Problem when adding com ports

I'm always a bit scared when starting a new thread... I really have done quite a few searches before doing so, and I haven't found exactly what I'm looking for.
When I reinstalled Windows ME I found myself with only com1 and com2.
My HSP internal modem used com5 and won't work on com1 or com2.
When I use the normal procedure for adding hardware and choose com ports, the computer hangs.
Is there some way round this by writing the ports into the registry for instance?
Thanks in advance
Keith

 

keithb

YOur problem is a quite common ocurrence when clean re-installing the OS and an Internal Modem is involved. And is not related to just Winodw ME.

When I reinstalled Windows ME I found myself with only com1 and com2.

This is normal. Com1 & 2 are hardware ports. Anything above Com2 is a Virtual Port.

The Modem itself is more than likely causing the problem. ( nuttin new there with Internal Modems and OS changes )

Find the drivers for the Modem and have them located so you know where they are.

What I would suggest you do is to remove the Modem from the device Manger. Shut down and PHYSICALLY remove the Modem.

Restart Windows without the Modem a couple of times. Checking to make sure that Windows has did not smesk another back into the Device manager.

Shutsown. Re-insert the Modem into a different slot if possible.

Restart the machine and if it finds the Modem and asks for drivers point it to where you stored them.

Next step. PRAY that this works. It may and it may not. Depends a lot on the Modem itself.

Suggestion;

If this does not work ( THE FIRST TIME ) I would invest a few more $$ and get a goos Modem (an External Modem ) which 98% oft the time does not care what you do with the OS as it will be on a Hardware port. Which unless things have changed that I am not aware of is the same not matter what you use as the OS.

I have one that has been on anything from 95 to XP and I can't count how many machines. And it is still sitting here for use if needed.

BilllyBob

 

Thanks

...for getting abck to me so quickly.
I'll try removing the modem as you suggest. What worries me is that it was on com5 which is no longer there. Do you think windows will restore this too?
Of course the solution of an external modem is the simplest, and I'm connected using my external modem which is at least six or seven years old and has never let me down. Trouble is that this computer belongs to my daughter and she insists that HER modem should be made to work... Anyway, I'm going to have to take back my modem soon for my own machine.
Thanks again - I'll let you know how I get on.
Keith

 

It could.

It should.

But will it ?

It can go either way. It might even wind up on some other port. But it usually not the port number that is the problem. It is more often an IRQ conflict which a WinModem may have trouble dealing with.

By removing the Modem it may let other things be re-arranged better. Such as the Audio mostly. A WinModem has been known to stop a Sound card and/or a Network card from setting up and/or working properly. ( IRQ again )

And I myself would suggest that your Daughter resign herself to the fact that it * MAY not * work again.

I gave up on Internal a LLLOOONNNGGG time ago.

BillyBob

 

It worked!!!

I'm connected at this moment on the HSP. I did as you said. Took it out and took out the sound card too: started Windows once or twice: tried it in another slot - no go. Restarted Windows without the modem then tried a third slot, and there it was, recognised by Windows and installed - on an inexistant COM4.
When I tested it, it made the connection and cut out just as the server recognised the call.
Tried to install another port and miracle, this time it worked - COM5 was installed when I restarted.
In the meantime I'd put the HSP on to COM3 - also inexistant according to the list in System - and lo and behold, the connection worked!
So, I now have an HSP internal modem keyed to a non existant COM3 which works. What more can you want!

Now I need to get the motherboard based sound card to work...
I'll go on to the appropriate forum unless you are in a position to point me in the right direction. It's a built-in ATI

Many many thanks once again!
Keith

 

CORRECTON !!

Speaking of not reading. What was here previously was WRONG. WRONG. WRONG.

The above quote refers to the SOUND card not the modem.

BillyBob

 

????

Don't understand - explain please. You sound as if you are angry at something?

Once again, many thanks for the advice for getting windows ME to recognise the HSP modem - it works fine now
Keith

 

PS

In case it's this that caused the misunderstanding, I'd installed a soundblaster card as well as the external modem since neither the internal HSP modem nor the built-in sound worked when I reinstalled Windows ME.
The sound card I took out when getting the HSP to work, following your advice, was the SB16.
If I can't get the built-in unit to work, I just reinstall the SB. But having got this far, I'm encouraged to keep trying with the ATI

 

keithb

I you are referring to me. Yes I was a little angry At myself for not reading properly.

Your quote mentioned SOUND card which I had totally ignored and wrote my notes referring to a Modem.

But I am glad that you did get the Modem working.

BillyBob

 

Hey, wait a minute!

You didn't get anything wrong!
My initial posting was only about my problems with the HSP modem and you solved them.
I mentioned my "other" problem - getting the built-in sound card to work - in the posting I sent to thank you for getting me out of the first hole (in secret hopes that you might have a solution for that too!)
Once again - many thanks
Keith