Make sure the username is just your Global ID (no @cmich.edu after it).

• Call Waiting
  If the phone line used to dial into the Internet has call waiting, it is generally a good idea to disable it. The tones that a person normally hears when there is an incoming call are also present while there is an incoming call while a person is connected to the Internet. These tones have the potential to disrupt the connection to the Internet.
• Line Noise/Poor Line Quality
  Excessive line noise can slow the speed of an Internet connection. It can also cause the connection to drop completely. Line noise can include, but is not limited to snaps, crackles, and pops that can be heard while using the phone for a voice call, although occasionally there are line noise/quality issues that cannot be heard by the human ear. The best way to determine if there is a line noise/quality issue is to contact the phone company and request a line quality check. Note that many phone companies, including Verizon, only guarantee 9600 bps or less.
• Protocol Issues
  There are a number of issues related to modem protocols. The most common protocol issue revolves solely around the 56K connection protocol. As the 56K V.90 protocol is relatively new, and many manufacturers need to update their modems that previously utilized the older X2 or K56Flex 56K protocol, some modems may need to be flashed with the latest update to ensure maximum compatibility. Please note that the X2 and K56Flex protocols are not compatible with the V.90 protocol that is now considered to be standard. Modem upgrade flashes are typically available from the modem manufacturer. Another way to obtain a more reliable connection when using a 56K modem is to disable the V.90 protocol, thus forcing the modem to connect at 33.6Kbps or slower. To do this:1. Click Start button, select Settings, and then Control Panel. 2. Locate and double-click on the Modems control panel. 3. Select the modem from the list, and then click Properties. 4. Click the Connection tab, and then the Advanced button. 5. In the Extra settings field, type in "S32=98" (without the quotes).6. Click OK twice to return to the Modem control panel. 7. Close the Modem control panel. 56K V.90 should now be disabled.
• Other Devices
  Other devices sharing the same line can cause connectivity problems. Do not connect the modem to the phone line through answering machines, caller ID units, and other similar devices. Shorter phone cords also seem to provide better performance than longer ones. Phone line splitters have also been known to cause problems. To determine if any of these is causing a problem, connect the modem directly to the phone wall jack with the shortest phone cord available and attempt to connect. If the connection improves, it is likely that one of the above potential problems is disrupting the connection.

1. Check to make sure that the phone line is plugged into the modem. Verify that it is plugged into the proper port, (IE: the one that does not say phone on it.) Then try dialing up again. If this does not work:
2. Unplug the phone line from back of machine. Hook up a telephone to phone line from wall. Verify that you can hear a dial tone on the handset. If you do hear a dial tone, connect the line back into the correct port. Then plug a phone into the other jack (not every modem has a port for a phone though.) You should then be able to lift the handset and hear a dial tone. If not, it may indicate a lightning damaged modem. A modem that is completely disconnected should still pass through the signal from the line, through the modem, and into a phone. If there is no dial tone, you may want to call the Help Desk at (989) 774-3662 for additional options.