Need help with internal modem on new computer

self

[hsmomx3]

We just got a new Dell Inspiron computer which has an internal modem for faxing but I am unable to make this work. I have no instructions as to how to hook up the phone line and I cannot seem to get a "fax" option when I hit the print option after typing a document.

The modem is: Conexant D850 PCI V 92 Modem

Attached to COM 3

I called Dell and they said I would need to pay someone over there to explain it to me. Of course I refused as I felt I do not need to pay, this is a new computer!

Any help would be appreciated. I am not tech savvy, either.

[AppyPappy]

That’s the right one. I assume this is in your home. It will not work on a digital line like an office.

Adapter for parallel to USB

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812156005

[fso301]

In the Control Panel -> Performance and Maintenance -> System -> Hardware -> Device Manager, check to see that a modem is listed in the hardware list and is working ok.

Also make sure you have the necessary drivers installed. A driver disk may have come with your PC. If not, you can get modem drivers from the Dell website.

[hsmomx3]

I think you are right and that is the problem. I just looked at the link listed above for free faxing and that sounds like a good option.

I did keep my old printer (in another room) and maybe I will play around with that and hook it up to the phone line in the kitchen.

[bcsco]

That’s the right one. I assume this is in your home. It will not work on a digital line like an office.

I'd suspect the same is true for those with digital home phone systems such as Comcast Digital Voice...

[Cletus.D.Yokel]

Your first step after opening the Device manager is to go to the modem and make sure it is “enabled”. Right-click on the modem and choose Properties.

Chances are, if it was added on “special” the factory didn’t enable it.

[SouthernBoyupNorth]

first problem is its a Dell.
Second I can guarantee the drivers are out of date because its a dell.
Third there may be a phone jack and an Ethernet port in your computer. Make sure you plugged into the right one

[justlurking]

I forgot to add: you simply plug your phone line into the computer. Look for an RJ-11 socket, which matches the size of the plug for your phone.

Don't try to use the RJ-45 socket, which is for an Ethernet cable. A phone-line plug will fit into this one, but there will be a gap on the side.

I don't know which Inspiron you have. Follow-up with the model, and I'll look at the website and give you a hint where to look. Some of the models don't have a modem port at all, and you may have an adapter cable that you must use.

[papasmurf]

Is this Windows? Which version Vista or Xp or?

[hsmomx3]

Yes, it is enabled.

[hsmomx3]

Vista Home Premium

[hsmomx3]

It is an Inspiron 537

[Sloth]

Apparently not because our old printer had a fax machine but Dell said it was no longer compatible with the newer computers.

I smell Vista...

[AFreeBird]

Is it plugged in? Is your computer on - Are you logged in?

Sorry FReeper humor.

Did you install the software for the modem? I know Dell should have it all set up for you, but.... You may also have to go into the "Control Panel" and set it up.

[Cletus.D.Yokel]

Did you install the modem controlling software?

[Cletus.D.Yokel]

You can run a scan for new PnP hardware from the Control Panel (Add/Remove Hardware).

[AFreeBird]

Regardless if you have the phone line plugged into the right jack, the "fax" option should show up when you choose a printer. It should also be listed in the "Printers" Start Menu.

If you're not seeing those, then the software/driver isn't there.

[ConservativeByChoice]

There are probably two RJ11 jacks. One will be for the phone line, the other will be for a phone. No harm done if you plug it in the wrong one, other than it wont work. Try the other jack.

[justlurking]

It is an Inspiron 537

The modem should be near the bottom of the case.

There are four rectangular panels, and one of them should have TWO RJ-11 jacks in it. You plug your phone line into one of them, and optionally plug your phone into the other (so you can use the phone when not FAXing).

Look closely at the two plugs (you'll probably need a flashlight), and one of them should be labeled "line", and the other "phone". If so, plug the phone line into "line" and the phone into "phone".

Others have suggested you need a FAX program. I don't use Vista, so I don't know if that's necessary. All I have ever done is print to a FAX device from the program I'm using (i.e. Microsoft Word).

If you don't already see the FAX device in your list of printers, make sure that it's enabled in the device manager. If you need instructions on how to do so, follow up and I'll dig them up.

[Darth Reardon]

Maybe I do not have the phone line plugged into the right outlet (?) on the back of the computer which I thought I did since it shows a phone.

Let me guess, there are two phone jacks, one labelled with a picture of a phone, and one with something else (the word "line", or a picture of some lines maybe). The idea is that you add the fax between the wall jack and your existing phone. The jack with the picture of the phone is where you plug the phone. The OTHER jack is where you plug the cable that goes to the wall. There is probably other stuff you need to do, but I don't think anything will work until you move that cable to the right jack. YMMV.

[papasmurf]

Faxing isn’t included in Vista Home or Home premium. If you have an All In One (Printer/Scanner/Fax) machine that should work. There are two generic drivers for Vista on the net. One is from HP and the from Conexnant.

Or, you can use an Internet fax service like eFax, or Innoport. If you choose that route, I highly recommend Innoport for their world class support and uptime.