How to Record Calls on a Landline Through the Computer
By Alice Godfrey
A landline telephone has a handset that contains both a microphone and speaker. You can record a conversation on the landline phone by connecting a microphone to the speaker side of the handset. The microphone cable is then plugged into the line-input on the computer's sound card. The software included with the operating system records the call to the hard drive. The microphone, which can be acquired from an electronics shop, will not damage the telephone in any way.
Step 1
Plug the microphone's plug into the "Line-in" labeled socket on the computer's sound card; typically the socket will be in a cut-out panel on the back end of the computer.
Step 2
Click the "Start" button, followed by "Control Panel." Type "Sound" in the "Search" box on the window that appears. Click on the "Sound" link that appears in the window.
Step 3
Click on the "Recording" tab in the window. Click "Line In" that is below the tab, followed by "Properties."
Step 4
Click the "Levels" tab in the new window that appears. Disable the "Mute" checkbox in the window. Click the "Apply" button at the bottom of the window. Close the window by clicking the "X" in its upper right corner.
Step 5
Launch the Sound Recorder program that is included with the Windows operating system by first clicking "Start," followed by "Control Panel." Type "Sound Recorder" in the "Search" box on the window that appears. Click on the "Sound Recorder" link that appears in the window.
Step 6
Moisten your finger with tap water. Rub your moistened finger over the suction cup attached to the microphone. Place the suction cup against the handset, next to where the speaker is located. Press down on the suction cup to adhere it to the handset.
Step 7
Place a call. Press the "Start Recording" button on the Sound Recorder's main control panel to record the call. Press the "Stop Recording" button on the control panel once you have finished the call and hung up.
References
Tips
- Turn down any powered speakers when plugging in the microphone cable since it will make noise.
Warnings
- Never record a telephone call without asking the other person on the line if it is OK.
Writer Bio
Alice Godfrey is a marketing analyst with more than 15 years of experience in her field. She holds a Ph.D. in social and personality psychology. Past positions include market research analyst at various advertising agencies and corporations. Her articles on a wide variety of issues relating to entertainment have appeared in numerous trade publications.