2009/7/26 Robert D Davidson <robert(a)datamatrix.co.nz>:
I did all that and I could see the connectoin in the peers folder and I used it in conjunction with the pon command with all the ports and still no joy but no error messages.either. The modem TX and RX lights are off when the P.C. is runing though they flash on briefly at P.C. boot up time. The PWR HS and MR lights are on all the time.
Sounds like you haven't entered the correct port for the modem. When you enter the "pon" command (with the right file), the lights on the modem should start a merry dance. Your first step is to determine the port that the modem is connected to. That's where something like Puppy or gnome-ppp is a good deal of help. One way of doing that is to use a "terminal" program which communicates directly with the modem, send it a command, and check for the response - that's how it was done many years ago. Sending "at" (without quotes!) should provoke the response "OK". The modern GUI connection setup procedures make it relatively to test your modem connection - "query" your modem - no response, you haven't got it right. Anything a modem does is usually indicated by the lights. For that reason, it makes troubleshooting very easy. On the other hand, the so-called "winmodems" don't give any independent indication of what they're doing. Later, if I get the opportunity, I'll go in search of a computer and bits and pieces and do a bit of testing. I've dealt with so many operating systems and procedures over the years so don't remember the details! Michael