Can someone please explain to me why XP did this?

[bernse]

First off, system components:

XP Home
Athlon 1.2Ghz (not overclocked or anything, 12x100Mhz)
MSI K7T Pro2A Mobo
640MB PC133 RAM (On 3 dimms)
SB Live Value
Netlink 10/100 card
GF3ti200
Quantum 30GB HD
LS120
Aopen DVD
Teac CDRW
USR 56k Winmodem

I was having a problem with a couple of games not running, so I said to hell with screwing around and just decided to re-install XP Home (something I do from time to time)

However, since my mobo has AC97 and I have no use for a modem anymore as I am on ADSL, I decided to remove both the sound card and Winmodem.

I start the install procedure, format the HD and install XP. All appears to be OK. I go to Microsoft Windows AutoUpdate (to get the service pack, etc). I get as far as running the updater and preparing to install. I hit "OK" to start the actual download of the program, but it just sits at 0K recieved. Its not downloading a thing. To explain, I just get the download window and it sits, not receiving anything. I try to go the the Nvidia site to get vid drivers, and it won't even download the entire webpage. It just hangs with about 7 items left to go. And when I mean "hang", I don't mean Windows hangs, IE just stops "downloading" the page... like its trying to download but no data is coming through.

So, I figure something must have screwed somehow with the install. So, I reinstall. Reformat, the whole 9 yards. The EXACT same thing happens. I can browse "some" webpages, but "most" don't download entirely, and IE just sits there waiting for the rest to come but it never does, no modem activity or anything (flashing data lights). I'm begining to think I may have some sort of weird hardware problem. However, as a last resort I think to myself, "I could browse and everything fine with the modem and soundcard in, I'll try re-installing them." So, I reinstall the cards. Power up windows (I did not reinstall again) and try auto update again. It works. It downloads everything just fine.

WTF I think. I take the cards out, and try again, no go. Same as before. So, I install just the winmodem. Power up, get into IE, Everything works fine. Note: I am not connecting to the Net with the modem, I am using the broadband. My modem is just sitting in the PCI slot with nothing connected to it.

So, I re-installed XPHome with the modem installed, updated, and everything is fine.

So, the question is this. WHY???? Why is my system not downloading/browsing the web properly when the winmodem is not installed? However, as soon as it is, everything is fine. Does XP home somehow require a dialup modem to be installed?

 

[Jerry944T]

I don't know how to solve your problem but I can say that a modem is not needed for the system to run correctly.
Good luck on a solution. You might want to check with your cable tech.
Jerry

 

[MrCraphead]

Try checking what IRQ the NIC and video card is using. If they're on the same one, or not, try moving the NIC to different PCI slots. But yeah, I agree that I think it's a hardware problem.....

 

[farmercal]

Have you checked your BIOS to see if something in there is telling your motherboard that you have to have the modem installed and operating to download? I do know that when in installed a PCI sound card I had to go into the BIOS and turn off the onboard sound. Wouldn't hurt to check.

 

[WeeWolf]

You may be coming across an activation issue. When you activate XP it sends a file to MS with a break down of what you have installed in the machine. If you change a major component then your activation is technically no longer valid. Only the corporate editions do not do this as far as I know. I had thought XP simply would not work if the hardware did not match up but to be honest I'm running corp. ed. so I can't say for sure.
I think if you actually did pay for XP you'll have to contact MS to change your activation code to reflect the loss of that hardware.
Good luck

 

[Slogun]

I believe if it was an activation issue, you would get a clear message to that effect.

I think your solution lies in the BIOS.

 

[IdahoB]

On installation, if Windows detects a modem then it will install all the required files for the internet and networking. Perhaps it doesn't recognize your DSL adapter in the same manner - it'd be worth running the internet and network setup wizards to make it's configured properly.