Hi, I am having a problem installing an external modem. It would be very nice if any of you could tell me what my problem is, thanx.
Previously, I have had an internal modem installed. Now I want to install a second modem, so I connect everything up (properly). However, when I try to install that modem it doesn’t work. When I go to add new hardware, it says it detects a new modem, and I install it, however when I go to check the modem diagnostics, I find that it is still the same modem that I had previously been using.
My question is, how can I install my second modem, and get Windows to detect it. Thanx in advance.
You are probably checking diagnostics on the wrong modem. It’s not on the same com port as your internal modem.
Did you happen to read the installation manual or check with the tech support line for the modem manufacturer? You really didn’t provide enough information for anyone to provide much help.
First make sure the serial port you’re using is enabled in the machine’s setup. Also check in windows device manager to make sure it’s functioning correctly.
Thanx for your replies ** tcburnett ** and ** Padeye **. Sorry if I sound stupid in what I have said, but I don’t know much about computers, and also don’t know what extra info I would need to give.
I don’t have any installation manual or tech support numbers, that’s why I’m stuck. All I have with me is the actual modem.
I have checked I only have these ports enabled:
printer Lpt1
mouse Com1
modem Com2
So does that mean the port that my external modem is connected to is not enabled by my computer yet? Does it mean my external modem would be on either port 3 or port 4? How can I know? How can I make my computer enable that port?
Hmmmm…maybe I know too little about computers. If still nothing works, i’ll probably have to stick with the old modem, or get someone to come over and fix it…hehe…
I don’t have any installation manual or tech support numbers, that’s why I’m stuck. All I have with me is the actual modem.
I have checked I only have these ports enabled:
printer Lpt1
mouse Com1
modem Com2
So does that mean the port that my external modem is connected to is not enabled by my computer yet?
*Not likely. If the system recognized an external modem it would normally need to be doing so through an active com port.
Does it mean my external modem would be on either port 3 or port 4?
*How many modems are listed under the “Modems Properties” box. If the internal is still listed please delete it and restart your system.
How can I know? You should only have one modem listed (the external)
How can I make my computer enable that port?
*Your PC’s BIOS setup will have a menu for this.
Please check that you do not have another peripheral using the COM 2 IRQ (normally IRQ3). You do this by clicking on the system panel icon (within control panel) and then clicking on the little computer icon at the top. It will list a tab for IRQ assignements and will show if there are any conflicts.
**. Hmmmm…maybe I know too little about computers. If still nothing works, i’ll probably have to stick with the old modem, or get someone to come over and fix it…hehe…
Thanks ** Astro ** for helping.
Actually, what I was trying to say is that the system cannot recognise the external modem, and all the active ports are used by something else (like what i mentioned before). So does that mean the port that my external modem is connected to is not enabled by my computer yet?
I have already tried deleting all the modems listed, and all it can detect back is the old modem. Even when i try to add another modem, it keeps on adding back the old modem.
Do I have to physically remove the old modem before I can install the new external one?
How can I make my computer enable that port?
I have checked the systems control, and it shows no conflict.
I just re-read your post. Are you intending on having both modems in the system at the same time? If so then you must have two com ports listed as being available, not just one (as you have indicated) and you would need to activate com 3 or 4 (preferably COM 4 and using an IRQ other than 3 or 4 if this option exists) for your D-9 serial port connection on the back.
It sounds like you may have a com port/ IRQ conflict of some sort. Make brownies and call a friend’s geek teenager over to the house.
Heheh…I know my post was too confusing…I’m glad u’re able to understand what I’m trying to say.
Actually, I don’t intend on using both modems, but since the original one is an internal one (and since i know nothing abt computers), I don’t know how to remove it.
I’ll try activating COM 4…(i think u said through bios rite)…and if i’m still stuck…i guess u’re rite…i should start looking for the recipe for brownies soon.
Assuming the serial port you are attempting to attach the modem to is designated as COM port 2 on the back of your system. Do the following.
Go into your BIOS setup (usually requires a specific key or keys pressed at bootup). Once in look for a “peripherals” menu. COM port 1 and COM port 2 options will be listed there and will typically give a limited choice of IRQ assignments. Make sure COM 2 is not defeated or otherwise set as inactive and activate it. It will probably use IRQ 3 as the default setting once activated.
Once you do this the system should "see’ the new modem but only after you re-boot the system and it first “sees” the COM port. Re-boot after the COM port is recognized and installed and then install the external modem. If it asks for a com driver for the port point it to c:/windows/system and it will find it there.
Before you do any of this check your system and make sure the IRQ you intend on using for COM port 2 is not being used already by the system. If it is you have a potential conflict scenario.
