If you have a dial-up connection, and frequently find that your Internet connection is being dropped, your computer may be configured to disconnect after a period of inactivity. To check:

Note: As of June 12, 2007, this service requires your UMail password (the password you usually enter to access your UMass email account) to log in. OIT is phasing out the use of the UMAccess password in an effort to simplify the way members of the UMass community connect to the campus network and access other OIT services.

1. Go to Apple > System Preferences > Network.
2. From the Show drop-down menu, select Internal Modem.
3. Click the PPP tab, then PPP Options.
4. Make sure Disconnect if idle for # minutes is not selected.
5. Click Apply Now, then OK.
6. Quit System Preferences.

Frequent disconnects can also be attributed to electrical fluctuations on the line (line noise). Most line noise can be detected by plugging a phone into the phone jack. If you hear any crackling or a steady buzzing sound, there could be noise on the line. Contact your phone company. They should be able to detect it.

Disable Call Waiting. If you have Call Waiting, incoming calls can cause dial-up connections to be dropped. To disable it, add *70, (comma included) to the beginning of the telephone number you are using.

1. Go to Apple Menu > System Preferences > Network.
2. From the Show drop-down menu, select Internal Modem.
3. Click the PPP tab.
4. Add *70, to the beginning of the telephone number. Click Apply Now.
5. Quit System Preferences.

This message can mean that the modem control panel is not configured correctly.

1. Go to Apple Menu > System Preferences > Network.
2. Save the settings and close the window.
3. Click the Modem tab.
4. Check to make sure that the correct modem is listed in the drop-down menu next to Modem.
5. Click Apply Now, then quit System Preferences.

If you have an external modem, try unplugging its power cord for 30 seconds before plugging it back in. This will reset the modem.

If you have received this error message when attempting to establish a dial-up connection, the user name and password in the Remote Access control panel do not match those that we have on record. Please re-enter your NetID (OIT Account user name) and UMail password and try again.
Note: As of June 12, 2007, this service requires your UMail password (the password you usually enter to access your UMass email account) to log in. OIT is phasing out the use of the UMAccess password in an effort to simplify the way members of the UMass community connect to the campus network and access other OIT services.

If you encounter problems, submit an online Help Request.
- or -
Contact the OIT Help Desk at 545-9400.