Propertie's window says "this
device is working properly." There are no error numbers. A quiry brings
Success.

I've managed to duplicate the message that you are getting.
Namely "Windows cannot locate a modem" and "Try again"
on my W7 machine. But only by unplugging the USB modem!!

I found some old postings in Microsoft TechNet Forums from Vista users in
2007 and 2008. They were complaining that Dial-up Networking suddenly
stopped working. They received various error messages - but nobody came up
with an answer to the problem. I believe that two people reported that they
had fixed it by re-installing Vista - rather a time consuming activity.

You could try uninstalling the modem(s) and reinstalling the drivers (and
looking for updated drivers) - but I guess you would already have tried
that.

 

[Gene E. Bloch]

Both laptop and desktop Vista PCs, including the new W-7 will no longer work
with dial-up. What MS update did this to our 3 PCs? Yes, it still works on
XP but we don't use the old XP PC anymore. How do we get dial-up back on
Vista and W-7?

Do you have more than one modem connected to the phone line?

 

[Nil]

You could try uninstalling the modem(s) and reinstalling the
drivers (and looking for updated drivers) - but I guess you would
already have tried that.

I'm sure she has NOT tried that.