Why using a telephone during a lightning strom is dangerous?

From Page 68 of the CF19 Reference Manual:

Modem 68
<only for model with internal modem>
CAUTION
?? Do not use the PBX internal phone lines installed in company offices. Doing so may lead to a fire or electric shock.
?? You cannot connect the modem to the following lines.
• Interphone
• Intercoms
• ISDN
?? Be sure to connect the telephone cable into the modem port, not into the LAN port.
?? Use a surge protector since the modem may be damaged by a sudden high voltage surge that may occur in the event
of a lightning strike.
1 Open the cover and connect the telephone jack (A) to the computer
by using the telephone cable (included) (B).
?? Hold the cable so that the shape of the connector (C) matches the port, and
insert fully until it clicks.
2 Click [start] - [Control Panel] - [Printers and Other Hardware] -
[Phone and Modem Options] and change the settings as necessary.
NOTE
?? Do not enter standby or hibernation during communications.
?? To remove the cable, press and hold the lever and pull out.

This is everything about the modem.
Good Luck
Regards,
Richard - Montreal Based
Panasonic Canada Toughbook Authorized Dealer since 1989

Lightning is a weird beast, and can do strange things to a TV. Sounds like the set took a hit. If there is a fuse then check it on a volt-ohm meter for continuity while it is out of the circuit, and if it is an open circuit, replace it. If there is a circuit breaker, then reset it. If these don't work, look for obvious scorching on the circuit board (assuming you know how to avoid electricution, otherwise do not touch). Lightening can literally jump around on a circuit board, so there is no way to know what part of the set was effected by the strike - the lightening will not always burn out the first circuit it touches, but will burn out something further into the circuit. The most obvious place to look is around the transformer and rectifier circuits. If a capacitor was hit, it may be swolen or discolored; resistors will scorch, and the worst thing is that transistors and IC's often show no damage - in fact, any part might be burned out and not show visible signs. If nothing is obvious (like scorch marks) and the fusing is intact, there are too many possibilities to begin listing them all. The fact that it won't turn on at all sounds like it is probably a power circuit, but, not necessarily. FYI turning a set off during a lightning storm does not protect it, you have to unplug the AC power cord and the line that feeds the signal into the set. Even circuit protection devices (lightning arrestors) may not protect against a close strike. Maybe the techs at Best Buy can supply more suggestions (Dynex is their brand).

Ur Main Fuses in the circuits breaker box must be to be restart it back.Turn off/on all the fuses on the main circuits breaker box to all the fuses in the box of the box to restart.All ur electical power outlets should work again.If not those power plug in outlets are shorted and dead must have to be replaced.

1. Connect the handset.
Connect the curled handset cord to the bottom of the handset and to the left side of the machine.
2. Connect the power cord.
3. Connect the telephone line.
Connect one end of the telephone line cord to the jack labeled LINE on the left side of the machine. Connect the other end to a modular wall jack.
WARNING
 This machine must be grounded using a three-prong plug.
 Since the machine is grounded through the power outlet, you can protect yourself from potentially hazardous electrical conditions on the telephone line by keeping the power to your machine on when you connect it to a telephone line. When you want to move your machine, protect yourself by disconnecting the telephone line first, and then the power cord.
 Lightning and power surges can damage this product! We recommend that you use a quality surge protection device on the AC power line as well as on the telephone line, or unplug the lines during a lightning storm.

WARNING
 This machine must be grounded using a three-prong plug.
 Since the machine is grounded through the power outlet, you can protect yourself from
potentially hazardous electrical conditions on the telephone line by keeping the power
to your machine on when you connect it to a telephone line. When you want to move
your machine, protect yourself by disconnecting the telephone line first, and then the
power cord.
 Lightning and power surges can damage this product! We recommend that you use a
quality surge protection device on the AC power line as well as on the telephone line,
or unplug the lines during a lightning storm.
1 Connect the handset.
Connect the curled handset cord to the bottom of the handset and to the left side of the
machine.
2 Connect the power cord.
3 Connect the telephone line.
Connect one end of the telephone line cord to the jack labeled LINE on the left side
of the machine. Connect the other end to a modular wall jack.

Chances are it did not damage the control(operating) curcuits, but most likely the Telephone curcuits in the answering machine.

This problem sound like you have had some damaged to the earth ground in your electrical wiring system. You should have a electrician thoroughly test the electrical outlets and wiring in your house or apartment. You should be very careful using any electronic equipment with a problem like this. Your Clock/Radio should be unplugged from the a/c wall socket and the internal battery removed. This will allow the microprocessor that controls all the Clock/Radios functions to reset. The Clock/Radio should be left unplugged for a period of a few hours to discharge the microprocessor. This will help the microprocessor to heal itself from the lightning strike. You will need to get the ceiling light fixed. There might be a shorted wire or something causing its failure. This could also be a burnt wire. Lightning power overloads can be very dangerous to all electric and electronic equipment. Try putting your clock Radio on a rubber mat to isolate it from any traveling static electricity that may be in the air. Try to discharge any static electricity that may have built up on your hands by discharging it on a piece of metal like a screw driver or metal surface.Do this each time before you try to use the clock/Radios button functions. This will stop further damage from occurring during you handling of the Clock/Radio. After discharging the microprocessor, reassemble the battery into the Clock/Radio and plug in the wall socket. The operation should return to normal. If not you may have more serious damage to the microprocessor. You can call the Emerson Customer support at this telephone number 1-800-898-9020. Give then the make and model number of your Clock/ Radio and ask them for assistance. I hope this information helps you with your problem.

you have a serious issue with the system
was the system effected by thunder strom or lightning?

had service man in. states its the high voltage relay. waiting for price on replacement part. i will post when i find out. not much help around here, other than 'pay for experts'.