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Modem Hell

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by rebootd Jun 15, 2002 last reply Sep 13, 2002

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First off, I have tried this with two totally different modems, and they both work fine in another machine so I know there is nothing wrong with them or their installation software. What happens is that when I install a modem on this particular Compaq computer, it refuses to use a legitimate COM port. If I have COM1 enabled, it will install on COM2. When I go into the BIOS and enable COM2, and reboot, the modem has switched to COM3. I have tried totally uninstalling a few times (both COM ports and modems), and reinstalling in different ways (i.e. using the Hardware Wizard, NOT using the Hardware Wizard, changing PCI slots, trying BOTH modems at once, etc.) I have installed modems many times before: but this is something I haven't encountered before - it seems no matter what I do, the OS (Windows98) plays this shell game with me and will not install any modem on a working COM port. Please help!

7 replies

by zlitocook Jun 15, 2002

I have this problem before, I had the book for the mother board. I had to switch a jumper and reset the cmos to fix it. Compaq used to preset the com ports so that when you install one of their componits there would be no conflict. But most of us donot buy from the vendor so there is problems installing off the shelf stuff. Try looking through Compaq/hp web site for support on this problem.

by rebootd Sep 13, 2002

The question was auto-closed by TechRepublic

by thechas Jun 15, 2002

If you have the serial ports on the motherboard enabled, Windows automatically creates a "virtual" comm port for an internal modem.

The only way to have the modem use comm 1 or 2 is to disable that port in BIOS setings, and leave it disabled.

If this is a PnP modem, there should be no problems or conflicts from this.

At this point however, you may have multiple modems installed, and Windows is getting confused.

Make sure that you have the latest drivers for the modem.

Start by going to control panel / modems, and remove all listed modems.
Shut down, and physically remove the modem.
Re-boot, if recommended by the modem mfg, install the driver, then shut down again.
Install the modem, and turn on the PC.

Then, go back tocontrol panel / modems, click on the diagnostics tab, select your modem, and click on more information.
If you get errors, you have a driver problem or conflict.

Chas