Modems

After much humming and hawing I decided to "risk" XP. I formated my c drive and loaded XP. Without even asking any questions it got my sound, video cards and monitor right and even set my monitor to 1024x768, 32bit. However, it point blank refuses to recognise my modem. Under Win98SE I could run the setup disk and it would check Comm1, Comm2, Comm3 then Comm4. My modem is comm3. XP won't check beyond Comm2. Running the .inf file on its own and nothing happens. Its a Rockwell type 56K modem. Are there any obvious things it need to do?

Ta,

Stephen

 

This is a quite common problem with Internal Modems when upgrading the OS or formatting for a clean install.

It not only happens when going from something like 98 to XP but also going from 98 to a higher version. Especially after a re-format.

You might be able to get it to work by going through the necessary steps to physically remove it, restart the machine without it. Shut down and replace the modem in a different slot. * SOMETIMES * this worked in 98 but with XP I do not know.

Going by only what I have read and heard locally many users are going to external modems to get rid of the Modem problems when upgrading.

BillyBob

 

Try, Start/Settings/ControlPanel/Add Hardware -> Dbl Click/Add Hardware Wizard/
Next/Check - Yes, I have already connected the hardware/
Next/Scroll to the bottom of the list -> Add a new hardware device -> Select/Highlight/
Next/Check -> Install the hardware that I manually select from a list/
Next/Scroll to Ports [COM & LPT] and highlight/
Next/Follow any further instructions and/or Finish.

You may have to do this more than once to get the desired Com Port installed. Check what you have installed by Right Clicking on My Computer and selecting Properties/Hardware/Device Manager/then expand Ports. If you get this far and still have a problem, post back here. HTH.

 

Thanks, that worked. It loaded comm3 no problem without me doing anything other than searching for new hardware. Don't understand why it didn't do that to start with.

 

It has been my experience that when formatting and installing window's 98, ME. XP Home or Pro...internal modems are fussy about re installing drivers.

One great way when it comes to XP is too disconnect all scanners, cameras, printers, and what have you, then re install XP with only the Modem connected.

The USB equipment takes places up in the Com 1 Com 2 etc.. and it is common for the modem to be seated in Com 3.
You can get good assistance from your local server, it is within their interest and they do provide such assistance for free.

Besides when you restart your computer XP recognises all newely installed\connected equipment.

A note if you can avoid formatting with NTFS the do so, formatting back to Fat 32 is one hell of a trick for the experienced.

Print this to your file on formatting and installing windows.

Have you oiled your fans? It avoids over heating and burning your mother board.

Be well
Malinoix

 

Well after thinking that I had it sussed, I was XP'd. I can get comm3 (modem) to work by re-installing it.....everytime I log into my user settings. If I don't touch the pc for a while, XP logs me out. I log in again and have to reload the modem. It is conflicting with Comm1's IRQ. When I change the IRQ, the same happens. It does not hold the new IRQ settings after a log out. I have given up on XP for the time being. Mainly because I looks and feels like Fisher Price. When more people around me begin to use it I'll probably go back.

 

I would not put all the blame on XP for the Modem Problem. Some of it may be the hardware itself.

XP is not the only OS that has problems with Internal Modems.

Some Internal Modems cause problems when just upgrading say 95 to 98. Or 98 to 98SE.

Others just plain refuse to work ( at least not without hours of hassle ) when the OS is changed. Especially on a format/clean re-install.

I have not tried 2K or XP but from what I have read and heard locally they both have no problems with External Modems.

The External(s) that I had, had been on anything from DOS/Win3.1 to ME and SEVERAL completely different Systems and I NEVER had one hint of a problem when changing the OS.

Quite often users put this type of problem on the OS and it may not be the OS that is to blame.

Also are you aware of the fact that an Internal Modem can stop PCI IRQ steering from working properly. They may also cause problems for Sound Cards and/or Netwrok cards by stopping PCI Steering. And many of them will not allow a manual change.

I have to keep the PCI steering bit to Win98 as I do not know if XP has it or not. But I would think it would have something of the type.

Bad software or hardware can ( and does ) make the best OS in the World look bad.

BillyBob

 

Yes, the joys of OS. I want the OS from the USS Enterprise. Instant reboot etc.

I'm going to get ADSL soon so will try XP when I get the external 'cable modem'