Hi,
I just installed Mandrake Linux 9 on a laptop. The laptop is a Dell Inspiron 3800 and has an internal Actiontec 56K modem. As stated in subject when i goto connect it stops at "Initializing Modem" and just stays there.
In kppp the modem query passes. It doesn't seem to get to even attempt a connection because regardless of whether a phone line is plugged in or not it still does the Modem Ready and then goes right to Initializing Modem.
I followed the How to at Mandrakes site and the only troubleshooting I initially found mentioned Winmodem but pretty much said I would get some kind of error if that was the case, I also read this on a google search.

I am sure it has something to do with the modem (perhaps it is indeed a winmodem) because I borrowed a PCMCIA Zoom modem and it works fine. I want to get my internal modem to work. Is there a way to do so? The link continually referenced in google search on Winmodems and Linux is a dead link.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,
D


Edit-FOLLOW UP:
After posting this I did some more research, so far the only thing I came accross regarded PCI so I don't know if following the instructions will apply but I did notice this: Linux seems to recognize the modem. I typed cat /proc/pci and it it lists 2 things at that IRQ on which the internal modem is:
First-
Multimedia controller: ESS Technology ES1983S Maestro-3i PCI Audio Accelerator (rev 16).
Then
Communication controller: ESS Technology ES1983S Maestro-3i PCI Modem Accelerator (rev 16).

So to me it looks as if it is identified. According to the instructions it should have kicked out an Unknow vendor/unknown device error.

Sooooo that is where I am, perhaps I am way off base but I am just looking for help and trying things myself in the meantime. I would take it that this person's instructional would not work since as I said the device was identified.

Here is the link:

http://tinyurl.com/2o38


Thanks again, I really want to get using Linux.

Hmmm I have a Actiontech 56k Call Waiting Ext. Serial Modem, and in kppp sometimes it just hung at "logging onto network" & yesterday it never got past that, so I started using kinternet it worked fine so I don't know what was wrong, the prob. is it keeps timing out waiting for the ppp interface to come up. Maybe KPPP doesn't like Actiontech modems, use another dialer. If it is a winmodem it won't work even in "quary modem, without a driver.

Thanks for the input. I was typing my edit while you typed that. Now here is a question (remember I am a newbie so bear with me-MS users have feelings too-just not Gates )
After poking around I believe i see an alternative dialer in Add New Software called "dip". I selected to install it but I am having trouble launching it.

Dip seems to be a command line command. Is thier another graphical on the Mandrake disk or can I download the one you mentioned?

I type "dip" in Mandrake's search engine at thier site and the results are not much help. Only seems to be help with kppp

When you installed MDK 9,did you choose to configure the modem during install?If so,it probably setup kinternet for you.I recently installed SuSE 8.1 and configured my modem during install,assuming that it was setting up kppp for me.It wasnt,it was kinternet.When I first tried to connect, kppp crapped out on me because kinternet was running in the background.Look in the panel next to the mixer and clipboard for an icon that looks like a male power plug.If its there,you have kinternet installed and maybe even running in the background.Click the icon to see if it dials out.
HTH
lynch

Thanks for the response. I did an Expert install and I don't recall it asking me to configure. It just did. I don't appear to have kinternet.

I really want to keep this OS so hopefully I can iron out the problems.

I read that the internal modem is indeed a Winmodem, not sure and waiting for response from DELL. Ok if that doesn't work I may be able to accept it but would really like fixed.

Here is one that needs attention immediately:

The Audio and Modem are integrated and internal so this is another reason that it points to this device as the problem.

I cannot turn down the volume. The volume controls are via keyboard (i.e. Fn-Volume up and down icons). It is not the keyboard or Function key because I can use it to fire off the other functions like suspend and etc.

But just for volume it does not work. I really would like a fix for this and I don't want to rely on using Arts Control tool and the others that other programs use like x mutlimedia to adjust the volume. This may be the only thing I can do though but that would be very inconvenient. I just want my good ol FN-volume up or down to adjust.

Who wants to bet DELL will be of no help?????? Heck they didn't even have an option for Linux or Other in the drop down asking for OS. Guess they only support it for server??????? I'd like to see that too.

Oh well it'd be perfect if I could just get this integrated card working.