Windows 8 Bible

Defining Dialing Rules

If this will be the first time you’re using your modem, you may need to take a moment to configure your dialing rules. For example, most locations in the United States require dialing a 1 before you dial a number outside your own area code. When dialing within your own area code, you might need to dial only seven digits. Or, if your area uses ten-digit dialing, you have to dial your area code plus the seven-digit phone number.

To configure dialing rules, open the Phone and Modem applet from the Control Panel (type phone while at the Start screen or display the Charms bar, click Search, type phone, and then click Settings). If this is the first time opening Phone and Modem, Windows 8 displays the Location Information dialog box in which you enter your local area code and a couple of other self-explanatory options. Then, the Phone and Modem dialog box opens.

If you’re using a modem with a desktop computer, you can set up one set of dialing rules for your location. If you use the modem in a portable computer and travel around, you can set up dialing rules for multiple locations.

The default location (the main location from which you dial) is referred to as My Location by default. Chances are you’ll see that location in the Phone and Modem dialog box as soon as the dialog box opens. If not, click the New button to create it. Use the New button to set up dialing rules for multiple locations, too.

To create or change dialing rules for any location listed in the ...