Problem: Many users have noted that their modem connection will be dropped or become inactive during a session for no apparent reason. Although there is no comprehensive solution, here are some possible causes:

1. Preset inactivity time-out. Most modem software will allow an option to time-out a connection if it is idle for a specified period of time. This option generally relies on a built-in feature of the modem.

   Solution: Disable the inactivity time-out. This option is listed as "Disconnect the call if idle for..." under Start | Settings | Control Panel | Modems | Properties | Connection tab.

2. Call waiting break-ins. If you have call waiting on the phone line which your modem uses, the beep signaling an incoming call may cause the modem to drop its connection.

   Solution: Disable call waiting by adding a disable code when dialing in (*70 under Bell Atlantic in Ithaca). You can add the disable code by going to Start | Settings | Control Panel | Modems | Properties | Connection. You will see "This location has call waiting. To disable it..." place *70,, in the box.

3. Uncheck Error Control and Data Compression in Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> Modems -> Properties -> Advanced
4. If that doesn’t work or you can no longer connect at all, try turning both those back on. If you have a software/WinModem then turn Flow Control onto Software Xon/Xoff (in the same place as Error Control).
5. Try reducing your connection protocol to v.34
6. Other phone extensions picked up. If someone else picks up another extension on the same phone line or attempts to dial in on the same line, this may cause the modem connection to be dropped.
7. Outdated or damaged modem driver. It is possible that an older or corrupted modem driver is contributing to the connection instability.

   Solution: This can sometimes be resolved by removing and then re-detecting the modem in the Windows95/98 Control Panel. If this does not resolve your problem, you should contact the modem vendor for the updated driver. The latest drivers are often available on manufacturer websites. You may be able to find more information about your specific modem in the Modem Troubleshooting section of Windows Computing.

8. Line noise. Excessive interference on the phone line can cause modem connections to be slower, and more prone to instability. One indicator of this is if the modem often negotiates slower-than-expected speeds (for example 26400 instead of 28800). Do note that some modems handle line noise better than others with their superior "error handling". This may allow them to ignore line noise and hold a connection, while another modem may hang up from excessive line noise. For instance, a US Robotics Courier modem has excellent error handling, while a no-name/generic modem may have very poor error handling. Line noise may be caused by problems both inside and outside your house. Inside; line splitters, many phones attached to one line, faulty or un-reliable phones connected to the same line, phones or answering machines connected to the same extension as your modem, line couplers, or long cords connecting your modem to the wall may cause line noise. Line noise from outside your house is mainly caused by old or broken phone wires.

Solution:

Do not use devices that allow you to connect your phone line to an electrical outlet. Also, keep the phone line at least three inches away from electrical cords, extension cords, printer cables, etc. Inductance from electrical lines and radio transmitters wreak havoc with phone lines. And avoid using phone splitters of any kind. Don't run a phone or answering machine off the same line. If line noise is still the suspected culprit you can contact Bell Atlantic. However, they guarentee only "voice-quality" line fidelity which will support data transmission speeds up to 9600. Also try to slow down modem connection speed. To do this, right click on the Connection icon from the Dial-Up Networking window and select "properties." In the "General" tab, click on the "Configure" button. Maximum speed is set at the bottom of this screen. Try reducing it one or two settings from where it currently is.