This guide is designed to help you track down possible problems with your modem. A modem is the central and most important part of any dial connection.
Modems come in a wide variety of performance levels and price ranges.
A good hardware error correcting modem with updated firmware will usually give a solid and stable connection. Make sure you have the help document for troubleshooting your dial software. There is an available guide for troubleshooting phone lines as well. This can be used anytime a connection fails after an attempted handshake. With Ignore DTR you may have a problem getting your modem to disconnect.