Ask A Geek

Q: I currently have a dialup internet connection and a Compaq Presario 2200 laptop computer.

When I setup my computer and internet, the instructions said that the phone line should not be longer than six feet for the best internet service. This was also the instruction for high speed when I had that service.

I want to move my computer to a location in my home that would require a phone line longer than six feet. Before I move it I wanted to know if moving it with a longer phone line will effect the quality of the internet connection and if it does is there something that can be done to mitigate this.

Q: My HP computer running Windows XP service pack 3 came with a Lucent/Agere modem that died. I have tried USR 5699b modem but it interferes with the ISP dial up program so I installed a Dynex DX-M101 modem that works better except the modem appears to be stuck in mute mode. Is there anything I can do to search my computer to find out why the Dynex is stuck in mute?