Excessive Line Current

[horhaycurioso]

I recently began getting an alert identifying my modem and reading "Excessive line current. If problem persists, unplug phone line to avoid damage to your modem."

This perplexes me. While I do have a modem installed, there is no phone line connected to it. I use a DSL modem and Ethernet connection to access the web.

The modem is an ActionTec PCI Lite model. Generic windows drivers were installed.

My OS is Win2k.

Any thoughts??

Thanks

 

[horhaycurioso]

I tried installing the driver for this particular modem as specified on the ActionTec web site, but am still getting the alert.

I am concerned that I may fry something. Should I remove and replace the modem??

 

[Akira13]

Maybe you should run the modem line through a surge protector with a data port. I don't know if that will help (I hate electromagnetic physics), but it's worth a try.

 

[mee987]

not sure what is causing this, but try moving the modem to another slot

 

[corkyg]

Since you are using DSL, and there is no line connected to your dialup modem, just remove it from your system. Internal modems suck anyway.

 

[mee987]

What advantage is there to using an external modem? I'm using a 3com usb external 56 and I love it, but does is it actually better than the internal version?

 

[corkyg]

1. An external modem is easier to install.

2. An external modem's buffer can be cleared by turning it off and then back on. An Internal requires a system reboot.

3. An external modem has to be a hardware modem. Most current internals are el cheapo Winmodems.

4. An external modem is a better backup to DSL because it can stay OFF unless you actually need it.

5. External modems generally hold their connections better - relates to #3 above.

 

[horhaycurioso]

I use the internal modem for occasional faxing, connecting the phone line only at those specific times. I don't want to remove it perminently unless absolutely necessary. I am reluctant to buy an external modem because I just won't use it that much. I'd rather buy fun stuff.

The phone line, when connected, does go through a surge surpressor. But as I say, there is nothing connected to the modem. It is just sitting in a PCI slot.

I will try moving it to another slot, but I still don't get the alert. I know often these alerts are "best guesses" and not definitive diagnoses, yet it is kinda wierd.

Still confused, as usual