This forum has been a tremendous help and I hope someone can help me mow with what is probably a simple solution.
Here's the deal. I am currently trying to use a Dell Dimension 4600 computer running XP Home edition.
I don't have cable access so am forced to use dial up.
I purchased a USRobotics 56k external USB modem.
It seems to have installed itself fine and in modem properties it says the modem is installed correctly. The problem is that I get no dial tone.

I know the phone line is fine because I get the dial tone fine when plugged into another computer.
About the only possible problem I can find is that the modem installed itself onto
Com Port 3 but there is no Com port 3 listed in device manager. The only Com Port listed is Com Port 1.
Could that be the problem? And if so how would I install Com Port 3?

Any help is appreciated I am currently using a dinosaur of a computer and really would like to get the Dell up and running.

Hi,

The reason your modem is using COM3 is because USB modems use virtual COM ports. Serial modems use COM1 or COM2..but USB modems can't use these. Do you recieve and error (such as 680) when trying to dial out?

When you run the modem diagnostic in control panel does it pass with no errors?
Are you using the same cable that you tested elsewhere, from the modem to the phone jack on the wall?
Are you connecting straight into the main phone socket or do you have other (multi)plug extensions on the socket?

Ahhh...you may have hit the nail on the head with the multi-phone ext jack.
That's exactly what I have.
Should a new single line jack solve the problem?

Personally, I would always plug a modem cable directly into the main phone socket.

Thank you so much. You know I had considered that but discarded the thought.
I'll try with a new phone jack