Dial-up: BT 1571

Some connection problems may result from using the BT 1571 and Call Minder services - here are some simple solutions to these problems


To minimise problems with your dialup internet connection you should make sure that all your messages have been heard prior to connecting to our dialup service - if you use the BT 1571 or Call Minder services. If you pick up the phone and hear an interrupted or stuttered dial tone on the line you will know that you have new messages.

Once you have dialled 1571 from your BT phone to listen to your new messages - and then deleted or saved them - the dial tone will return to normal. If you don't collect your messages then the interrupted or stuttered dial tone may cause problems when you try to connect to the Internet.

If you are on the Internet when another voice call comes in then the BT 1571 or Call Minder service will conveniently take messages for you. However, this will alter the dial tone on your phone line which may prevent your modem reconnecting to the internet.

To stop this causing problems you can change the settings on your computer by following the instructions below. They will show you how to stop your modem from looking for a dial tone before dialling. This will allow you to enjoy all the benefits of the BT 1571 or Call Minder services without causing connection problems with your dialup internet connection


Windows 95/98/ME

1. Click on Start > Settings > Control Panel
2. Double-click on the Modems icon
3. Select your modem from the list, and click on the Properties button, followed by clicking on the Connection tab
4. Click on the box alongside 'Wait for dial tone before dialling' to remove the tick inside
5. Click on OK and then OK again to save the changes

Windows XP

1. Click on Start > Control Panel
2. If you're not in classic view of the Control Panel, click on Switch to Classic View on the left-hand panel
3. Double-click on the Phone & Modem Options icon
4. Click on the Modems tab
5. Select your modem from the list by clicking on it once
6. Click on the Properties button then click on the Modem tab
7. Click on the box alongside 'Wait for dial tone before dialling' to remove the tick inside
8. Click on OK and then OK again

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