PCI Modem not working with PentiumI

[Double L]

First of all, the plug and play seems to be working, and the drivers get installed directly from the cd upon starting Windows (although it recognizes the modem simply as a PCI card, and doesn't indicate that it's a modem).

Then, looking at the devices, the modem is apparently installed.

However, in its port settings it has listed, port5, which on the PC doesn't exist (there's only com1 and com2).

As far as I can tell, there's no way to change it.

I've tried installing it through the modems option in the control panel, and in there I can specify the port number, and the installation seems to go successfully.

But then, the communications software won't recognize it, nor will the modem installation assistant software which came with the modem.

The modem is a U.S. Robotics 56K Faxmodem PCI.

The system I'm installing it in is simply a Pentium I, with 96MB of memory, and Windows 95.

Are there any glaring mistakes I'm making - or things I'm forgetting?

Also, previously, the system had an ISA modem, which I've now uninstalled, both through windows and physically.

:rolleyes:

[muchmark]

You could try this: boot into safe mode, go to device manager remove all refrences to modem, reboot into BIOS setup disable plug n pray now try to install modem manually.

Good Luck, Mark

[skuz]

What is the speed of this Pentium CPU ?

A PCI modem has a good chance of being a winmodem, which requires a CPU fast enough to do the modem's job. :rolleyes:

Most winmodems require at least 150-166 MHz.

[bpan]

From your description, it would appear that this is indeed a WinModem. The PCI card is essentially just a phone line interface, and as such, the PCs CPU actually has to do most (if not all) the signal processing and control functions that a "hardware" modem would normally do.

I've never had any luck getting this kind of modem to work reliably with any P1 of any speed. Often there's just not enough horsepower under the hood. :(

In regards to the COM5 arrangement, this is normal for most software modems. COM5 is a "logical" port device rather than a "physical" port (aka: software immitating hardware). This still allows for 4 physical COM ports, and prevents hardware conflicts.

Personally I prefer external modems. The cost isn't that much greater, and compatibility is virtually guaranteed, regardless what PC it's connected to...
...AND they have pretty flashing LEDs to watch while downloading those huge IE updates :D

Unless your ISA modem is slower than 28.8kbps, I'd keep it, otherwise, with the hardware you described, your best bet is to go for an external modem.

Note: if this PC has functional USB ports (unlikely, but possible, and some earlier versions of 95 can't even handle USB) there are some decent USB external modems now available at very reasonable prices. I just recently installed a Diamond Supramax 56k external USB on a P1/200 about a month ago, and it works like a champ. $46 at buy.com http://www.us.buy.com/retail/computers/product.asp?sku=10283466&loc=390

Hope this helps.

[Double L]

Thanks everyone!

Believe it or not, I still haven't gotten it to work, and now I'm going to look into whether or not it's a winmodem.

If it is, I definitely don't want it because the P1 166mhz is taxed enough without adding to it work that can be done by other hardware (I figured that out all on my own, by the way).

Anyways, at least now I understand the com5 thing and can be pretty sure the installation is running properly.

One question:

What are some tell-tale signs if it is a winmodem or not?

Physical?
(It doesn't say so on the box - only that it is a 56K PCI Fax Modem).

Is winmodem a generic term, a genre of modems if you will? Or is it a specific brand, or license, in which case it would likely advertise itself on the box.

Later.

Thanks again.

[bpan]

Is winmodem a generic term, a genre of modems if you will? Or is it a specific brand, or license, in which case it would likely advertise itself on the box.

The term "WinModem" was trademarked by US Robotics, but in the industry, is often used to refer to any modem which is not 100% hardware based.

Here's a link to a site that should help you determine the chip set used on your modem:
http://808hi.com/56k/chipset.htm

In general there are three types of modems used with PCs:

1. Hardware based modems include virtually all external modems (serial or USB) and most older (pre-56k) modems. Usually, there are no software "drivers" for such modems. Only an INF file is required to inform Windows of the modem's capabilities.

2. Controller-less modems. In this case, the signal processing is done by hardware on the modem, but the host still handles the "control" functions via software (monitoring hardware, responding to commands/signals). Recent models work very well, even on older PCs.

3. Host Signal Processing (software based modem) in which the host (your PC) does all the work of a hardware modem. This type of modem is nothing more than a glorified telephone line interface. You get what you pay for.


A hardware modem (#1) will (in general) work with any PC, running any OS. This is true of nearly all serial-port connected modems, but USB external modems still require drivers to "enable" communication over the USB bus. A trivial distinction in this case, though I suppose this leaves the possibility of a USB WinModem. I have yet to see one though...

Both #2 and #3 are refered to as "WinModems" because they are not machine-independent, ie: they require control or processing software running on the host PC in order to operate.
In this case, Windows is the ONLY OS supported by many of these manufacturers drivers, hence the term "WinModem"...

Most "controller-less" (#2) modems require minimal amounts of extra horsepower from the CPU, and will probably work okay except under extreme conditions. As long as the modem does it's signal processing on-chip, you probably won't run into any major hurdles.

With a "software" modem (#3) the CPU's ability to "service" the modem frequently enough to keep the modem functioning is the 1st failing point. Poorly written software drivers are a close 2nd.


Of course, every modem chipset manufacturer has their own way of doing things, so there are variations on these themes, but all modems generally fit into one of the three categories.

In general, PCI (internal) modems are type 2 or 3.
External (and most older ISA internal) modems are type 1.
Modems for portable use can be any of the above, so watch out when buying any modem for your laptop PC.

When pressed, I always recommend external modems as they are much easier to install, set up, and troubleshoot.

[mike_in_katy]

I recently bought a USRobotocs 56K Faxmodem PCI. The CD didn't have all the drivers in it plus the modem setup program froze my computer (W2K Pro). I went to the USRobotics web site and download the drivers for my particular modem. More drivers were missing. Using the W2K default drivers, the best connection speed I could get was 28K.

So, I took the modem back to Best Buy and got a Creative 56K Faxmodem PCI. Drivers loaded first crack out of the barrel and after re-booting, connected at 49K. Wham Bam Thank Ya MAM! Job done.

IMHO, USRobotics is headed down the septic tank line. They used to have the best modems. My VERY old 56K ISA modem made by them runs like a champ. But my new motherboard has no ISA slots. :(

[Double L]

Man!

I'm starting to lose my mind with this thing!!!

BPAN,

Thanks very much for the info. After reading your explanation, I'm pretty sure I have a #2.

But more importantly, my situation seems to resemble Mike's.

Dammit! I was so close to getting the Creative modem, and for some reason, at the last minute, I went for the U.S. Robotics.

Anyways, I'm going to exchange it - I think it's a piece of ****!

Thanks. I'lll let you guys know how I do with Creative!