Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use my 16-bit communications software under Windows 95?	Yes. No additional work is required for your 16-bit communication programs to see the modem under Windows 95. 16-bit applications access the COM Port directly, which Windows 95 natively supports.  Note: If Windows 95 was installed over Windows 3.1, and the COMM.DRV= line in the Windows SYSTEM.INI file was set to RHSICOM.DRV, you must edit the SYSTEM.INI file and replace COMM.DRV=COMM.DRV with COMM.DRV=RHSICOM.DRV. Windows 95 replaces your current Windows 3.1 COM driver with COMM.DRV during the initial installation.
How are 32-bit communication programs, handled under Windows 95?	32-bit, or Windows 95 native communication programs do not directly access COM Ports. They access what is called the TAPI interface, which is a combination of a COM Port, a modem, and a set of dialing rules. To properly set this up, you must run the Modems Control Panel, then ADD the appropriate COM Port and modem combination. This was most likely configured when the modem was initially installed. Once this is complete, Hyper Terminal, MSN, Dial-Up networking, and any other Windows 95 native communications applications will be able to address the entire TAPI system. The TAPI system then communicates with the modem, via AT commands.
What is Safe Mode and why can't I do anything in it?	Windows 95 can load into Safe Mode in two ways: automatically and by user choice. It will occur automatically if there is something severely wrong with the system. In this case, Windows 95 shuts everything down and loads raw Windows. If you decide to enter Safe Mode manually, press F5 immediately after the "Starting Windows 95" message at bootup. Safe Mode itself does not fix the system problems, but gives you the opportunity to correct problems without affecting anything else.
Is Windows 95 accurate at determining device conflicts?	Yes. By selecting Start/Settings/Control Panel/System/Device Manager, you can view and make changes to your device settings. This screen uses exclamation point icons, etc., to point out devices that are conflicting in the system.
I already have a E-mail service, do I need to activate a WCC E-mail account as well?.	Yes.  You do not have to actively use the e-mail account, but you must activate it to be able to use WCC as a internet service provider.
I can not remember my password.	It will be necessary for your account to be reset. This can be done by a lab aid in the open lab located in the TI building room TI108.  To prevent this from happening in the future enable the save password option in the dial properties area.
I continue to receive invalid password error messages.	Solution: Be sure that you have activated your WCC Student E-Mail account at http://nwmail.washtenaw.cc.mi.us/ If you are a new student at WCC it is possible that the new student list has not been released and therefore your account is not yet available.  It should be available shortly after the beginning of the semester.  If you continue to have problems contact a lab aide in TI108.
Do I need a browser?	Yes.  A browser will allow you to read and manipulate file on the internet.
I already have a internet provider, What is the benefit of using WCC?	Using WCC as your internet service provider (ISP) is free to all registered students.  Most commercial services have a monthly fee.
Do I have to pay for the call to WCC each time I use the internet service?	All regular toll charges apply.   Therefore it is best to pick a connection number that is local to you.  You can find a list of numbers at the Merit web site:  http://www.merit.edu/phonenos/michnet-nos.html

1. If you have an external modem:
2. Power the modem off and then on again to reset it.
3. Make sure the modem's power cord is securely plugged in, and the modem is turned on.  If the modem has lights, they should be on.
4. Make sure the modem's cable is securely attached to the modem and to the computer.
5. Make sure the modem is not in use by another application, such as fax software.  (check your software documentation to see how to do this)  If it is in use, exit the application or restart windows to free the modem.
6. Make sure your modem was powered on prior to starting your computer.  If it wasn't, restart your computer.

1. On IBM-compatible systems, often a mouse and modem will conflict if installed on the same COM port and/or IRQ. Typical symptoms of this are:
2. Your modem may fail to initialize.
3. You connect, but when you are connected you can no longer use your mouse.
4. You connect, but when you move your mouse, you get disconnected.
5. On IBM-compatible systems, COM1 and COM3 share the same IRQ. COM2 and COM4 do the same.  As such, if multiple devices are installed on the same IRQ it will cause conflicts. If you are having the above problems, you should alter your system configuration so that the conflict is removed.  If you do not know how to do this, do not attempt it without guidance. Changing IRQs without proper knowledge can potentially render your system unusable.  For further information on the subject, see The PC Guide's System Configuration section at: http://www.pcguide.com/ref/mbsys/res/config_Summary.htm

The modem attempts to dial, but doesn't detect a dial tone.

1. Verify that your phone line works by plugging a telephone into the wall jack and testing for a dial tone.
2. If other devices (such as a fax machine or answering machine) share the same line, make sure none of them is off-hook.
3. Make sure no one is using another extension.
4. If you have a voicemail service, try adding pauses to the number being dialed. Select Start/Settings/Control Panel/Modems.  With your modem highlighted, press the Dialing Properties button.  In the Dialing Properties dialog box, in the How I dial from this location section, preface any number with 2-3 commas in the for local and for long distance boxes.  If the boxes are blank, just enter 2-3 commas.
5. Try substituting an appropriate cable between the modem and the wall jack, to rule out a faulty cable.
6. If you are using an external modem, verify that the modem is securely connected to the computer as well as the wall jack.  Reboot your computer, making sure the modem is powered on.  Make sure you are using the appropriate RS-232 straight through, shielded, serial modem cable to connect to your computer's serial port.  Refer to your owner's manual.
7. If you are using an internal modem, check that your modem is correctly attached to the phone line.  There are two jacks on an internal modem.  One jack, often labeled "phone", connects the modem to the telephone.  The other jack, often labeled "line" or "telco", connects the modem to the wall jack.  Make sure these connections are not reversed.  If the jacks on the back of the modem are not labeled, try reversing the connections.
8. Make sure you are not trying to dial out on a digital PBX phone line.  Regular modems will not work over this type of line without a special converter.
9. If your modem has been working correctly for months, you haven't installed any new hardware or software, and you are suddenly experiencing a "No Dial tone" error message, it is possible that your modem has been damaged by a power surge.  If none of the above suggestions work, contact your modem manufacturer or a qualified repair technician.

The modem doesn't detect a dial tone, even though you can hear one.

1. Unplug other devices that share the same phone line, such as fax or answering machines.
2. Straighten your phone cables.  Don't let them become twisted with other electrical cords.  Electro-magnetic interference may hamper communications.

After my computer dials, all I hear is a dial tone. Check to be sure you have set up the correct phone number for your modem to dial.  Select My Computer/Dial-Up Networking.  Select the entry name for your internet connection.  Choose Properties from the File menu.

The modem dials, but no connection is made with the host.

1. Listen for modem sounds as you try to connect.  If you hear the modem's handshake (various squawks, beeps, and buzzes), the modem is connecting long enough to talk.  If your modem hangs up at this point, your password or software settings could be incorrect.
2. Make sure your password settings are correct.
3. Check that your software settings are correct.
4. Try dialing different hosts to see if you can connect.  If none work, the problem is on your end.  If one doesn't connect but the others do, the problem is with the host.  Try your call at a later time.
5. There may be line noise.  Remove other devices that share the same line and try your call again.
6. Line noise can also be due to factors in the telephone network.  Try your call at a later time.
7. If you are using an early or beta version of Windows 95, you may need to download and upgrade to the newest version of Microsoft's Dial-up Networking software at:  http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q191/4/94.asp?FR=0

Download MSDUN13.exe after registering at the site.  Execute the MSDUN13.exe file and follow the instructions. The installation process will require you to reboot the machine, and may ask for your Windows 95 installation disk (if you originally installed Windows 95 from a CD).  If you encounter a "do you want to keep a newer file" dialog, always keep the newer file.

1. If you have call waiting, disable it.  Select Start/Settings/Control Panel/Modems.  With your modem highlighted, press the Dialing Properties button.  In the Dialing Properties dialog box, in the How I dial from this location section, place a check mark in the This location has call waiting box.  In the To disable it, dial box, enter the prefix specified by your phone company to disable call waiting (often *70).
2. Check to see if someone picked up another phone extension on the same phone line.
3. Answering machines and cordless telephones can cause noise on the line, which may cause your modem to disconnect..  Remove suspect devices sharing the same phone line.
4. There may be a problem with other software interfering with the modem.  For example, do you disconnect when your screen saver initiates?  Disable any suspect software and monitor your connection.
5. If you are using Microsoft Outlook Express as your mail program, open the program and go to Tools / Options / Dialup and verify that the hang up after download is not checked.
6. Intermittent resource conflicts, caused when the modem uses an IRQ line that is shared with a device on another COM port, may be the culprit.  Behavior, similar to the modem disconnecting when the mouse is moved, is a good indicator.  Adjust your settings so that each device has a separate IRQ.  For further information on the subject, see The PC Guide's System Configuration section at: http://www.pcguide.com/ref/mbsys/res/config_Summary.htm
7. Find out if your host has time limits for connections.  If you exceed your time limit, the host computer will end the connection.
8. Are your random disconnects specific to one host?  If so, the problem could be at the host end of the connection.
9. Severe weather, such as electrical storms, may interfere with modem operation due to increased line noise.  Surge protectors only protect against strong surges in power that could damage a modem.  They have no effect on line noise.  Try your call after severe weather subsides.

My connection seems very slow. Select My Computer/Dial-Up Networking.  Highlight the entry name for your internet connection.  Choose Properties from the File menu. Click the Server Types tab. Make sure TCP/IP is the only network protocol selected.  Having NetBEUI and IPX/SPX Compatible selected will slow down your dial-in connection. Try logging on at a different time.  During peak hours of operation the servers become very busy and your wait time increases.

The modem indicates that it has installed successfully in Windows 95, but in the Modem Diagnostics screen (in the Control Panel, under More Info) it shows that it cannot open the port.

This can occur when Windows 95 already has a record for that COM port in the registry prior to your installing the modem. It will be necessary to change the COM port selected for your modem.  To check or change the modem's properties, select My Computer/Control Panel/Modems.  Select the General tab.  Press the Properties button.  Choose the desired COM port from the drop down menu in the Port box.  For further information on the subject, see The PC Guide's System Configuration section at: http://www.pcguide.com/ref/mbsys/res/config_Summary.htm

My modem will not auto-detect under Windows 95.

1. Shut down your computer.  Wait 30 seconds and then restart it.  Is your modem detected?  If not, continue to the next step.
2.  Select Start/Settings/Control Panel/System.  From the System Properties dialogue box, choose the device manager tab.  View devices by type.  Delete any instance of your modem listed under "Unknown" or "Other" devices.  Restart the computer.  Is your modem detected?  If not, follow the steps to manually add your modem in "Configuring the Modem," module NG33wcm.

What should I do if my computer automatically boots up in Safe Mode?

• Click on Start/Settings/Control Panel/System/Device Manager. >From this screen you should be able to see any hardware conflicts.
• If the problem occurred right after the installation of a modem, check for conflicts.
• If the problem is not directly related to the modem, contact Microsoft or the manufacturer of the device that you feel is conflicting.

How do I enable/disable the auto-redial feature in Dial-up Networking?
 

1. Select My Computer/Dial-up Networking.  Select the entry name for your internet connection.  Choose Settings from the Connections menu.
2. Click in the Redial radio box to add/remove a check mark.  Removing the check disables the redial feature.
3. Inserting a check enables auto-redial. When enabling this feature, set the Before giving up and Between tries wait parameters as desired.

 



I do not find a "modems" icon in the control panel


Check to be sure that your computer comes with a modem.  It may be necessary to purchase a internal, or external modem.

If your system comes with a modem it is necessary to install the necessary software to recognize and operate the modem.  The software comes in the windows 95 setup.  Refer to (link to Intall module) to learn how to enable the modem in windows 95.




"Dial -Up Networking" is not available in the Accessories section of the start menu.

Refer to "Network Configuration (Windows PC)", module NG33wnc, and install the appropriate software.
 


 

I do not find a "My Connection" icon in the Dial-Up Networking folder It is necessary to configure the Windows 95 Dial-Up. How to do this? See instructions in "Making a New Connection (Windows PC)" (module NG33wmn) It is also possible that you gave your connection a different name, such as "WCC".

About this document...
Audience:	This document is intended to assist WCC students with troubleshooting internet connectivity issues.
Objectives:	When you successfully complete this lesson, you will be able to solve basic connectivity issues as they relate to hardware and Windows 95 software.
Module :	This document is part of a modular instruction series in Computer Information Systems. For more information, see the overview or the list of modules in this series, _____. This document has been used in the following classes:
Author:	Andrea Stevens et al.
Institution:	Department of Computer Information Systems, Washtenaw Community College
History:	Original: 12 Jan 1999 Last modification: 02/10/99 19:11:32
Copyright:	Copyright © 1999, Laurence J. Krieg. Instructors: You may point to this file in your Web-based materials. Students: you may make a copy for your personal use. All other uses: contact the author, Laurence J. Krieg for permission. Email krieg@wccnet.org