Answer
A very common problem with modem detection is that the modem the user wants to use with FAXmaker is shown as unavailable. This is because:
- The modem is not connected to the COM port
- The modem not switched on
- The modem is being used by another application (e.g. RAS). To ensure that the modem is not being used by any Windows application, make sure that the modem is not shown in the Modems Control Panel (Start > Settings > Control Panel > Modems).
- The modem is not working properly. Try to access the modem from HyperTerminal (Start > Programs > Accessories) and check if it responds to the commands ATZ and AT+FCLASS=? If it returns an error message, the problem lies with the modem. Ensure that you close HyperTerminal before you try to detect the modem again in FAXmaker.
- The COM port is not working properly. Connect to the modem using HyperTerminal as specified above. Connect the modem to another COM port and retry.
- The modem is connected to a faulty serial cable. Try changing the cable.
- Make use of fax_COMX.gfi_log.txt debug log file to check the responses from the modem. This will help you determine why a modem is not being detected as expected. This debug log file will also list any errors which occur when connecting to the modem.
- If the "Routing and Remote Access" service is running, it may commandeer the modem even if RRAS is not explicitly configured to use it. RRAS will, however, allow access to the modem from telnet, HyperTerminal, and queries from Device Manager and the Control Panel's modem applet. The RRAS service is disabled by default.