Com port modem problem,help!

[.:sp00ky:.]

Ok so it started with my gf's computer getting that stupid ass msn virus(the one with the .pif extentions) after i got rid of them i updated her pc to XP from ME everything seemed fine until we tryed to connect to the internet the modem doesnt dial at all it just say com port already in use i went into hardware settings and changed what com port it used but still the same iv tryed going back to ME still same and iv even formated the entire HD and reset the motherboard put a clean install of xp on and tryed a friends modem but it still says com port in use e.g by another modem or fax,Their is nothing else in any of the slots no graphics card or owt and me my gf and my best mate are all baffled by it so if you have any ideas please go ahead and post them,thanks in advance.

[DigitalJunkie]

Did you go into Control Panel, let Device Manger to Scan For Hardware Changes?

[.:sp00ky:.]

Yup in both ME and XP and with both modems.

[DigitalJunkie]

Did you also go into Phone & Modem to remove it first and then use Add Hardware to automatically find the modem?

[.:sp00ky:.]

Yup and on the clean install of xp their was nothing else installed e.g programs just the modem.

[Lehk]

try a different modem, it could be screwed up.

[DigitalJunkie]

That is strange, check the modem settings & change to another com port?

[Krell]

shut down the pc and unplug

try to turn on once

then remove the modem and move to another PCI slot

plug in and power up, to go the BIOS set up

check to see if PLug and PLay is enabled, if so, turn it off

check your settings to see if you have the ports enabled, then save changes

try going back in to XP, and see if you can install it again

[.:sp00ky:.]

"try a different modem, it could be screwed up."

did that.

"That is strange, check the modem settings & change to another com port?"

I changed the com port on the modem settings to about 10 differnt ones each time it still said the same,even though when chaging them it wouldnt say they were in use(like it did next to port 1 and 2).

"shut down the pc and unplug

try to turn on once

then remove the modem and move to another PCI slot

plug in and power up, to go the BIOS set up

check to see if PLug and PLay is enabled, if so, turn it off

check your settings to see if you have the ports enabled, then save changes

try going back in to XP, and see if you can install it again"
Did all that too com ports 1 and 2 seemed to be the defalt ports enabled both of which when switched to didnt work same" can not connect com port in use when modem trys to dial" message i even tryed using random ports like 230 and 60 ect but they all said the same. i tryed reset each time too after making the changes but still no luck.

[cpugeniusmv]

Are you using the drivers that came with XP (if any), or drivers that may be provided on the manufacturer's website?

[crackerjacker]

irq settings
.......................

[crackerjacker]

i know it has to be a conflict
*use to have that problem many years ago*
btw here read this

Modems and Fax Boards
How to Detect and Correct I/O Address and IRQ Conflicts

Contents:

* IRQS, I/O Addresses, And COM Ports
* Common Symptoms Of An IRQ Conflict
* I/O And IRQ Conflicts
* Finding A Com Port For The Modem/100 & Modem/300
* Finding A Com Port For The SatisFAXtion Modem
* Deciding Which Port To Use For The Modem

IRQS, I/O ADDRESSES, AND COM PORTS

The most common problem users encounter when using a data modem is an IRQ conflict. But just what is an IRQ and why do conflicts arise? If you know the answer, skip to the next section. If you don't, read on.

The microprocessor in your computer works on only one task at a time. When a device (such as your modem) needs the processor to do some work, the device sends an interrupt request (IRQ) to get the processor's attention and an instruction telling the processor what to do. When the processor receives an interrupt request, it puts down the task it was working on, executes the new instruction, then goes back to the original task.

Most add-in devices (including the modems and faxmodems) are very selfish when it comes to their IRQ; they don't like to share. So when you have two devices using the same IRQ, one or the other (or both) of the devices may not operate reliably. The only way to ensure reliable operation of your add-in device is to give the device its own IRQ.

In addition to the IRQ, a data modem also needs a unique I/O address. The I/O address is simply a path for the data to flow in and out of the computer. Having two devices at the same I/O address yields results similar to the IRQ conflict: the device doesn't work reliably.

This brings us to COM ports, which are just specific combinations of IRQs and I/O addresses. The first PCs were given two COM ports: COM1 and COM2. COM1 uses the I/O address 3F8h and IRQ 4. COM2 uses the I/O address 2F8h and IRQ 3. As time went on, the need arose for more COM ports, so COM3 and COM4 were invented. Here's how it looked:
Original Configuration Alternate Configuration
COM1 3F8h 4 COM1 3F8h 4
COM2 2F8h 3 COM2 2F8h 3
COM3 3E8h 4 COM3 3E8h 5
COM4 2E8h 3 COM4 2E8h 2

What's wrong with this picture? In the original configuration, COM1 and COM3 use the same IRQ (as do COM2 and COM4). It didn't take long to learn that the original configuration didn't work well in many cases, so some inventive minds created the alternate configuration which solved some problems, but created others.

So what's the bottom line? Well, many of the devices you can install in your computer require an IRQ, but there are very few IRQs to go around. Your task is to configure every device you add to your computer so that it has a unique IRQ and a unique I/O address. The more devices you add, the trickier this job can be.

The best way to avoid a conflict is to know the I/O address and/or IRQ used by every device in your computer before adding a new device. Examine each board, read the manuals, or call your dealer or the manufacturer to determine the current settings for each board. Also determine your options for reconfiguring the boards (if necessary) to avoid annoying conflicts.
Common Symptoms Of An IRQ Conflict

Here are some of the more common symptoms you might see if you experience an IRQ conflict between your SatisFAXtion data modem and another device.

* Erratic response to AT commands.
* Modem won't echo commands back to the screen.
* Modem doesn't work.

I/O And IRQ Conflicts

When two devices share the same I/O address or IRQ (interrupt request), the devices may not work correctly. To eliminate the potential for conflicts, make sure each device you add to your computer occupies a unique I/O address and IRQ.

Standard COM (serial) Port Address/IRQ Settings
Port I/O Address IRQ
COM1 3F8h 4
COM2 2F8h 3
COM3 3E8h 4
COM4 2E8h 3


Finding A COM Port For The MODEM/100 & MODEM/300

Here's an easy method for finding an unoccupied COM port for the faxmodem. Perform these steps BEFORE inserting the faxmodem into the computer. If you've already inserted the faxmodem, remove it before performing these steps.

* Insert the Crosstalk Communicator diskette into drive A (or drive B).
* Type A:\TESTCOM /S (or B:\TESTCOM /S ) and press ENTER.
* Write down the information on your screen. If you have a printer connected to your computer, hold down the SHIFT key and press the key labeled "Prt Sc" or "Print Scrn". This will print out the text displayed on your screen.

Finding A COM Port For The SatisFAXtion Modem

Here's an easy method for finding an unoccupied COM port for the data modem on the SatisFAXtion Classic, Upgraded SatisFAXtion Classic, and SatisFAXtion Modem/350.

1. Change to the SatisFAXtion software directory (usually C:\FAX).
2. Type 'SETUP' then press ENTER.
3. Run the SatisFAXtion SETUP program, select "Advanced setup", select "Setup hardware", and make sure the "Modem I/O, interrupt" is set to "off".
4. Exit SETUP, reboot the computer, then type 'TESTCOM /S' and press ENTER.

Deciding Which Port To Use For The Modem

If TESTCOM reports that only COM1 is active, set the modem to COM2. If TESTCOM reports both COM1 and COM2 active, find out if there are devices using COM1 or COM2 (such as a mouse, printer, etc.). If possible, disable the unused COM port so you can set the modem that port. See the user's guide for your computer to find out how to disable a COM port.

If you're using both COM1 and COM2 or can't disable your COM ports, you may be able to use COM3 or COM4 depending on the devices attached to COM1 and COM2. A mouse and a modem don't usually share an IRQ successfully. A printer and a modem sometimes can successfully share an IRQ.

Intel internal faxmodems offer two additional configurations. If your faxmodem has switches, see the faxmodem Installation Guide for the switch settings for these configurations (these settings are not printed on the board's metal bracket).

COM3 3E8 IRQ 5 (don't use IRQ5 in a PC/XT-compatible [8088/8086-based] system)

COM4 2E8 IRQ 2 (don't use IRQ2 in an AT-compatible [286/386/486/Pentium-based] system)

If you configure your modem for COM3 IRQ5 and plan to use Windows communications software, you must configure the COM3 port in the Windows Control Panel. After opening the Control Panel, select "Ports". Next, select "COM3" then select the "Advanced" button. Change the "Interrupt request line" to 5.

NOTE: Before configuring your modem for COM3/IRQ 5 or COM4/IRQ 2, make sure your communications software supports these ports.

CAUTION: Never use IRQ 5 in 8088/8086-based computers because IRQ 5 is used by your hard drive. Never use IRQ 2 in 286/386/486-based computers because IRQ 2 is used to "cascade" the two interrupt controllers.

[Krell]

on the SECOND boot up screen, if you have truly disabled P&P in the BIOS, you will be able to see what IRQs the devices use, and can Pause\Break to examine.

If you see your modem on an IRQ used by another device, move it again, until you see it on that screen not sharing an IRQ

If after all this, you cant install it, try one more fresh install, P&P enabled

if after THAT it doesnt work, then get with the times, and throw the modems in the trash


.

[.:sp00ky:.]

"Are you using the drivers that came with XP (if any), or drivers that may be provided on the manufacturer's website?"

they say microsoft so im guessing from xp i dont have the name of the modems.

thanks alot cj it is defintly a conflict but the problem is its a conflict with something thats not reallly their as it says theirs something else using the port even though their isnt i know that com port 1 and 2 are on by defalt and they both seem to be in use i tryed changing these to others but it seems that this imaginary hardware thats conflicting just follows the modem to what ever port i pick.

[.:sp00ky:.]

"on the SECOND boot up screen, if you have truly disabled P&P in the BIOS, you will be able to see what IRQs the devices use, and can Pause\Break to examine.

If you see your modem on an IRQ used by another device, move it again, until you see it on that screen not sharing an IRQ

If after all this, you cant install it, try one more fresh install, P&P enabled

if after THAT it doesnt work, then get with the times, and throw the modems in the trash"

ok i will try this tomoro(im at home now) do you have to enable the second boot up screen in xp....

[The Hunter]

Anybody, whats the name of the program that replaced Aida32, as that may be able to identify all of the hardware involved.

[The Hunter]

Ok, I got it, its called Everest home, and is a great free program to benchmark your pc.
http://www.lavalys.com/products/download.php?pid=1&lang=en

[infringer]

Make sure that the port settings are set to auto in the bios...

-infringer-

[Krell]

ok i will try this tomoro(im at home now) do you have to enable the second boot up screen in xp....

nopers, its BOOT screen

the first screen will show your memory, then your IDE drives, then the SECOND screen you should see will show your hardware, the device ID and what IRQs are assigned according to the BIOS

Im asking you to do this, because, IF XP FUCKING ASSIGNED this right, we all wouldnt be having this conversation, would we people? If he was set to Auto Assign to begin with, it should have worked.

Im asking you to be methodical, and KNOW exactly what your PC is set to do

Also, this modem, what is it? It is a US Robotics, that has little jumpers on it, that says "USE IRQ 3" cuz if it does that over rides anything else. No jumpers, right?

A lot of modems are "soft" modems, they make Windows do all the work, and if thats the case, then this probably isnt a hardware problem at all. Although, im failing to see how two different O/S will have the same symptoms unless your modem is just fried.


Hunter, Everest is just Aida32, sold, renamed and with a tad more developement (maybe). It's a good idea, but I dont see how it will tell him what has his com port in use. Which reminds me . . .

In Control Panel > Adminstrative Tools > Event Viewer

Are there any references to System Events that might provide a clue?

[.:sp00ky:.]

I cant say for 100% but it will be set to what ever xp sets it to by defalt. both modems dont have anything written on them.


"A lot of modems are "soft" modems, they make Windows do all the work, and if thats the case, then this probably isnt a hardware problem at all. Although, im failing to see how two different O/S will have the same symptoms unless your modem is just fried."

Iv tryed another modem which was tested on another pc and it did the same thing so its not "fried"

[The Hunter]

Sorry Krell, i just thought it was a possibly misidentified piece of hardware that was causing the problem. i well remember your posts about software modums.

[Krell]

Sorry Krell, i just thought it was a possibly misidentified piece of hardware that was causing the problem. i well remember your posts about software modums.

And you could be well right, I dont know if he R E A L L Y has the right drivers for these modems or not! M A Y B E generic modem isnt the right choice.

M A Y B E the one tested on another PC has a different O/S, . . . there are a hundred possiblilities to this scenario, thats why we need more info

my gut still say its (the answer) in the BIOS

[.:sp00ky:.]

ok il try give more info,the modem was tested on another pc running ME but still came up with same error on this pc when running ME and same in XP it has generic microsoft driver version 7.12.9.0 (it installs from the harddrive not the xp cd and when iv tryed to install in manualy it doesnt find anyother drivers apart from that 1 the xp version is xp pro with sp2 from the same cd i used on my pc and a few others that all work fine,now under device manager/ports(com and lpt) it showed 2 com ports (communication port(COM1) and communication port(COM2)) i tryed putting the modem set to one of theses(even though it said they were in use both of them??!) that didnt work so i tryed setting the modem to on of the others which in the pop up menu said wasnt in use i tryed loads incuding3 to 6 and then some random ones like 60 and 230 all of which each time when the modem tryed to dial said that the port was in use by another peices of hardware e.g modem or fax machine.i also disabled the com ports just one at first then both but still error i also tryed changing the ports that were in use to higher ones e.g 6 then setting the modem to 1 or 2 but still same error.
like i said b4 all the bios settings will of been on defalt. thats about as much as i can remember.

[Krell]

.:sp00ky:.

It is possible, that this is simply because, you do not have the proper drivers installed. Most of the time, a modem will function with the generic, but not always. Also, not all error messages really mean what they say. The device drivers are what comminicate, and make this device accessible, and to be able to command a port.

Look ALL OVER that modem, get any #s you can off of it. All of us that have done this for years, we have all scrapped for info for no-name brand modems. If you can determine that you need a certain driver for XP, then try that.

As Hunter said, use the Everest prog and see if it gives you ANY info on that modem, a manufacturer, model # etc


.

[infringer]

PNP PCI configuration in bios

enable auto(escd)

if its set to manual this might be the problem...

You can check for conflicts in winxp right click on my computer > properties > hardware tab > Device Manager click on properties of the modem...

be sure that it is enabled and not conflicting...

-infringer-