3Com 56k User's Manual And Reference page 29

Troubleshooting
PROBLEM
The modem will not go off hook to dial or does not answer the phone.
POSSIBLE SOLUTION
You may have plugged your modem's phone cord into a digital line. Plugging your modem's phone cord into a
digital phone line can damage the modem. Call your phone company if you are unsure whether or not your
phone line is digital.
POSSIBLE SOLUTION
You might have a bad phone cord connection to your modem. The phone cord should be plugged into the
phone socket on the modem and the wall phone socket. The phone cord should be no longer than 12 feet in
length. Use the phone cord included with your modem if possible.
POSSIBLE SOLUTION
You may have devices between the modem and the wall socket. There should be no line splitters, fax machines,
or other devices between the modem and the wall socket.
POSSIBLE SOLUTION
You may have a poor line connection. Place the call again. Calls are routed differently each time.
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