Misbehaving modem

[Replicon]

First, thanks to all who gave insight into that RAM problem from before. It's all fixed now.

But it looks like that dialup modem problem on that computer was unrelated to the RAM. Here's what happens:

It's a Motorola SM56ACL. All of a sudden, we can't use it, because it thinks the port is already in use. Of course, that isn't the case. Reinstalling the drivers (found them online) fixes the problem, but then, on the next reboot, it gets misconfigured again. Any ideas what could be causing this? I'll post full specs if requested, but it probably isn't necessary for this kind of problem. Thanks!

 

[FlyingPenguin]

What version of Windows? Win98/ME had this problem all the time although I've seen it in 2K and XP as well.

You SURE you have the right drivers? The generic Motorola drivers may not be best. Try to get them from the modem manufacturer's website.

If you don't need them, try disabling the onboard serial ports in BIOS. The modem may be trying to use an IRQ one of the serial ports is using and causing a conflict.

If all else fails, modems are cheap. Go to Best Buy or Walmart and pickup a modem. The old one may have taken a line surge.

 

[Replicon]

It's XP. I'm thinking it may be the surge, since it worked fine for about two years, and only started acting up now.

 

[daveybrat]

Everytime i get a customer in for service with a dial-up issue and find a motorola modem in their computer, i immediately take it out and replace it with an Agere (Lucent) modem. Motorola modems are Crap. I've replaced dozens of motorola chipset 56k modems in my 8 yrs. working on pc's.

Take it out, buy a new one and you'll be in business. 🙂

 

[Replicon]

Hehe alrighty, will do that, thanks a lot. It HAS been a kinda crappy modem (every now and then, would disconnect, etc.), so that's probably a good idea either way.

 

[daniel49]

if your going to buy a new modem buy an external seriel modem with the controller on it for that day when you decide to try linux😉