Microsoft KB Archive/141168

= Works 95 FAQ: Communications Module Questions =

Article ID: 141168

Article Last Modified on 9/25/2003

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Works 4.0a
 * Microsoft Works 4.5 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft Works 4.5a

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This article was previously published under Q141168



SUMMARY
The following article presents answers to frequently asked Works Communications module questions.



MORE INFORMATION
 Q. What causes the message "Can't place a call on this TAPI line"?

A. If you have an internal modem and you receive this error message, Windows is unable to communicate with your modem. Check the modem settings in the Windows Control Panel to make sure the modem is installed correctly. If you have an external modem and receive this error message, check all cable connections and make sure the modem is turned on. If everything appears correct, check the modem settings in the Windows Control Panel.

This problem also occurs if you have other communications software, such as fax software configured to receive incoming faxes, running in the background You must close the other communications software before you can use the Works 4.0 Communications module. Q. Why does Works allow only 5 seconds to dial the modem?

A. If the modem is only getting 5 seconds to dial, this means the modem is not initializing correctly. Several things can cause this problem, such as incorrect communications settings or the modem being turned off. To check for correct settings, go to the Windows Control Panel and check that the modem settings are set to use the correct port and baud rate. For more information about how to accomplish this task in Windows, see your Windows printed documentation or online help.

Also, Make sure the modem settings in the Control Panel match the settings in the Communications Settings dialog box of Works. If the settings are correct, there may be invalid strings being sent to the modem.

To access the settings, do the following:

 On the Settings menu, click Modem. Make sure the modem you are using is selected, and then click Properties. Click the Connection tab in the Modem Properties dialog box. Click Advanced and check for invalid strings in the Extra Settings box.</ol>

If this does not resolve the problem, there might be a hardware problem. You might need to replace the modem cable. Also, try to use the Windows 95 Phone Dialer utility to see if you can dial from Windows using your modem. For more information about how to accomplish this task in Windows, see your Windows printed documentation or online help.</li> Q. I get strange characters appearing on my screen when I connect to a bulletin board. Why is that, and how do I get rid of them?

A. The strange characters appear on your screen if your communications settings do not match the settings of the bulletin board service.

Make sure your settings in Works match those of the service. Do the following to check the settings:

<ul> On the Settings menu, click Modem.</li> Check the Properties of the modem.</li></ul>

The problem can also occur if your baud rate is set too high, or your terminal emulation is incorrect. Try a lower baud rate, or try a different terminal emulation like ANSI, VT100 or TTY. For more information about changing these settings in Works, see your Works printed documentation or online help.

If this does not solve the problem, try changing your display to use the Windows VGA display driver. For more information about changing display settings, see you Windows printed documentation or online help.</li> Q. How do I turn off call waiting?

A. Turning off call waiting in Windows 95 is easy. This setting is part of the Dialing Properties in Windows. To turn off call waiting, do the following:

<ol> On the Start menu, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.</li> Double-click the Modems icon.</li> On the General tab, click Dialing Properties.</li> Make sure the box next to This Location Has Call Waiting contains a check.</li> Click the down arrow next to the box and select the code to disable call waiting, and then click OK. If this does not work, contact your telephone company for the local code to disable call waiting, and enter this code in the box.</li></ol> </li> Q. When I download files from a service or another computer, where do they go?

A. When you download or receive a file from a bulletin board, or another computer, the files are placed in the directory or folder you specified as your download directory. To find this information, do the following:

<ul> on the Settings menu, click Transfer.</li> If you want to change the location, click the Directory button, and specify a different folder or directory.</li></ul> </li> Q. When I am connected in Works, I notice that in other programs my computer responds to the keyboard or the mouse more slowly than normal. Why is that?

A. When there is an active connection in Works, or when there is a file transfer operation going on, you may notice slow response time from the keyboard or mouse in other applications. This is because Works is keeping track of what is happening in the communications session in Works. This takes up system resources which can slow the multi-tasking of other programs. Microsoft is aware of and researching this problem.

To increase the speed of other programs, disconnect from the service after you have completed your communications session.</li></ol>

Additional query words: 4.00 4.00a 4.50 w_works comm tapi bbs facts fax

Keywords: kbinfo kbfaq KB141168

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