Problem: You get a message saying “The modem could not detect a dial-tone.”

Solution:

• Line in use. Make sure that nobody else is already on the line on a different phone or that another phone isn't off the hook.
  
  
• Voice mail. If you use voice mail, there may be messages waiting. If this is the case, a "stuttering" tone is generally heard. Clear messages.
  
  
• Phone cord is not connected properly or securely. Check the phone cord to make sure it is connected from the modem to the wall phone jack. Make sure that the phone cord is plugged into the jack on your computer that says "telco" or "line." You may wish to try the other jack as well in the event that the jacks are mislabeled.
  
  
• Test the line with a phone. Hook a phone up to the wall jack and make sure that you get a dial tone on the phone (if the phone doesn't, the modem will not either). If there is not a dial tone, you will need to have a phone installer fix the phone jack. If there is a dial tone, try using a different phone cord between your PC and the phone jack.
  
  
• Modem damaged. If you still get the message, it may be a modem problem. Often modems that have been damaged by electrical discharge report "no dial tone" when there is one. If so, you will need to contact your modem or PC manufacturer.