Modems

[wewildbill]

I am installing a known good modem HSP56 in Windows 98 SE. On startup, it is automatically installed on Com Port 5 .
However when I try to check it, it cannot open the com port. I have tried to change bios and move it to other com ports and get the same problem, or there is a conflict with the IRQ . Any suggestions ? Thanks.

[Peter M]

That COM port is just a virtual port (a software emulation) for old software that still thinks modems are thinigies connected to serial ports - which is obviously no longer true.

The "cannot open COM port" issue however is observed with any kind of modem, be it external serial or internal (PCI, ISA, AMR, DAA, whatever). Search the MS Knowledge Base for help.

regards, Peter

[mcjamesk]

check device manager for any other modems installed, remove all , then reinstall the one you want to use

[Bovon]

Go into Windows in safe mode and then into device manager. You may find several modems (and other stuff) installed while viewing device manager in safe mode. highlight and remove all modems. Reboot and let Windows reinstall the HSF modem again. It may use a different port. If it does not, you can put it on another port manually. I usually go into the bios and disable com 1 or com 2 (or both, because I never use the serial ports anymore) and then Windows will have those resources to use for the modem. As long as the com ports are 'in use' (because the serial communications ports are installed) the computer will not put a modem on come 1 or 2. Actually, my USR modem is currently using com 3...and has been for several years. Works very well on that virtual port. Its using IRQ 10. Thats why its using com 3...I have had to shut down com 1 and/or 2 in the bios in the past to allow that com port and IRQ for a balky modem.