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Question

Phone cable or no phone cable, that is the question.

Apr 14, 2015 10:31PM PDT

I have just replaced my older DELL desktop (running Windows XP) with a 2nd hand HP 8300 Elite SFF, (running Windows 7). Trouble is, the DELL had a phone line cable that plugged into a port in the back. This cable ran from the phone jack in the wall through a line filter then into the back of the Dell. The line filter itself has a separate cable that runs up to my modem.

My problem is, the replacement HP does not have a port to accept this phone cable, only a similar but larger port for the modem cable. What is the purpose of connecting the PC to the phone line and why would the HP not have this port. Is it even necessary?

Hoping someone out there can help as I am ignorant of such things! Thanks.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Re: phone cable
Apr 14, 2015 10:36PM PDT

Could it be the difference between a built-in dial-up modem and a built-in broadband (Ethernet, RJ-45) conector? Unlikely, since you also talk about a modem.
Maybe for fax?

What does the user manual of your older Dell say about this port that you plugged that cable in?

Kees

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Answer
I am guessing it's FAX setup.
Apr 15, 2015 12:34AM PDT

Just hook it up without that connection and see.