How do you set AOL to not wait for a dial tone? We have done this, because we frequently use AOL in Europe. It is different than with other ISPs where you just set it in "Dial Up Networking". With AOL, it is a parameter somewhere in the AOL options. But I do not have AOL on this computer and a friend is going to Europe with her computer and AOL and I want to tell her how to set it.

So, any AOLers out there know where that setting is? I will add this to my Internet notes on the site so I will not forget again.

Thanks!

Pauline,are they using XP? I don't use AOL,but I think under internet options there is a checkbox to wait for dialtone uncheck the box.RR

I don't know the answer, Pauline, but I'm almost sure I remember a thread about this a year or two ago. Search has quit working for me again, but you might try a search if it works for you.

I just tried searching (what a good suggestion!) but did not find anything. Several threads where we discussed it - but none outlining the steps.

As I remember, it is a setting in AOL - you don't just change your modem settings like you would for another ISP. I am trying to find out exactly where in AOL - and I don't have a copy to experiment with.

Pauline,
I'll bring up AOL and check for you. I have to finish something else and then will investigate this on AOL.

I have more information, but not the complete answer. I am going to make a few notes here.

TO CHANGE YOUR MODEM IN WINDOWS XP
> Control Panel > Performance and Maintenance > System > Hardware > Device Manager - click on the plus sign beside Modems to see the list and then right click on the modem, select properties, Modem Tab, uncheck "wait for dial tone before dialing"

BUT if I remember right, this will not affect AOL. You need to set the modem from AOL.

Colleen found these instructions to change the modem string, but I don't know how you are supposed to change it.

To edit the modem commands

1 On the Sign On screen, click Setup.

2 On the AOL Setup screen, click Expert Setup.

3 On the Connection Setup window, click the Devices (modems, etc.) tab.

4 Click the Modem: connection, if it is not already selected.

5 Click Edit.

6 In the Expert Edit (or Add) Modem window, click Edit Commands..

7 Type your custom modem commands in the Setup Modem String box. <<
8 Click OK.

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Use Expert Setup to

configure your modem to dial an outside phone line.
configure for pulse dialing.
turn off call waiting while you are online.
configure your modem manually.
edit the modem commands.
check for correct modem selection.

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The standard AT command for disabling dial tone detection is "ATX0". I can't say it will work for sure though since I haven't used a modem in years.

Pauline, I'm not sure you want to disable the dial tone recognition.

In my antiquated 4.0 version of AOL, I added two commas before the local AOL dial-up phone number to give the modem time to recognize the stuttered dial tone found in Italy (and elsewhere?).