Modem

[John]

WinXP using a Conexant internal modem. Every time I
disconnect from the Internet, the computer does not
release the line. I have to unplug the line from the
computer for 10 seconds. The phone company says (of
course) it must be my computer.
Any ideas out there?

 

[Nathan McNulty]

You could always try reinstalling the modem, but then you risk it not
setting up properly and then having to fight getting it to work again.
It simply sounds like a software/driver issue that you could try to fix
by removing the modem from Device Manager and rebooting and then finding
it and installing it again.

 

[w_tom]

The relay is called an off-hook relay. It closes (conducts)
when ordered by the modem control chip. But if the transistor
that drives that relay has been shorted, then the relay stays
closed constantly. If this is why your problem, then powering
off computer would also release the line. And yes, either
way, it still must be your computer modem. Software change
will not fix hardware.

It is a simple thing to repair. But that requires tracing
the phone line copper trace back to the off hook relay - and
using a soldering iron.

Most common reason for this type of failure? No 'whole
house' protector on AC mains (at breaker box). If using an
adjacent plug-in protector, then this type of damage is made
easier (more likely) even when computer is powered off.