797 modem not present ISDN internet

I am in desperate need of help please. I use an Adtran Express 3000 modem to connect to the internet. At least three times a week I get an error message that says 797 A connection to the remote computer could not be established because the modem was not found or was busy. I work at home and I get in trouble if I can't work and am really close to losing my job. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I should add when I click on modems tab it shows my Adtran modem with a red X and says .. modem not present. Rebooting doesn't help alot of the time.

Thank you for any help

 

Hi, workingathome. Welcome to Windows BBS!

• http://www.adtran.com
  ---
  • Express 3000 Configuration and Troubleshooting Guide (636 KB .PDF format) March 2003
    (Includes diagrams of the modem that identify the ports, etc. referred to in the troubleshooting steps below.)
    
    
    ---
  • Express 3000 Downloads
    (Perhaps you need to update firmware, drivers, and/or other software for your modem.)
    ---
  • Express 3000 Manual (4.1 MB .PDF format) May 1999
    If I am not mistaken, this manual was published before Windows XP was released.
    • Chapter 6: Upgrading Software
    • Chapter 7: Installing an Analog Modem
    • Chapter 8: Troubleshooting

If the information via the links above does not get you up & running reliably, then you might consider replacing the modem with a different brand/model which has a good reputation for compatibility with Windows XP.

(I am not familiar with reliability/compatibility reputations for ISDN modems.)

 

How to Access Device Manager in Windows XP
=====================================

Quick Method:

1. Hold down the Windows key and press the Pause/Break key.
   (The "System Properties" window will open.)
2. Click on the "Hardware" tab.
3. Click on the "Device Manager" button.

Alternate Method 1:

1. Click Start.
2. Right-click on "My Computer ".
3. Select "Properties ".
   (The "System Properties" window will open.)
4. Click on the "Hardware" tab.
5. Click on the "Device Manager" button.

Alternate Method 2:

1. Click Start.
2. Click on "Control Panel ".
3. Click (or double-click) on "System ".
   (The "System Properties" window will open.)
4. Click on the "Hardware" tab.
5. Click on the "Device Manager" button.

NOTE: The "alternate" methods above may vary, depending on how one has Windows XP preferences configured.



How to Access COM Port Settings in Windows XP
=======================================

1. In the "Device Manager" window, expand "Ports (COM & LPT)" (by clicking on the "+" next to the item).
2. Right-click on the COM port name you want to check.
3. Select "Properties ".
   (The "Communications Port (COM#) Properties" window will open.)
4. Click on the "Port Settings" tab.

 

considering another type of ISDN modem

Does anyone know of another modem that would work for ISDN internet besides Adtran Express 3000? I need something compatible for Windows XP and ISDN internet.

Thanks

 

Did you try all the troubleshooting steps I quoted above (including trying a new serial cable)?

The serial cable may be faulty, especially if you have been using the same serial cable for several years. Since your problem seems to be intermittent, perhaps a wire inside the cable has broken and sometimes makes the proper connection and sometimes the connection is broken.

Serial cables are probably available at one of your local computer stores (such as Best Buy) for a lot less than the cost of a new modem. I suggest you take your current serial cable with you so you can be sure you get the right replacement. (The computer should be off while you disconnect/connect the serial cable.)


A few ISDN modems are listed as available according to CNET Shopper.

I would be inclined to go with the 3Com/U.S.Robotics Courier I-modem as I have had good luck with U.S.Robotics dial-up modems (external Sportster and v.92 modems). The regular Courier external used to be THE modem for "sysops" around my town in the old BBS days. I don't know whether that reputation stands or not.

NOTE: I read some very unfavorable customer reviews about U.S.Robotics (a.k.a. 3Com) telephone technical support at Newegg.com so that may be an important factor for you when considering ISDN modem replacement options.

I did not investigate other brands.

Note #2: The Courier™ I-modem® Getting Started Guide (1.6 MB .PDF format) was apparently published in 1997 (which is even older than the manual for your current modem).

 

i believe problem is resolved, thank you

I haven't had a problem in days since I changed com port settings like you suggested in the post. They were at 9600 bps instead of 115200 and none was listed under where it now says enable hardware.
Do you think this has helped?

 

You're welcome.

If I understand correctly, the 115200 bps is the rate your computer communicates with the modem. This faster rate helps your computer "keep up" with data that the modem sends/receives over the Internet.

I have used 115200 bps for my 56K dial-up modems ever since the days 56000 bps (56Kbps) dial-up modems became available.

Hardware flow control is typical for dial-up modems as well (at least with the modems I have used).

Yes, I think your new settings should help. Time will tell though.

Please let us know whether the problem seems to be resolved or not after several days of normal use.

If your problem continues, then another possible pair of settings to play with in Device Manager are your modem COM port's FIFO (First In First Out) "Transmit Buffer" and "Receive Buffer ". These settings might be accessed via either your "Ports (COM & LPT)" or your "Modems" section (or similar section) of Device Manager.

For example, the "Advanced Port Settings" button is located under the "Advanced" tab for my 56K dial-up modem's "Properties" in my laptop computer. I have both the Transmit Buffer and Receive Buffer set to "High ".

The "Advanced Port Settings" window for my modem's COM port states the following in regards to the FIFO "Transmit Buffer" and "Receive Buffer ".

 

Are your modem and connections still working OK?