External modem fails to dial at first attempt.

[hotfusion]

This is what I've observed so far:
I have an external modem on a Win98SE machine.
If the modem is switched on at boot-up, everything works as you would expect.
If I switch the modem off during a period of non-use and later switch it back on and try to dial out, I get a '630' error - modem failing to respond. This continues to occur no matter how many times I try, it seems.
But if I do the 'three key' and end task on 'rnaapp' and then try again, I can dial out as before, first time.

Any idea why this should be - is this 'normal' behaviour, or is there something I can do to eliminate this mildly annoying habbit?

(I'm using the latest modem driver available.)
Cheers, Andy. My suggestions are what I would try myself. If incorrect, I welcome corrections to my rather limited knowledge. Andy.

 

[thatrenowned]

What type of external modem? USB or serial?

I remember working with an old program on a Windows 98 machine which used a serial modem (through COM1). At bootup, the program launched. If there were any problems with it during use which required a CTRL+ALT+DEL, you had to reboot in order to use the program again. This was because it thought the COM port was still in use.

How long do you give it after turning on before attempting a dial out? Rather than switch off, try unplugging it, plug it back in and see if you get the same error.

What model is the modem?

Reagrds

 

[hotfusion]

The modem is connected to serial port com2, and is a 3com US Robotics model.
I have experimented with allowing various times for the modem to settle down after switch-on before attempting to dial out, but this doesn't resolve the issue.
I'll try the unplugging idea and see if the same happens.
(I'm on another computer at the moment.)
Thanks, Andy. My suggestions are what I would try myself. If incorrect, I welcome corrections to my rather limited knowledge. Andy.

 

[1976aquaman]

hotfusion:

Sad to say, but based on my experience(at least), it appears that Win98 SE does not release(refresh) the "rnaapp" and end tasking it seems to be the only solution... Well, at least you don't have to re-boot!

Regards,
1976aquaman

 

[hotfusion]

Yes, that's true, but why, I wonder, does the modem not respond on the first attempt? My suggestions are what I would try myself. If incorrect, I welcome corrections to my rather limited knowledge. Andy.