modem port switched on Dell Inspiron

Factual Questions
1

Well…this is the last time my brother’s using my laptop! After letting him use my Dell Inspiron 2500 laptop this weekend, I got it home and tried connecting to the internet…no luck. I got a dialog box saying the modem couldn’t be found. However, during several troubleshoots, I’ve located the modem on port3. I tried to change it to port2 but it won’t let me change or select anything in that dialog box.

My question is, how can I switch the port locations of my modem (which WAS correct before doofus the family nut got his grubby hands on it )?? Or, how do I “fix” it so that it works where it is??? It’s a dial-up modem too btw.

Thanks!!! :smiley:

2

What operating system are you using?

3

windows xp…home edition I think.

4

You mean XP thinks its on COM3, whereas it used to be COM2?
Try checking the BIOS setup. That’s the only place you can change that kind of thing IMHO.

5

Thanks. I think I’ll have to “take it in” to get looked at because I’ll probably end up messing up more stuff! :slight_smile:

Thanks for the suggestion!

6

Apparently it isn’t possible to change the COM port a modem uses in WinXP. You’ll have to remove it, then reinstall it through the Phone and Modem Options applet in Control Panel. It should automatically detect it on the correct port. If not you’ll have to choose Dont detect my modem; I will select it from a list and set it up manually.

7

cool, I can do that! Thanks! If it works, my deadbeat brother will probably thank you too. :slight_smile: