Modem and COM port issue

[EvertonFC]

Hello

I have an internal modem which WinXP can detect. I am having problems, though, connecting to the Internet (in Hyperterminal I get a NO CARRIER message).

It may be that something else is causing the connection problem, but I note that the modem is using COM3 (COM1 and COM2 are, apparently, using something else!): at least that's what the advanced modem properties dialogue box informs me.

However, when I go into Device Manager, I can only see COM ports 1 and 2 under PORTS (I can't see that there is anything attached to them), and nothing for COM3. There is no label/item showing COM3, let alone a modem set up against COM3.

I CAN see my modem listed under modems.

Is it possible that this is causing me the connection problems?

How can I line my modem up with COM3 if other devices are using these ports? I am not using a scanner or printer.

I am using XP Home.

Many thanks for any help.

Everton

 

[aquias]

Well, first things first, go to Start\Control Panel\Modem and then run the diagnostic on your modem. This will verify whether or not theres a problem with the modem.

A bit of information on ways to test out Hyperterminal.

http://www.mcdermottroe.com/kb/howto/hypertrm.php

Take that above with a grain of salt as I've never done this myself, but it should help verify what's up.

 

[linney]

Your connection problems may be easily diagnosed if you contact your ISP Help Desk, they would have many similar calls to this.

Are you specifically trying to connect just through HyperTerminal?

Internal modems are nearly always set to use COM3.

In the standard ISA architecture, a conflict would arise if COM1 and COM3 or COM2 and COM4 were in use at the same time.

http://www.modemsite.com/56k/pci.asp

To see your COM Ports. (For Information only, don't change anything unless you are sure of what you are doing).

Open Device Manager.

Click on + (Ports COM + LTP) and expand list.

Right-click on Communication Port (COM1) and select Properties.

Click on Port Settings tab.

Click on Advanced button.

Use the Com Port setting "Down Arrow" to expand list of Com Ports.


You should have COM1 - COM256 listed.

This allows you to change the port number that is assigned to the port. For example, if you have three modems connected to COM1, COM2 and COM3, and you want them all to use COM3, change this setting to COM3 for ports COM1 and COM2. This will force each modem to use COM3.





See if these lead anywhere?


HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\HARDWARE\DEVICEMAP\SERIALCOMM

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Ports

Search the Registry for COMn (n = number) and see what else you can turn up.

 

[EvertonFC]

Hello Aquias and Linney

Thank you both for your valuable posts - and links.

Yes, the hyperterminal test (that's all I am interested in using it for) shows: "No Carrier", and AOL, my ISP, suggest there is something wrong with the modem/phone line.

In fact, there WAS something wrong with the phone line, but this has now been repaired. However, I am still unable to connect to my ISP.

I have done as you suggested, Linney, and can see in the advanced properties box (modem) that my modem, which WinXP detects, is attached to COM3. What I am a little perplexed about, though, is why my modem on COM3 doesn't show in device manager.

The advanced properties box also says that the other two ports, COM1 and COM2 are "in use". I only have one 56K modem.

I would probably prefer to leave these two COM ports as they are, but I will investigate your suggestions about the registry.

Thanks again for your posts!

Everton

 

[linney]

My "suggestions" about the Registry were only just for you to look at for information, I make no suggestions about altering the Registry or COM settings, in fact I advise against it.

Is your modem listed in Device Manager under Modems?

It will not be listed under Ports (COM & LPT).

If it is not listed under Modems, or if it is listed incorrectly, that would suggest a driver problem.

 

[micker377]

Does a telephone work on the same line (unplug from computer and plug into 'phone. I just had the same problem: ran SFC to repair a dll problem. Modem died. Modem checked OK in Diagnostics, still no dial tone. Phone line OK. Installed different modem - worked OK! Put modem back in - still checked OK, but no dial tone. Re-installed modem - everything checks the same, but now it works!

"Welcome to the world of Windows".

 

[micker377]

Forgot to add: Windows will put the modem where it wants, this particular one is on IRQ 11.

 

[EvertonFC]

Thanks again for your posts.

I think, like micker377, I will try a different modem.

Linney, the modem itself is showing in Device Manager, but not against COM3. COM3 doesn't show at all, but COM1 and COM2 show - and they seem to be in use.

Thanks again.

EvertonFC

 

[edfair]

COM! and COM2 will be the ports found at the standard communication addresses and IRQs in most cases.
Your modem is showing up at a place that XP has chosen, probably redirecting one of the PCI addresses and IRQs.


Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.