I have a 56k modem connected to a split-line device plugged into the only phone line in my house; the line is shared by the phone. Lately, I've discovered that when my line that goes to the modem is connected to the wall along with the phone, the line is opened and unless I connect to the net within a minute or two, the phone will sound like its off the hook whenever I pick it up. This occurs even when the computer is off, which baffles me since examining the fact that modem is off, how could it be accessing the line, causing it to be tied up? However, if the modem line is disconnected, the phone will be normal and the line won't be hogged. I've tried a different cord for use betwwen the modem and the wall and even disconnected it from the surge protector (it has a port for a modem line to be plugged in.) However, the only solution that presents it self is to disconnect the line to the modem from the wall when I'm done being online, even when the connection to the net is terminated. It seems like the moment I plug in the modem line into the wall, it's like leaving your phone off the hook and after a while it starts making the beeping sound in the phone indicating that the line phone is off the hook. I know this seems rather confusing and complicated but if anybody can help I am very grateful. Thanks in advance. Oktolbar

I don't see any answers to your question here,so I'll answer your question myself. I have been through the same situation myself and the only cure to the problem is to replace your modem.It seems that the relay that "connects" your modem to the line is sticking closed.I found that sometimes,if I disconnecyed the phone line it was,as you say,alright as long as you dialed the phone number before the allotted few seconds that the phone company allows for an "off line" condition before starting the series of beeps that usually come with a phone that's been off the hook too long. At one time,when my modem first started the problem,I could tap on the modem and it would be ok,but it finally progressed to the point where I had to disconnect the modem while not using it or it would kill the phone line whenever it was hooked up. Like I did, you'll need to spring for a new modem.Get a good one if you can.There is a difference between a "cheap" modem and a good one.Also,get a hardware modem,not a "win" modem,or a software modem. Hope this helps. Richard

Damn! I have the same problem and I was monitoring this post to see if anybody had a solution. Someone once suggested to me to use Hyperterminal to reset the modem to its original factory setting but he did not give me the correct way how. BTW, was there a thunderstorm around the time your modems started acting this way?

The behavior that you're talking about is common after modems have been hit by a power surge. Part of it is damaged, and it cannot hang up the line. I've only ever seen that has a hardware problem (and it obviously is, if it still does it when it's powered off). You have to either replace the modem, or come up with an inventive way of disconnecting it (or you could enjoy the peace and quiet?) btw, the init string to "reset" the modem would be "atz" type that in in hyper-terminal and it should report back "ok"

Yes, there was a thunderstorm. In fact, a large lightning bolt struck very close as I was online chatting. although the power didn't go off nor did the connection to the internet terminate, I still shut down everything promptly. However, how could a power surge mess up the modem if it was running thru a surge protector?

Surge protectors are rated in Joules and a lightening bolt can easily send more (joules)to them than they can handle. I had one hit by lightening knock out most everthing in my house, even the stuff with surge protectors. Cost the ins. co. about $3000.00 Tony

The surge protector just protects the AC voltage that powers your computer,and most will only do even that marginally.The surge you experienced was most probally coming through your telephone lines.That is probally what fried your modem. Richard