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Troubleshooting a failed or faulty device is the act of identifying the problem source and making the right and necessary steps or repairs to fix it.

The computer modem (Modulator-Demodulator) is the device that connects the computer to a telephone line. It is mainly needed for Internet connection.

When a modem connection fails, should you call your computer technician immediately or call your ISP?

No!

Most modem connection failures can be easily troubleshot without technical assistance. Your computer technician or ISP should only assist you when the "connection failure" is very technical.

Here's what to do.

Windows " What's This? "

Firstly, you have to understand the problem. It may be as a result of not properly connecting the telephone cable or some other little problem. Windows What's This? helps you understand the problem and the possibilities of fixing it.

As soon as the error code and error message of the connection failure are displayed, simply right-click on it; What's This? appears. Click on it. This should display detailed information about the error, and you may just discover that you can easily fix it.

Only when the connection failure message indicates a technical problem should you call your computer technician, or in some cases, call your ISP if it has to do with Internet connectivity.

Before troubleshooting a device like the computer modem, it always advisable to ensure all the necessary cables is well connected. Since modem connections have to do with dialing a number, also ensure you are dialing the right number.

Windows and other Operating Systems (OS) have different error codes for different error messages.

Troubleshooting Modems in Windows and Error Messages

If your OS is Windows, you can troubleshoot your modem by going to your Windows Help. Pressing the F1 button on your keyboard should take you to Windows Help.

In Windows Help, type "Troubleshooting Modems" and follow the processes displayed.

Also, you can view the available error codes and error messages from Windows Help by simply typing "Internet Connection Error Messages" and clicking "Error Messages" on the displayed search results.

Conclusion

Modem connection failures are always easy to fix. If it has to do with Internet connection, you may need to verify several factors. You should ensure your subscription hasn't expired or the connection failure is not as a result of internal problems on the part of your ISP. If it becomes too technical, consult your computer technician or ISP.

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