Windows
 

Windows 7 : Installing a Modem for Dial-Up Service

12/20/2013 12:21:45 AM

1. Choosing Equipment

You need to purchase equipment that is compatible with the particular type of Internet service you’ll be using. Your computer might have come with a modem preinstalled, so, if you will use dial-up service, you might not have to make any decisions. If you will buy new connection hardware, here are some points to consider:

  • Most broadband services require specific hardware that your ISP provides (you can sometimes buy a DSL or cable modem independently, but be sure it will be compatible with the equipment your ISP uses). In addition, broadband modems connect via USB or through an Ethernet network adapter. If your service needs a network adapter, and your computer doesn’t already have an Ethernet adapter, be sure to get one that’s compatible with Windows 7.

  • If you will want to share your Internet connection with other computers via a LAN.

  • Above all, be sure any hardware that you have to plug directly into the computer (modem or LAN adapter) appears in the Windows Compatibility Center list (www.microsoft.com/windows/compatibility). This is important because not every vendor provides Windows 7–compatible drivers for all of their products. Therefore, check the list before you make any purchases.

  • For dial-up service, choose a modem that is compatible with the fastest service level your ISP provides. Your ISP should be using V.90 modems for 56Kbps service. If your ISP still uses X2 or K6Flex modems, it’s way behind the times. Some ISPs support the V.92 call-waiting protocol. If you have a modem that supports this feature, ask prospective ISPs whether they support it and whether there’s an additional charge.


2. Ordering the Service

Ordering standard dial-up modem Internet service is really quite simple. Just call the ISP, talk to the sales department, and ask the sales representative to mail or fax you instructions for configuring Windows 7. In fact, it’s easy enough that they might just talk you through it over the phone.

Ordering cable, DSL, or satellite service is also quite easy because the ISP takes care of all the details. The provider first checks to see whether your neighborhood qualifies for the service. Then a rep calls you back with the news and either sends you a self-installation kit or schedules an installation appointment.

When the service is installed, you’re ready to configure your Windows 7 computer.

If you’re using dial-up Internet service, continue with the following section.

3. Installing a Modem for Dial-Up Service

Installing a modem is a pretty painless process these days. Your modem should come with straightforward installation instructions; follow those, and you’ll be online in no time.

For an internal modem, you’ll pop open your PC’s case and insert the modem card into a free expansion slot inside the computer. For an external modem, it’s a more simple matter of cabling it to a USB or serial port on your PC. (Don’t forget to connect the power supply and turn it on.) A PC card modem simply plugs into your portable computer.

From that point, here’s what you need to do.

If your modem is Plug and Play–compatible, Windows 7 should automatically detect it when you turn on your computer and log in. In many cases, Windows already has the required software available and installs it.

Note

If Windows cannot find a set of drivers that matches your brand and model of modem, you might be asked to insert a CD or floppy disk that the modem manufacturer should have provided with your modem.

If you’re using an older modem, you might need to add it to the configuration manually by following these steps:

1.
Choose Start, Control Panel. In the search box in the upper-right corner, type the word modem. Then, click the phrase Phone and Modem.

2.
Select the Modems tab, shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1. The Modems tab identifies the modems currently installed in your system.


3.
If Windows has already detected your modem, its name appears in the Modems tab. If the correct modem type is listed, skip to step 8.

If no modem is listed, click the Add button to run the Add Hardware Wizard.

4.
Click Next. Windows locates the COM port and determines the type of modem you have. If this is successful, Windows tells you. In this case, continue with step 7.

5.
If Windows detects your modem incorrectly and doesn’t offer you the chance to correct the mistake, skip to step 7 and then correct the problem using the instructions in the next section. If you are given the opportunity to correct the problem, click Change and locate the manufacturer and model of your modem in the dialog box. If you find the correct make and model, select them and click OK. If your modem came with a driver disk for Windows 7, click Have Disk and locate the installation file for the modem.

If your modem isn’t listed, try to download the proper driver from Windows Update or from the modem manufacturer (using another computer, of course). You also might try selecting a similar model by the same manufacturer.

6.
After you select the modem type, click OK and then Next.

7.
Click Finish to complete the installation.

8.
Select the Dialing Rules tab.

9.
Select My Location and click Edit.

10.
Enter the General tab information for your current location, as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2. In the Edit Location dialog box, you can record the dialing instructions for your current location. The important settings are Country/Region, Area Code, codes for outside lines (if you are on a corporate phone system), and Disable Call Waiting.


11.
Enter a name for your location—for example, home, the name of your city, or another name to distinguish the current telephone dialing properties. Set the country, area code, and dialing rules information.

For example, if your telephone system requires you to dial a 9 to make an outside local call, enter 9 in the box labeled To Access an Outside Line for Local Calls, Dial. Make a corresponding entry for long-distance access.

If your telephone line has call waiting, check To Disable Call Waiting, Dial and choose the appropriate disable code.

I assume here that your ISP access number is a local call in the same area code. If this is not the case, you might want to fill in the Area Code Rules tab for the ISP access number. (If you don’t know the number yet, don’t worry; you can come back and fix it later.)

12.
Click OK.


Changing the Modem Type

If Windows incorrectly determines your modem type, you can change it by selecting the appropriate modem in the Modem list (see Figure 1) and clicking Properties. Then follow these steps:

1.
Select the General tab and click Change Settings.

2.
Select the Driver tab and click Update Driver.

3.
Select Browse My Computer for Driver Software.

4.
Click Browse to locate the proper INF setup file.

5.
Click Finish.

Alternatively, you could delete the modem and add it back in manually.

 
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