How to tell if a bad modem?

After getting my system up and running on a new install of Windows 98, I am still having the same problem (as with Win 95) in getting my modem to work. I thought the upgrade of OS might make the problem go away. The modem is installed, driver installed, etc. It shows up on device manager and is set to talk to COM 2. When I go to modem diagnostics it tries to communicate with the modem but comes back with "the 'modem not responding, be sure power is on, etc. or check for proper Com port setting." My COM 2 is set to IRQ 3 and has no conflicts. I tried re-seating the modem card but same deal. Am I missing something?

 

P.S. - This modem (a Gateway 2000 U.S. Robotics 28.8) did work fine up until a week ago when I began to experience an intermittent freeze up whilst on-line. THis behavior was apparently tied into a resource conflict with COM 1. In desperation, I removed the modem from device manager and physically, disabled the comports and tried to re-install (when still ysing Win 95 OS). No dice.

 

How to fix Modem/other hardware IRQ conflicts at a rate of darn close to 100%

Go get an External Serial Port Modem and Illiminate 98% of Modem problems.

Change the OS, Re-install the OS and seldom ( if ever ) will the External give you any hassle.

Many Internal Modems cause problems when making any changes to the system.

Also Externals will take some of the load off of the CPU.

BillyBob

 

Some of the older USR modems had jumpers on them to set the resources used - i.e. COM2/IRQ3. With these type of modem, you normally have to run the Add New Hardware applet and let Windows search for the port after you've deleted the port. After Windows finds the "new" port, reboot, then install the modem drivers.

But, if the modem was working fine, then, with no changes to the system, it started acting up, it may be time for a new modem.

If you're using a PS/2 mouse instead of a serial mouse, you could try disabling the onboard COM ports (in the CMOS setup) and reinstalling the modem. After disabling the onboard COM ports, start Windows in safe mode and delete/uninstall all references to the modem and COM ports. Reboot and run the Add New Hardware app, reboot and install the modem drivers.

 

modem

Is this an old isa modem? $15 will get ya a 56k pci modem. These things just work fine, fast, cheap, & some have toll free fon # too. If ya wanna keep fighting it go here http://www.drivershq.com/newlist/modem/modemlink1.html

 

Hi Rancher,

I know there are some inexpensive modems out there and a couple of months ago I did try one from Hi-Val. It was supposed to be plug & play but I did a lot of playing and never could get it to work (returned it) so I'm more inclined to go with a better supported brand. One of my friends at work is going to bring in an old modem that is supposed to be good, just so I can try it and see what happens with another modem. Gateway was trying to tell me I might have a damaged motherboard but this seems unlikely as I was able to successfully install Win 98 (and it did find the modem). You don't suppose they'd like me to buy a new PC do you? If anyone can recommend a good, reasonably priced 56K modem with toll free support, I'd appreciate it.

 

I know it is your machine and your decision to make but I would suggest forgetting ALL internal Modems.

It may take a few more bucks now but in the long run you will have a more reliable modems.

And 98% chance of it NOT CAUSING problems with an OS OR SYSTEM CHANGE.

The ones(s) I was using have been on anything from DOS to Win98 ME. Been on at least 5 different systems. And have been thorugh I do not know how many OS changes ( both up grades and downgrades and has NOT MISSED A BEAT or been refused by any OS. It was even used on OS2.

A $15 PCI WinModem type may work for now. But if you decide to change the OS it may put you right back where you are.

A real good full fledged PCI Modem costs almost as much as an external.

Your call
BillyBob

 

Hi Mike C,
Found this after reading your post earlier, USRobotics 56K v90 external modem $37.
http://www.compgeeks.com/details.asp?invtid=5686 Have had a USRobotics external since the inception of the 56K standard and never a problem thru W95, W98, W98se and Linux. Bought a $12 winmodem for my daughter's machine and had problems constantly. Replaced it with an internal "hardware" modem and all has been fine since.

Tin

 

Thanks

Thanks for the advice everyone. I actually did get my suspect modem to work last night. It turned out that even though my system had recognized the modem when booting up, it did not automatically do the COM port connection. I tried doing this manually but with no luck. I went back to modems in control panel, and saw the correct modem listed in the window. But going to diagnostics and testing communication failed as before. I went back to the general tab and highlighted the modem and clicked on 'Add'. Finally, the computer made the final connection to talk to the modem! (and added it as the #2 modem). I should have tried it sooner butit seemed to me that the 'add' buton would be for other devices not already showing up on the list. Is this is what plug & play is supposed to mean? Anyway, I still plan to upgrade to the 56K and will take a look at the externals.

 

Glad to read the problems is solved.

Thank you for posting back.