Modem problem

[H.G.P.]

Computer > Modem > Phone line

1. 13 year old computer

2. Windows 98 (not 98 SE)

3. Internal modem

4. Dial-up

Problem: 1. have to connect and reconnect the phone connector at the back of the computer to get the modem to operate. 2. Causes phone line to go dead all house phones, until having to connect and reconnect the line at the modem.

Computer says the modem "is operating correctly"

Connection speed has also slowed.

[MysticLlama]

Modem probably has a short open condition.

This used to happen with some cheap brands when you used a 4 wire cord instead of a 2 wire cord. Look at the connector and try to find a 2 conductor one around if it's got 4.

And then throw that old thing away...

[flipper35]

I have a couple at the house if it's gone bad and you need one. Was going to toss them when I got around to it.

[red-beard]

Time to spend $300 on a laptop!

Laptops, Cell Phones, Video Games, Cameras, Computers - CowBoom.com

[svandamme]

could be anything from modem problem to motherboard problem.. something is surging on yer phone lines.. toss the modem, go to shop, get a new one.. oh wait.. never mind..

Seriously, still using an actual modem?? Guess ad popups must really ruin an internet session when they go off, no?

[H.G.P.]

After reconnecting (undo-redo at the connection on the back of the computer) about 3 times, I'm back.

1. When I turn this computer on, all the phone lines go "air" (dead)

2. I then connect and reconnect (about 3-4 times)at the phone connector at said computer, and then can go online.

3. All the computer stores here no longer carry a modem for a W98.

4. I'm looking at some new Win 7 models. however:

I need my old office 95 to be able to load onto the new 7 models (and photos), is that possible.....are they going to hook me for a new office?

Thanks for the replies.

[John Rogers]

Your last question can be answered by looking at the first post. As old as everything is a complete replacement of all the applications will probably be required. The exception would be to run something like Oracle's Virtual Box on top of Windows 7 and then load 98 on top of that. Since it is so old I doubt it can use a thumb drive which could be used to transfer all the pictures, spreadsheets or documents. There are some free file transfer software packages that allow you to connect the old PC to a new one and transfer what you want to where you want on the new PC.

As for the files, the new office/paint/graphics software can easily convert and read all the things you have now so no worries there.

If you get a new PC I would suggest upgrading you internet service provider so you do not have a dial-up connection, either DSL or cable are the way to go now. One thing you could have done years ago was to get a second telephone line and connect the modem to it so the home system does not drop off when in use. Anyways, good luck with moving into much faster computing.........

[azasadny]

Wow, throw that thing out and get a new PC... really...

[masraum]

Wow!

[azasadny]

Get a Dell that comes with Office. If you know a "computer person", they can move your files for you. If you lived near me, I'd do it for you... free...

[red-beard]

Originally Posted by H.G.P.

After reconnecting (undo-redo at the connection on the back of the computer) about 3 times, I'm back.

1. When I turn this computer on, all the phone lines go "air" (dead)

2. I then connect and reconnect (about 3-4 times)at the phone connector at said computer, and then can go online.

3. All the computer stores here no longer carry a modem for a W98.

4. I'm looking at some new Win 7 models. however:

I need my old office 95 to be able to load onto the new 7 models (and photos), is that possible.....are they going to hook me for a new office?

Thanks for the replies.

You can get a copy of Office 2003 from Amazon for under $100. They will load and run on Win 7. There are also other places which sell old copies of 2003. Google search for those. Don't go to a later version than 2003. At 2007, it changed, and in my opinion, not an improvement.

Seriously, you can get an older Win 7 laptop for ~$300 and then load Office for maybe another $100.

[azasadny]

My friend just gave me three old Dell laptops and I put 2GB or RAM in each ($22) and a new AC adapter ($20) and a new keypad ($11) and I bought Win7 for $80 and I'm loading up the 2nd one right now. You MUST get a "real" Internet connection (broadband) and NOT an analog modem (dial-up). If you don't get a decent Internet connection, don't bother getting a PC.

[H.G.P.]

Originally Posted by azasadny

Wow, throw that thing out and get a new PC... really...

I have this Iomega Zip drive that I'm using to transfer onto. 100mg per disk. However, the stores around here don't carry the disks anymore. The flash sticks won't work on this W98 computer.

The wait is not too long on this dial-up. However, not much to compare.
I'll browse what's available.

It Lives. Thanks.

[GH85Carrera]

The old rule of thumb is dogs age at 7 year per year. I think computers age at 20 years per year. My computer is Windows XP and old. Your system is a relic from the Roman times.

Get something new.

[H.G.P.]

The Office I've had loaded on here since 1999.
Word is Word for Windows 95 and works fine. (Same with Powerpoint, XL etc., Schedule is 92-95), all 7.0 versions, and I'd like to load the entire 7.0 95 CD disks into the new computer.

[H.G.P.]

About 10-20 seconds to log onto internet sites, depending on the sites, with this dial-up.

[island911]

So, I take it that you run a History & Industry museum?

[Jagshund]

Remember when Wendy's used to use those old-timey newspaper ads on their tables? I think I saw your computer on there.

[slodave]

Originally Posted by H.G.P.

The Office I've had loaded on here since 1999.
Word is Word for Windows 95 and works fine. (Same with Powerpoint, XL etc., Schedule is 92-95), all 7.0 versions, and I'd like to load the entire 7.0 95 CD disks into the new computer.

What happens when someone sends you a file in the .docx extension? I can't believe that there's an extension pack from MS for Office 95. And a quick check shows you can't.

It's seriously time to move into the current decade.

Also, I just got rid (couple weeks ago) of about 8 modems that would have worked for you.

[jperry]

Wait... there are still dial-up ISPs??!!