Modem won't install

I have recently been trying to connect my other computer to the internet using a Rockwell 56K Modem. This is the same modem that I used for the computer before I reformatted it. Previously, I used Windows 98, now I use Windows 98 SE. The problem is that the computer does not auto detect the modem, so it is as though it is not connected. I have re-seated the modem several times also, to no effect. Any help here would be much appreciated.

 

Boot to safe mode.
Remove all modems, com ports, and "Other Devices" from device mangler.
Shutdown.
Take the modem out of the computer.
Restart, go into BIOS setup.
Disable com 2.
Set "PnP OS Installed" to NO.
Set "Reset configuration data" to YES.
Restart.
Let the com port install.
Shutdown.
Put the modem back in.
Startup, reinstall when prompted.

 

Thanks for the reply,
I've carried out your advise up to restarting in BIOS Setup. I am currently in BIOS Setup, but am unable to find the Com 2, PnP OS Installed and Reset Config data options.

 

A limited BIOS?

Now that Device Manager has been cleared, this may work:

Have your drivers in a folder that you can find (unzipped if you downloaded them).

Go to Control Panel > Modems and click "Add ". Let Windows look for the modem, if it does not find it direct the installer to the drivers you have.

When it asks for the Com Port to install the modem to, select Com 3 (it is an internal modem, isn't it?).

You could then run the diagnostics in Modems > Diagnostics (tab) > "more info ". If you get a good response, then you maybe close.

Reboot the machine.

Go to Modems and make sure only one modem is listed, if more then run the diagnostics and remove the "copy ".

Hope this helps
I generally find if a good set of drivers is installed then Windows can recognise the hardware.
Matt

PS may get some assistance from Start > Help > modems > installing or troubleshooting (although I generally muddle my way through )

 

Here's a guide I use...hope this helps.

• Step-By-Step: How To Install or Upgrade Your Modem
  
  
  
  Important, please read:_
  
  The information contained in this document is for informational purposes only. If these instructions are followed completely and in order, no damage to your computer hardware or data loss should occur. However, things do go wrong occasionally. You, as the user, agree to assume all responsibility for the use of this information and agree that I will not be held responsible in any way for any damage to your hardware or data loss should things not go as planned. In short, I have no control over how the user uses this information, and therefore all responsibility for such use is assumed by the user._
  
  
  Note: Static electricity can damage your modem and your other computer hardware. It is very important that you protect your hardware against damage from static electricity. The best way to do this is to use an anti-static wrist strap. They are available from Radio Shack and most any electronics or computer store._
  
  Note: You should refer to the instructions that came with your particular modem during the installation process. The best overall procedure for installing your modem will depend upon the modem type and manufacturer. The instructions included in this guide are generic and will work with most any Plug-N-Play modem._
  
  
  Note: If you are upgrading an existing Modem, Do this first, else skip to step 1:
  
  a) Right click "My Computer "
  b) Click "Properties "
  c) Click "Device Manager "
  d) Click the + sign beside "Modem "
  e) Click your modem to highlight it
  f) Click "Remove "
  
  Your old modem is now "removed" from Windows. Please continue with step 1.
  
  
  1) Turn off the computer and unplug the power cord, as well as the printer, scanner, and any other peripheral that has its' own power cable.
  
  2) Remove the computer cover. There are usually 4 to 8 screws in the back of the computer that secure the cover onto the case. Be sure not to remove the screws that hold the power supply in place. Attach the "bracelet" end of the anti-static wrist strap to your wrist and the end with the "alligator" clip to a metal part of the case, such as the power supply.
  
  3) If you are upgrading from an existing modem, remove the old modem. If your computer doesn't currently have a modem, locate an expansion slot that the modem card will fit into and remove the metal face plate cover by removing the ***** holding the face plate cover to the computer. On some computers, you may need to remove a "knock-out" expansion slot cover from the slot that you will use.
  
  4) Remove the new modem from its packaging.
  
  5) Line up the connector on the bottom of the modem with the expansion slot, and gently slide the modem into the expansion slot. Use firm pressure, rocking the modem back and forth SLIGHTLY to assist in getting it to slide into the expansion slot. DO NOT force anything or you might damage the modem or another part of the computer. If the modem doesn't want to go into the slot, check to see what is causing the problem. Also, make sure that you are using the right kind of slot for your modem. You can match the modem to the correct type of slot by looking at the connectors.
  
  6) Secure the modem card to the computer with the ***** that was removed in step 3.
  
  7) Replace the computer cover.
  
  8) Reconnect the power cord and everything else that was disconnected earlier and turn on the computer._
  
  NOTE: If the Add New Hardware Wizard starts automatically, skip to step 10)._
  
  9) Open the 'Add New Hardware' icon:_
  
  a) Click 'Start'
  b) Click Settings
  c) Click 'Control Panel' (The 'Control Panel' window will appear)
  d) Double-click the 'Add New Hardware' icon. (The Add New Hardware Wizard will appear)_
  
  10) Click 'Next'
  
  11) Select the 'No' radio button and click 'Next'
  
  12) Select 'Modem' from the 'Hardware types' list box and click 'Next'
  
  13) Make sure the 'Don't detect my modem; I will select it from a list' check box is unchecked and click 'Next'. (Windows 98 begins detecting your modem)
  
  14) If Windows 98 detects your modem, do the following:_
  
  a) Click 'Next'.
  b) Click 'Finish'._
  
  15) If Windows 98 does not detect your modem, do the following:_
  
  a) Click 'Next'.
  b) Click 'Have Disk...' (The 'Install From Disk' dialog box will appear)
  c) Select the drive that contains that manufacturer or Windows 98 disk from the 'Copy Manufacturers files from' drop-down list box and click 'OK'
  d) Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation of the modem._
  
  16) Test the modem installation
  
  a) Click 'Start'
  b) Click 'Settings'
  c) Click 'Control Panel' (The Control Panel window will appear)
  d) Double click 'Modems' (You should see your new modem listed)
  e) Click on the name of the new modem to "select" it
  f) Click 'Diagnostics'
  g) Click on the Com port associated with the new modem
  h) Click 'More Info'
  i) The modem should respond with the OK response to several "AT" commands in the "More Info" Window. If so, your new modem is working correctly and you have successfully installed it. If not, remove the modem and repeat the installation process.

 

Thanks for the replies.

The situation now is this;
After restarting the computer as normal (with the modem in the machine), the Add New Hardware Wizard has detected the following:

PCI Serial Controller

I have searched high and low for the drivers but am unable to find them (5 years of un-tidyness has probably seen to that). Am I able to download the drivers from a website?
(btw, the Modem is a Rockwell 56K, about 4-6 years old)

 

Why not go get a much better, far less hassle, External Modem.

Unless something VERY unusual goes wrong it will work as soon as you start Windows.

As a test I just plugged my ANCIENT US Robotis External into Windows XP Pro and BINGO !! Modem works and NO problems.

It has been in more homes and on more PCs than I care to even attempt to count.

The problem you are having with the Internal is a very common one.

BillyBob

 

Yes, BillyBob's would be less hassle because there a LOT of 56k Rockwell modems around, see:
http://list.driverguide.com/list/company247/page19/

If you can remember what your's was then you should find it there, eg a V90, K56Flex or HCF Data Fax. (DriverGuide Username is "drivers ", P/word is "all ").

To ID it you need search on a model number, although you should be able to find out the type by searching on the model number of the main "chip ".

Luck
Matt

 

Here are the "Generic" drivers:
http://www.conexant.com/support/md_driverassistance.html

Rockwell seem to be the HCF type.

(Generic means you probably won't be able to use the special features of the card, but I run them on my (external) modem and it runs great)

Matt

 

DO NOT assume that it's an HCF. It could be an ACF, and ACFII, or an SFT, and there are different drivers for each.
Check out my modem site to find out what it really is, because if you force the install of a different driver, it won't work.
I have listed modem types, by chipset number, easy to find, and drivers for all types of Rockwell/Conexant modems are there.

Now that the computer has found the serial device, it's just a matter of installing the correct driver for it. Probably a SoftK56V winmodem.

 

Hint, Hint.

I plugged an at least 10 year old Serial Port US Robotics External Modem into Windows XP Pro.

Guess What. IT WORKED all on its own.

Switched to my Win98 SE HD and it worked all by itself there too.

And it also works well along side of Cable Internet.

Internal Modems do have a NASTY habit of DYING when the OS is changed. Or the HD reformated and redone.

BillyBob