Can't connect to internet

I have a SONY computer with WinME 40 GB HDD (2 -20's) and 1 GHZ speed. Suddenly, I can not get connected to the internet using IE/OE 5.5. I get message "computer you are trying to connect to isn't answering." I have called MSN.com - and reset all dial up data and access number - then called SONY (useless) - then called phone co. for check of phone lines for data transmission. Its ok. I have uninstalled and reinstalled modem and changed drivers. Diagnostics for modem = all ok. When trying to connect, I can hear the modem signals. One thing - device mgr reports modem on COM2, Port setting = communications on Port #1. Anyone who knows how to correct this prob will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Norm69

When you say "changed drivers" you mean you got the new version for your modem's software?
I had exactly the same problem and getting the same error and finally solved when I got the new version of the software.

Edith, Thanks, your idea sounded good, so I went online and downloaded a driver and installed it, but still can't connect to access number. Further, I used a different internet carrier's software and different access number - and that won't work either. Since I have WinME, I have also restored the system to an earlier date - 2 times - without success. What snows me - is that I am able to connect with my Pentium 1, Win 95 system - using the same wall jack (after disconnecting the phone connection of the WinME system.) If anyone has additional suggestions - they certainly will be appreciated. Thanks, Norm69

When I called SONY about a modem prob - my thought was since the computer is less than a year old, they would/could help with prob - they couldn't care less - - SO, I had previously installed a Diamond modem in my other computer and wonder if installing one in the SONY 'puter might solve my problem? Again, all help appreciated. Ha! It just occurred to me that I'm working awful hard so that I can receive millions of SPAM messages! Norm69

Enter Dial-Up Networking (DUN); Right-click delete your ISP there (all connection icons but Make New Connection). Then click Make New Connection and follow the on-screen instructions to - Create a New Connection. Ther old one is corrupted. Restart your computer.

There are other settings in OE for example and in DUN that will now need to be reset to use the new connection, My Connection. It's called that by default. Like the primary and secondary DNS in DUN.

Please see the following virus-free attachment for important information.

Hi by all means go through the reset of your dial up networking this will fix any stack errors in tcp\ ip. However I am concerned about a comment you made regarding ports, physically check and reset if needed your com port connection for your modem to the back of your box. You can check your modem by running diagnostics from within control panel, modems look for diagnostics tab (make sure you are not connected) this will tell you what port the modem is on ,make sure the connections match.

Hi Norm69,

Not a fix but a Technical Reference to ports. For instance my modem is on COM 3, while I show Communications Port (Com Port 1) & Communications Port (Com Port 2) under Ports in Device Manger. These are used for external connections.

Just to let all know the problem with my modem was solved. It was a defective modem. What I learned is a modem has 2 actions that take place - (l) it sends out a signal (the strange sounds we hear) and (2) it then must actually make the connection with the computer it is calling. When a storm occurs, the first thing that usually goes out is the second action - sometimes called the back side action of the modem. Now, I also learned that most techs believe that if you hear the signal going out that all is ok, but not so. I did try most everything until someone who builds these things let me know they had replaced 50 - 60 after a recent storm - many with identical symptoms to mine. Anyway, thanks to all who responded. Norm69:)