Works: Dial This Number Does Not Release Phone Line (114016)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Works 3.0
This article was previously published under Q114016

SYMPTOMS

After you use the Dial This Number option in Microsoft Works for Windows, normal phone service is interrupted because the modem will not release the phone line.

CAUSE

This problem occurs because Works closes the modem COM port immediately after sending the attention signal (ATH) to release the line. Some modems will actually close the COM port line before they can react to the ATH.

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Works for Windows version 3.0. This problem was corrected for US Robotics modems in Works for Windows version 3.0a.

WORKAROUND

When you experience this problem, anything sent to the COM port will open the port and allow release of the telephone line. Therefore, after using the Dial This Number option, immediately choose Dial This Number, again. This sends information to the modem COM port, opens it, and causes it to release the phone line.

MORE INFORMATION

In most cases, if the Dial This Number method does not release the modem, the update to Works version 3.0a or 3.0b for Windows should solve the COM port problem. If your phone line still won't release, do the following:
  1. From the File menu, choose Create New File.
  2. Choose the Communications button.
  3. In the Easy Connect box, do not enter a phone number. Choose OK.
  4. Type the following commands in the communications document:

    ATS2=43

    ATS7=30

    Press ENTER after each line.
The screen should show an OK message after each typed line and the phone line should release. If not, make sure the Port setting in the Works Communication Setting dialog is correct. For information on how to check communications settings, see your "Microsoft Works User's Guide." 
   ATS2=43   Sets the default Escape char to ASCII 43, "+", which is
             what Works sends to return to command mode.

   ATS7=30   Sets the carrier timeout to 30 seconds.
NOTE: The above commands can also solve unreleased phone line problems with the Dial This Number feature in Works version 2.x for Windows. The commands have to be entered in Windows Terminal or another communications application because Works 2.x does not include a communications module.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:1/14/2000
Keywords:KB114016
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.