I need to know how to retrieve my messages when not home. I have the Southwestern Bell Freedom Answering Machine Model No. FA 972. Thank you.

Call your phone, let the outgoing message play when the machine answers, and wait for the beep. After the beep, enter the 3-digit security code you'll find on a sticker on the bottom of the machine. The machine will beep twice to let you know you entered the right code and it's ready for your commands.

Remote commands:

1# Plays messages in mailbox 1
2# Plays messages in mailbox 2
3# Deletes old messages (you need to play them all back first)
7# Starts recording a new outgoing message (press 7# again to stop recording)
9# Turn the system on or off
0# Monitor the room

While you're playing messages (you pressed either 1# or 2#) you have these commands:

3# Erase current message
6# Repeat previous message
7# Skip to next message
8# Repeat current message
## Stop playback

After your messages have played, you have 20 seconds to enter another command before the machine disconnects automatically.

You can download the manual here so you'll have a copy for future reference.