Changing Windows 95/98/Me to use 10- or 11-digit dialing

Nowadays, more and more area codes, especially in big cities, are requiring 10- or 11-digit dialing for local calls. This means you need to dial the area code for every call, even if you're calling from next door. Some cities (NYC for example) even make you dial a "1" before the area code on all calls.

Here's how to make your Windows 95, 98, or Millenium (WinMe) system obey your location's special "area code rules".

1. Getting to your Dialing Properties

As usual, we start with the Start Button. In Windows 95/98: Go to "Start", then "Settings", then "Control Panel", then find and double-click the "Modems" icon.

In Windows Millenium (Me): Go to "Start", then "Settings", "Control Panel", then "Modems".

The rest is the same for all three systems. In the Modem Properties dialog, click the "Dialing Properties" button.

Now we're ready to make changes.

2. Setting your new Area Code Rules

First of all, if you have multiple Dialing Locations set up, make sure you're on the right location with the right area code. (a.) If your area code only needs 10 digits (in other words, if you're allowed to leave off the "1" and start with the area code), just click "Area Code Rules" now, (c.) and skip down to there. If you need all 11 digits, be aware: Windows 95/98/Me doesn't quite understand 11-digit dialing, so we have to pretend like the "1" is something you dial for an outside line. To set the initial "1", just type a "1" in the box labeled "To access an outside line: For local calls, dial". (b.) If you already have it set to dial a real outside line first, just put a comma after that number, and a "1" after the comma. As shown to the right: Now click the "Area Code Rules" button. (c.)

Area Code Rules: Put a check in "Always dial the area code (10-digit dialing)."

Now you can click "OK" here, and "OK" again in the Dialing Properties, and "OK" a third time in the Modem Properties.

To test your changes, just double-click the icon for your local Dial-Up Networking session, and look at the phone number. If it shows the "1 + area code" in front of the number (or just the area code for 10-digit), your changes are successful.

That's all!

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