56K Modem problems.

Ever since I upgraded to Win98SE a year ago I cannot get any 56K winmodems to work on my system. A full modem works, but never connects above 4000K. I have tried 7 different winmodems and none will connect. When I go to control panel -modems-diagnostics and do a check everything is good. But to connect to the 'net I get errors like "modem busy" or "no dialtone, make sure your modem is connected to the phone line" and one or two others. Anyway I was reading a Tech Section in a paper yesterday and someone mentioned that they had a problem with their CDRom not working after they did a Windows update. Someone else stated that they had a similar problem and had to delete one called 'Intel' from the update. Being that the system was running an AMD chip the problem was caused by the Intel part of "updates" So, being that I have an AMD chip in my system I figure that that might be the cause of my problem with the modem. Soooo, how/where do I go to delete Intel from my updates. It's worth a shot to me. Later. Pepse.

 

Ever since I upgraded to Win98SE a year ago I cannot get any 56K winmodems to work on my system. A full modem works, but never connects above 4000K. I have tried 7 different winmodems and none will connect.

Seems like the WinMdems ( GEESH !! 7 of them ?? ) are trying to tell you something.

They may just be behaving like their normal ornery self. Some machines and setups of same will not allow a WinModem to work. And just to further complicate matters, any IRQ conflict that might exist may not show in the Device Manager.

That is why I have stayed with externals and never bothered with Internals at all. At least 4 different systems. At least 6 different OS from DOS to ME and NO PROBLEMS.

When you were trying the different Modems did you remove any and all of the OLD from the device Manager before shutting the machine down ? Sometimes if Windows see one already installed it may not allow the new one.

Not connecting above 40K may have nore to do with your ISP and phone Lines than the Modem.

Have you checked the settings for the Modem in DM or Control Panel to make sure they are set to at the least 57.x ?

The problem you referred to about CDROM & Intel was when some of US updated IDE drivers from MS update site. It killed the CDROM and lfet big yellow marks on the IDE controlers.

BillyBob

 

Well, as for 7 wnmdms trying to tell me something? Yeah, I was stupid for upgrading to Win98. Seriously. I had no problems at all with 56K wnmdms with Win 95 A or B or C. As for my ISP? No, My wife's HP usually connects at no less than 48666. When I had W95 I usually connected at 49666 and occasionally at 51000. As for External?? I have recently thought of it mainly because I have just set up a Linux system and most people on that site recommend them. No, I DIDN'T ALWAYS remove the old stuff from DM. Just so you know my Linux system is a completely different computer; not sharing the same HD like some people do. As for IRQ conflicts?? A friend thought that might be a problem and that I should try to set the modem up manually. Well I would rather not so I will try to eliminate the old stuff and try it again. I still have 2 or 3 56K wnmdms so I will try this again. I'll let you know as soon as I can as to what happens. Later. Pepse.

 

Hi
Seems IRQ conflict your problem
Had similar problem removed USB PCI CARD on my machine and modem installed properly

 

Well, just so all of you know I tried a couple 56K's I have around; still no luck. I went and wrote down all of the IRQ's that I could and then installed the MediaSurf56K and because I removed all other modems from the modems section it decided to put the modem on Com 1 or Com 2. Well I set it for Com 2, then Com 1. In both cases I couldn't complete the setup as there was an IRQ conflict. It stated thatIRQ 3was the problem area. As far as I can tell I have no devices that are using IRQ 3. I checked everthing in DM from the CDrom down to the sound card and nothing is using IRQ 3. This TYAN board is set to use USB but I never added USB and it is turned off in my BIOS. OH,I also tried using other IRQ's but I was not allowed/or something else was using an IRQ that I chose. I just checked and my Cirrus 336 modem is using IRQ 5. I know that was one I tried almost immediately with the MediaSurf and couldn't use that one so it set me up with IRQ 3 (of course). Well then I installed the Motorola 56K and came up with the modem not being detected in the diagnostic part. So, I used the Motorola trouble shooter that latched itself to my control panel and the second part of the trouble shooter is the "Local Analog Loopback" test and it says something about going to Hyperterminal and doing a test of sorts. Well I went to Hyperteriminal and couldn't find the area they wanted me to use for my test. So, I gave up and put my Cirrus Logic 336 back in and here I am. OH, by the way, if I leave the Cirrus software (or any others) in the MODEMS area then my MediaSurf or Motorola will set up on COM4. Or if I double install the software then the second one will com up on COM4. Any ideas?? Besides dynamite or a 10 gauge shotgun?? Later. Pepse.

 

As far as I can tell I have no devices that are using IRQ 3.

If COM2 is enabled in the BIOS it will prevent anything from using IRQ3 as it it SYSTEM DEDICATED TO COM2 if same is enabled. That is why external Serial ports Modems work so reliable. The ports COM1/IRQ4/03f8 & COM2/IRQ3/02f8 are dedicated to them when enabled in the BIOS. And nothing in Windows will touch them.

You might try dis-abling COM2 in the BIOS and it * Might * let the Modem use it. It might not use COM2 but might let it use IRQ3.

If that does not work. Find the nearest trash can for the WinModems.

Just a little food for thought.

If you have had to purchase several of the WinModems you have probably spent almost enough to purchase a GOOD FULL BLOWN external serial port Modem. And certainly done away with all of the just plain aggervation. And have a much more reliable Modem that will go from system to system. OS to OS with very few ( if any ) problems.

At least these are my thoughts.

BillyBob

 

Motorola 56k only install on COM4 and works properly, on any other dial tone not detected with all other problems etc
If it can be of any help settings on motorola 56k as follows
com 4/0x2e8/IRQ3

 

BillyBob, I disabled COM2 and tried it again and there was the usual: it works in the diagnostics but not in trying to connect to the internet. Sooo, I guess I will buy an external modem. A person near by has one for $40; USR54K. I talked to him Fri., nite and he gave me some other tips and they didn't work either, so it's time to invest in one. I have not lost any money on the 5 new modems I had purchased. The computer store I get most of my supplies at has a 7 day return policy and beleive me I have used it a few times. So the only thing I might be out is time. But hey, I always try to learn as much as I can even if it gets futile. I ain't getting any dumber by doing these things. The one thing I've been told by a couple friends is: my problem, in their opinion, is that I use TYAN Mobo's. Well, it makes me wonder sometimes, but I will use this current one until I can afford to switch to an FIC Socket "A" board. My Linux is set up on an FIC 503A board and it seems to be a pretty decent board. Anyway, enough for now. I thank you and anybody else for your opinions and such. I will leave this topic open until I get a full modem; in case anybody else has any ideas. Thanx. Later. Pepse.

 

Well I am sure glad to read that $$ were not wasted.

The time is really not wasted. Learning can be time conusmming but at the same time save time later.

Yes, the Motherboard and other hardware on it may have some effect on how things ( anything )work(s).

Both of the USR 56K modems that I have have been around at least 3 family households and back to me and now one is back on my Daughers' PC. They both go WAY back to when USR 1st came out with 56K.

I am looking forward to hearing from ( hopefully ) a happy camper.

BillyBob

 

I still don't have the external 56K, but hopefully by this coming weekend. Anyway I dug up another 56K I have laying around. It's a Best Data with a Conexant chipset. Well it works great on my sister's computer; an older Tyan board (was mine) with WIN95B. Actually I bought 2 of them Best Data modems. Anyway I pulled the Cirrus Logic 336 out and put the Best Data in and set up the software and then went to Modems and Diagnostics and my error is: "Couldn't Open Port ". I recall having this happen, also, with 1 or 2 other modems I had bought and returned. It's an HSP type modem. Oh, yeah, when I completely shut down and restart I get a "duplicate VCD" error. Pess enter to continue. I should be able to eliminate that problem somewhere in regedit. Anyway I'm still trying to get something going. Oh, and another thing, I came across 2 56K modems a friend gave me that he assured they would work if I could find the software for them. They are both from IBM computers. 1 is a Snd card Mdm and the other is a Mdm only. Later. Pepse.

 

Well, I talked to an old friend yesterday and he said that I have the other modem stuff in my system.ini, and that I should remove them and then put in one of my 56K's. OK, so I went to "editsys" and I didn't notice anything unusual pertaining to modems. I wonder if I went to the right place. I only found a duplicate driver for the motorola modem and eliminated one of them. But I will eliminate the other one and try installing the Motorole again. Altho he seemed to think that I would have more that one modem device listed. That is why I am wondering if I went to the right place? Later. Pepse.

 

Well, I cured my problem. I was digging thru a box of computer parts and discovered 2 modems a friend gave me 1 1/2 years ago. He said they were 56K's from IBM Aptivas. At that time I didn't know about Google. Well I went to Google last nite and put the model numbers in and the IBM modemsoundcard is a 336 that supposedly has the software built ito WIN98. The other one (modem only) is a 56K. I was routed thru Driversguide.com and was able to download the software for it and **** it works great. It is an ISA type but who cares. A little over a year after installing WIN98SE I finally got a 56K modem to work. The sad thing is that there is info on the site where I got the software to toggle the modem for Linux. I just set up a Linux computer and the external 336 USR modem I had died 2 days ago. I am really tempted to try it but will do my best to keep it in here. Hopefully I'll get another 56K xtrnl soon. Thanks for the tips everbody. Later. Pepse.

 

download the software for it and **** it works great. It is an ISA type but who cares.

VERY good news.

You are 100% correct. Who cares as long as it works.

I just had a problem with a machine today ( not mine ) when I had to FDSIK /MBR and format C: ( BAD VIRUS INFECTION ) and re-installed 98. The 56K PCI Modem would not let me install a NIC and the modem would not work either. No matter what I did.

Like Pepse, I got digging around and came up with an ISA 33.6 ( At least 6 years old ) YYYAAAHHOOO !!! it worked THE FIRST TIME.

Now the machine is both Cable and a Dial-up capable. But the cable was just being used here to get Windows, IE and AV updated. Which would take forever and a day with even 56K.

Ain't it just great that some of the older stuff that is supposed to be ancient, outdated and useless works just fine ?

BillyBob

 

WinModems love to use COM4 (IRQ3 - IRQ10).
So, check (in device/resources) if there is ANYTHING
using one of these.
You'll find it very interesting, that while in diagnostic mode
the modem captures it's resources and pass the test correctly.
However, while in "real world" mode, it may share the resources with an active device (like USB, sound card, game port etc... etc...)
and cause the "no connection" conflict.

I had the same problem with a serial port scanner (that was idle
at the time of connection).
When I removed it, and swithced to a parallel one, evrything was fine.
Good luck.
Abe Oren.

 

Sometimes when I have a problem like this one I remove all cards except the video card from the computer and do a Clean Boot.
Then I clean the registry of unused entries. Open the device manager and remove all hardware and do a Clean Boot. Let Plug and Play install the existing hardware and do a Clean Boot. Then I install the card I had a problem with and see if it works. If it does not I look on line for help. If the card works I start installing the cards I removed, one at a time. If your BIOS allows it to configure the IRQs and Interrupts I would let it. You may have to change something later in case of a conflict.
I have also had old drivers (left on the system from an uninstalled program or card) causing problems.

 

BillyBob, I definately am going to hang on to the 2 33.6's I have. Might be old tech but when in a pinch they're a good fallback card. Then too, I have an old 2meg S3 Virge vid card that I keep on hand, 'cause ya nebber know; ya know?? :0 . There is one thing odd about the IBM LT 56K I installed. It either connects at 57600 or 4000. I went to Modem properties and the "connect only at this speed" is unchecked. If I check that box and set it to connect at any of the speeds listed it will show me that connection speed, always. But as far as I can tell there is no harm done.

Abeoren, of the 8 56K winmodems I went thru 4 or 5 wanted to be on either Com1 or Com2. The only way (in some cases) to get it to go to Com 3 or higher was to leave a previous modem's software and such in the system, but that didn't always work either.

Brycep; I've been seriously thinking of doing a clean install. Once I get my Linux box online and take some stuff from this one and put the rest of my old Napster files on CD I will probably do that. But, then again, ya gotta remember I had no problems with Winmodems until I upgraded from Win95B to Win98SE. So, as its been I blame it mostly on Win98SE.

Later. Pepse.

 

I will 100% wholeheartedly AGREE with that. No if ands or buts about it.

Don't forget that a 5-6 year 33.6 Boca ISA modem bailed my butt of of a jam just a few days ago. It has since been replaced by my 56K external. Which when plugged in and the machine restarted was picked up and worked at the FIRST bootup.
That is after I remembered to re-enable COM2 again

But I did have to remove the Modem ( internal ) to get a NIC to install and work correctly.

So, as its been I blame it mostly on Win98SE.

Sort of a combination. I had a clean fresh install of 98 FE.

The suggestions by brycep don't always work either. I have tried that too. Sometimes it may depend on the order in which the cards are installed. Sometimes it may depend on which slots the cards are in. I myself do not bother with Internal Modems just for that reason. Sometimes when you do get one to work it will go astray again if you change the OS again.

I myself have never had any IRQ conflicts unless a internal Modem was involved.

BillyBob

 

Im having some simalar trouble. I installed a usb card and now my hsp modem wont work. i can remove it and reinstall it but every time i shut down it wont work. Im thinking irq is the problem....but im not sure what a irq is...just know that the modem and usb use the same...any suggestion? Please remember im computer semi-illeterate. thanks

 

The one thing that I have learned since this post that could help your problem is try your modem in a different PCI (white) slot. Hopefully you have more than one open slot because you might have to try all of them in order to find which slot won't interfere with the USB card. If that don't work then you might want to swap the cards around the different slots. It might sound like like a pain of job but I still do it when working with windows pc's. Then too, sometimes the motherboard just doesn't like certain hardware. Believe me I've had that problem. Let me know if any of this works, or not.

Later. Pepse.

 

Well it still didnt work...but now i know its the irq thing. some people told me to upgrade to windows xp to fix it...is that true? thanks for the help.