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Something as basic as dialing the correct number can be difficult. You may face challenges with call waiting, accessing an outside line, requiring 10 digit dialing or preventing your computer from attempting to phone long distance. Before configuring your computer, use a regular phone to verify the number. If you have more than one telephone line, make sure you use the same line as the computer will be using so that there are no differences in your test. This will reveal the obvious mistake of dialing the wrong number.
The ability to create pauses in dialing is important to disable call waiting, use a calling card or access an outside line. Modems should react to a comma "," by pausing for half a second. Something as complex as using a calling card which has a numeric password and a second dial tone will require many pauses.
You may need to contact your telephone provider for exact instructions. Normally, dialing *70 then waiting for the second dial tone before dialing the number will disable call waiting for that one telephone call. In practice this simply requires entering *70, in front of the number you are dialing.
Windows dialing rules will in some circumstances dial without area code or attempt to call long distance by dialing a 1 and area code in front of the access number. Dialing rules can be useful if you connect to the internet from different locations. However on most computers, dialing rules create an unnecessary complexity and is a source of configuration problems. We recommend you avoid the use of dialing rules when accessing the internet.
To take complete control of dialing process, open the properties for the dial-up connection. There will be a check box labeled Use dialing rules, Use area code and Dialing Properties or Use country code and area code just underneath the Telephone number. When you remove the check from the box you will notice the area code and country are greyed out. Once disabled, the computer will dial exactly what you place in the Telephone number field.
Your telephone may not support touch tone dialing. Unfortunately, many modems only support touch tone dialing, so you may have to subscribe to this feature from your telephone provider. Although some computers give option to use pulse dialing, but this will only work if the modem supports pulse dialing.