I'm diagnosing some problems for my grandmother and she mentioned that her modem doesn't appear to be installed. I checked and there were two entries under the modem tab of device manager. I deleted both and rebooted to have win 98 detect the "new hardware" and install the driver for it. The driver it installed was one of the drivers that was there before, so I'm assuming thats the right one. Now for my question: Is there a toll free number that I could call to determine whether or not the modem works? Something simple that will just send me a message saying "Package recieved! Your modem works! Have a jolly day!"? Or is there any way to test a modem without actually having an ISP? Hate has a way of closing the eyes, the ears, and the hearts of men.

You can test the modem using Hyperterminal. Start, Programs, Accessories, Communications, Hyperterminal. http://www.56k.com/terminal/hyper.shtml provides some information of it's use. HTH Bryan

I checked my grandmothers computer and it doesn't appear to have a hyperterminal installed. I found a couple of alternate hyperterminals and even a program called Modemchk, but unfortunately, my grandmothers computer is an old gateway p5-166, so no usb and no NIC to hook up to my home network. Hate has a way of closing the eyes, the ears, and the hearts of men.

you should be able to go to add/remove programs - windows componets and add hyperterm. If you want to test the modem call your home phone number [hopefully local call] or a cell phone and see if you connect. Look at 3com's web site. they used to have a modem test number.

A possible suggestion use an AOL or Earthlink or PeoplePC or NetZero signup CD. The only problem is all the garbage installed. You don't really need an account with an ISP. All you need is a number and a terminal program. You will get your connection but no login.