KDW said:
I am trying to use dial up to do my billing and I keep getting an
error message, so then I finally go throught he troubleshooting
process to find out my drive is listed not functional, what is that
all about?
What "drive"? Do you mean the modem? You would have to provide the exact
text of the error message for specific help. In the meantime here are a
few things to check:
A. Always make sure your computer is virus/malware-free since malware
can stop Internet connectivity:
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware
B. Make sure you have the latest drivers for your modem.
Never get drivers from Windows Update. Get them from:
1. The device mftr.'s website; OR
2. The motherboard mftr.'s website if hardware is onboard; OR
3. The OEM's website for your specific machine if you have an OEM
computer (HP, Dell, Sony, etc.).
Read the installation instructions on the website where you get the
drivers.
To find out what hardware is in your computer:
1. Read any documentation you got when you bought the computer.
2. If the computer is OEM, go to the OEM's website for your specific
model machine and look at the specs (you'll be there to get the drivers
anyway)
3. Download, install and run a free system inventory program like Belarc
Advisor. The older Aida32 is good for this, too.
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html - Belarc Advisor
http://www.aumha.org/free.htm - Aida32 (hosted on Jim Eshelman's site)
If you have installed drivers from Windows Update, you can roll them
back:
How to Roll Back a Device Driver -
http://tinyurl.com/86yb6
C. If updating/rolling back your drivers doesn't help, then test the
modem with Hyperterminal (under Accessories). Call a different phone
such as a cell phone.
D. If the machine is virus/malware-free and the modem doesn't dial your
cell phone, uninstall it and swap it out for a known-working modem. A
new basic modem costs around $20-25USD.
Malke
