PCI Modem Setup

[Jeb]

Just upgraded to a 3Com internal PnP DFV 56K PCI Winmodem (#5690). Installs OK to COM2/IRQ 10 with no reported conflicts. Connects fine at 48K. But, it periodically loses its tie to IRQ 10, disrupting the comm link. I then have to remove (via Device Manager) and restart (to reinstall); thereafter, works fine for awhile. When the IRQ link is lost, no error appears in Device Manager. I cut the speed to 57.6, set software flow control, and I have checked the various settings in ISP, E-mail and browser, et al. Mindspring had me add an extra setting: AT&F&C1&D2&K3s9=2s10=255s11=45. Interestingly, I periodically lose all my changes from default.
Can anyone help me correct this problem? Running a Dell M200s with Win 95(OSR2. USB functional--camera and scanner. Only IRQ 3 is free now. I don't believe my upgraded American Megatrends BIOS (A10) permits me to change IRQ links. Also, IRQ 10 shows a second line: "IRQ Holder for PCI Steering".
Thanks
Jeb

[neo_otyugh]

do you have the most recent drivers for the modem...?
might not help, but it is worth a try...

[Jeb]

Yes, I just purchased/installed the modem last week, so the "drivers" should be new. Used the "Connections" CD with the package. I immediately checked for 3Com updates, but the site indicated I had the latest software. Later tests done with 3Com tech support indicate the modem works correctly. But, no one can explain why it loses the IRQ 10 link. Technically, there must be some explanation why the link is lost, why no error appears in Device Manager; and why--I just learned--any changes I make are lost when I shut down, e.g., dropping modem speed to 57.6. Upon restart, the defaults reappear.
Any other thoughts?
Thanks
Stuart

[wyvrn]

Not t be harsh , but spend the extra 30 bucks and get a hardware modem. Winmodems are cheap alternatives, and you get what you pay for. Recommended hardware modems: Diamond supra EXPRESS or UsRobotics Sportster 56k. These usually cost 79+ for internal and 100+ for external, but well worth it. I had a Creative modem blaster (winmodem) on my 98se machine and it got so bad that it wanted to reinstall the driver every time I restarted Windows. The only fix was to remove the two devices under device manager, edit out the entry in the registry, restart and reinstall. It would work for a few days then the driver would corrupt and revert back to being the same headache. If you can get the modem to work within the first 30 days, good. But personally, I would take it back and spend the extra dough on a hardware modem. Less headaches.

[Legoboy]

Buying a "Hardware Modem" (usually external) is a very good piece of advice, BUT, for the short term, you may want to set your modem down to IRQ3 (disable any COM ports you're not using in BIOS to free up IRQs). Hopefully this will solve some of the problems you're experiencing.

Legoboy

[wyvrn]

True Legoboy. However, your fix maybe just temporary. Sure, some people get their software or win-based modems to work and are happy with them. I installed one in my brother's machine and he is happy with it, great performance and few problems. However, I just cannot call a winmodem an "upgrade". By far, most of the users I have tried to assist that had a winmodem were so fed up that they would rather spend the extra dough on a good modem. I guess it all depends on how much you use the modem and then you can make a price/satisfaction comparison for yourself. The saying stands here

"You get what you pay for"

[This message has been edited by wyvrn (edited 02-11-2000).]

[This message has been edited by wyvrn (edited 02-11-2000).]

[Ygor]

I must disagree. I think you get what you research and shop for.

I bought 2 supra express modems last summer for $30 each, including shipping.

[Susan]

I agree with Legoboy on this. Setting COM2 to IRQ 3 could help you out. Don't think COM2 is 'normally' set to IRQ 10 and yours may be sharing.

Having PCI Steering along with IRQ's is normal. I have a few like that.

[Jeb]

Interesting comments about a complex issue. The issue here is one of modalities. How do I shift setup to Com2/IRQ 3?
I tried "reserving" IRQ 3. Setup still runs to IRQ 10. [I believe this occurs, since IRQ 10 has the IRQ Holder for PCI Steering.] I tried to "reserve" IRQ 10, but got a warning that it was in use--assume it is the IRQ Holder. No IRQ conflicts or errors are reported in Device Manager. [n.b. With no modem installed, only IRQ 3 and 10 are free.]
If the standard setup runs to Com2/IRQ 10, why is this unstable? What is stabilizing about Com2/IRQ 3? What are the technical implications? Does my problem occur because I am using Win 95? Can/should the IRQ Holders be moved? What would be the downstream affect.
Really appreciate your assistance. Personally I would rather work through this problem than give up and purchase an external device. With DOS and ISA slots going away--our misgivings notwithstanding, looks like we need to master the PCI Winmodem/Windows lash-up.
I'm also examining some other potential glitches beyond the modem. Will report the outcome.
Thanks