I was given a 56k modem. No software. I've discovered it came ina Gateway, and was actually able to identify it as a Lucent, and was refered to a driver, that I downloaded. When Wizzard could not detect any new hardware, I would click on have disk, and insert the driver I had downloaded onto a floppy. Is this right? All seemed to go well, except the %^%$^ thing never dials! I had to change slots w/ the "new" modem. I went from the wider slot, to a narrower slot, next to it. Do I need to change bios settings? My machine is a HP Pavilion 3100, w/windows 95. The old modem was a WinLT 33k Too slow. Any help would be gratly appreciated, by this Modem dummy !

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chris

Well, I have some general questions for you.... First, in regards to you switching slots: The wider slots in your pc are called ISA slots, and the smaller slots are called PCI slots. You have to make sure you know which slot your modem is built to user. It will not work in just any slot. Secondly, are you sure that you have the correct driver for this modem. An incorrect modem drive can be another cause for a modem to not work. Thirdly, if you do have tne correct driver, did you shut the computer down when you installed the modem, reboot the pc, and click 'add new hardware' in order for your pc to properly detect it? Better yet, is it an old modem? If so, it may not be plug-n-play (just for GP). Did you configure the dial up procedure for the new modem? Did you delete all of the hardware for the old modem? If you didn't do any of these, try the installation process again with some of these suggestions in mind and let me know how it goes. I'm sure there are others on this forum that have some suggestions for you also. Good Luck.........

I was able to get some help from Gateway. I read them the P/N number off the modem, they refered me to the drver download, there were two for windowa 95. I've tried both. I went into bios, and enabled com2. Today I tried each driver in each com (1, then 2) one at a time carefully deleating, then restarting the machine, no help. I believe the slot change is a ligitamate concern. The old 33k modem that came with the system won't configure either, now. It's just not in the available drivers anymore, having mysteriously disappeared. I'm thinking the only hope for me now is to do the hard disk restore, at least the old 33k will work, even If I loose a lot of material at least I could dial out. (I've also got a laptop, I'm using tonight), anyway thanks for your help. Let me know if you have anymore suggestions.

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chris

Winmodems have to be installed by using the software install program, not by simply installing the drivers. Run the .exe file instead of trying to install it as a normal driver. And leave COM2 enabled in BIOS.

Only other suggestion I have is get a decent hardware based modem, they work lots better.

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Soon as I come up with all the answers...they change the questions!!

Computer Information Links (http://www.geocities.com/paleopete/)

Does either modem have jumpers to set the COM port? I have had two "Plug & Play" modems that were not detected and/or configured by Win98. I disabled the P&P and set them to COM 3, then restarted Windows to detect them.

I know the frustration well, but I think you have some options left before you need to think about reinstalling Windows.

I agree with Pete about a hardware modem. Cost had been the deciding factor for me before, but they may be in your budget.

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rdrummond@thesimpsons.com

I got it! I just want to say thanks to everyone for their help!
I downloaded the driver again, this time reinstalling it w/ setup.exe in dos. Then deleating the modem from control panel, after restarting the machine again, it detected the modem, thanks to Paleo Pete esp. for your advice. Unfortunatly, my connection speeds are no better then w/ the 33k. 24k or 26.4. Oh well. Thats my ISP, and these sorry phone lines in Albany, Ga. Again, thanks!


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chris

Glad you had success.. these folks are truly the best...site is great
for your info..I presently have a Gateway system that I purchase 3 yrs ago (b$ I knew a Thing about Computer or Internet etc...I origninally has a 56k flex modem that I could not get to work at any greater speed etc..Well I was able to install a Diamond Supra PCI modem and please check with your ISP I had an old access # that was only allowing 33.6 changed dial up # under properties to one of the 56K #'s and speeds have improved to an avg of 48000 bps

also FGOR FUTURE REFERENCE check out PALEO PETE'S COMPUTER INFO LINKS ON THE LIST YOU WILL FIND GATEWAY INFO

You can check the dial up number, as suggested, that might be part of the problem, but the main thing is more likely to be that it's a winmodem. They are notorious for slow connection speeds, or not connecting at all.

56K (http://www.56k.com/reports/winmodem.shtml) has some info about them.

The PC Guide's Software Modem Issues (http://www.pcguide.com/ts/x/comp/modem/sw.htm) article has some info too.

Winmodwms use your processor to do the work instead of a processor on the card. They also have problems with connection speeds, and since Lucent modems are designed to communicate with other Lucent modems, they often have a hard time with the type used by most ISP's. You'll also notice the connection speed may drop during downloads, and won't come back up. The only way to connect faster again is to log off and back on.

The quality of your phone lines can also have a detrimental effect on connection speed. Try unplugging all phones from the system, leaving only the modem plugged in, and see if you get better connections. Other devices on the lines can cause problems, even though modems are supposed to ignore other devices on the lines.

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Soon as I come up with all the answers...they change the questions!!

Computer Information Links (http://www.geocities.com/paleopete/)