Broadband connection problems

[SuRichardson]

My broadband service is obtained through TalkTalk (enough said!). The computer is situated upstairs in the smallest bedroom - run off an extension cable from the main phone socket. Yesterday morning it was working fine. Yesterday evening nothing - kept coming up with the error message I think it was a 680 message "cannot detect dial tone". Nothing had changed during the day - i pushed all the relevant cables back in - rebooted etc and still nothing. The dreaded phonecall to the help line connected me to someone in India who advised me to disconnect the printer(!). I did this - no difference. I was then told I needed to be put onto 2nd Level Technical Support and that as there as a waiting list for this service they would ring me back (!) Has anyone with common sense any ideas what the problem might be?

[Buenchico]

One of the causes of 'cannot detect dial tone' is BT's 1571 messaging service. (It's not clear from your post whether you get your calls through TalkTalk, or just your broadband connection. Even if you don't use BT, TalkTalk might have a similar system).

If you've got '1571 messaging' (which most people have, even though they don't always realise it), or something similar, your dial tone changes to indicate that you've got a message waiting. (The normal dial tone is, of course, a constant 'burr'. When you've got a message, it changes to a two-tone sound, a bit like the old police sirens before they 'went American'). It's quite common for a 'cannot detect dial tone' message to appear when this alternating dial-tone is present.

Try plugging a phone into the extension cable in the bedroom and listening for the dial tone. If it's loud and clear (as well as constant), you'll know that the problem is with your PC. However, if it's faint or alternating, the problem is with your phone line.

Chris

[SuRichardson]

My telephone is with TalkTalk as well. I did try the 1571 option just in case there was something - but there is nothing - get the normal continuous dialling tone. I am working with a speedtouch modem - the power light is a constant green light, the asdl light is a flashing green light. I have a wireless router which I have yet to set up - is it worth me trying to set this up and see if the problem is with the modem?

[Buenchico]

Thanks for the reply.

If there really is a dial tone, then it's likely to be a modem fault. I've had two modems 'die' after electrical storms. (I've seen a quote which suggests that each PC World store reckons to sell at least 30 extra modems on the day after major thunderstorms in their area). Other electrical surges can also 'kill' a modem. If you've got an alternative available, it's certainly worth a try.

Chris

[SuRichardson]

I'll give it a go. At the moment we have no telephone line in or out - once again courtesy of TalkTalk. The phone line was working okay up to 4pm yesterday (Tuesday). So I shall have to wait 'til they have sorted out that problem and I shall try and use the alternative equipment. Thanks for your help anyway