Recurrent freezes when using modem

[alexdimov]

I have an ASUS K7M with Athlon 500. My machine freezes about once a day when I browse the internet. I used to have Asound modem+sound combo where it would lock up a lot. I got rid of that, got myself a Lucent modem and enabled my onboard Yamaha sound. Machine would still lock up when using the modem. What could be the reason - Windows (I have 98SE), hardware(sound, modem, video, processor, motherboard, I don't knoe), software?
Thanks everyone,
Alex

 

[corkyg]

The problem is apparently the Lucent . . . a Winmodem. That is a combination of the worst features to make it cheaper. It uses the CPU instead of its own hardware and that creates opportunities for conflict. It is also internal . . . and another opportunity for conflict because it is in a shared PCI slot.

If you have a K7M (I am running two of them with no conflicts at all, but I have always insisted on external modems) try the Lucent in PCI slot #2. That is a dedicated slot not shared with any other.

What you are experiencing is most likely an IRQ conflict. The K7M PCI slots share as follows:

Slot 1 - shares with the AGP slot. Put nothing in slot 1. It is there in case you have a PCI video card.
Slot 2 - A "private" slot - shares with no other.
Slot 3 - Shares with your on board Codec 97 audio system.
Slot 4 - Shares with the on-board USB controller.
Slot 5 - Shares with AGP and slot 1. Avoid use if at all possible.

Summary - an internal modem should be in slot 2 or 4. It is best to use an external modem connected to an external serial port because:

1. The IRQs for those ports do not enter in at all to Windows IRQ sharing scheme.
2. You can power it on and off without rebooting. That is sometimes needed to clear the buffers.
3. You have functioning LEDs that let you know exactly what is going on, up or down, in or out.
4. It gets it out of the case where it consumes power and helps create un-needed heat.
5. It is a lot easier to install.

 

[alexdimov]

Thanks a bunch; what you said is quite true, I was thinking about getting an external modem but decided to go cheap and now I'll end up spending even more. I have it on slot 2 but it still isn't stable.
Thank you for your advice.
Alex

 

[AreEss64]

Try the latest drivers, get an external. I have to put up with a Micron Millenia that has one. Shipped with it in Slot 5 - nothing but trouble. Moved it to slot 1 (diff mo'board, mind you - slot 1 is private for some goofy reason) and increased stability marginally. Updated drivers, somewhat better. Box shipped with ME - scrap ME and install 98SE if you have it. ME just won't work right with WinModems. You'll never get perfect stability either - this Micron BSOD's 9 times out of 10 shutting down, thanks to the modem.