Machine = HP P2 233MMX Vectra 32mb ram (Tried 3 different ram chips)
The machine runs fine until i try to install a modem, it accepts the modem ok but once i try to run the diagnostics, it crashes with the error:
System Error
Memory parity error detected
System Halted (blue Screen)
Please help

Hi;

What version os do you have?

What type of memory are you using, origional that came with the system, or replacement? One chip at a time?

What specific Vectra model do you have?

The modem.... what modem do you have? Is it a soft modem? a "soft" modem uses system resources to run, especially cpu time and requires at least 32 mb ram and at least a Cyrix 6x86MX or MII, 266MHz, with 256K L2 cache. This could explain the problems you are having. For example, Motorola states;

"The SM56 modem requires some CPU time from your computer in order to perform the necessary modem functions such as modulation, error correction and buffer management. If the processor does not have enough horsepower, it is possible that the modem will become starved for data while waiting for some CPU time. This is why the PC that the SM56 is installed in must meet a minimum set of system requirement. If the modem is not installed in a compatible system, it is possible that the modem will disconnect when CPU intensive applications are loading or running. To correct this situation, you should upgrade the computer to meet the minimum set of system requirements as described above."



[This message has been edited by danleff (edited 08-16-2001).]

Windows 98se, Original Ram nec mc-454cb646f-a10 (+ Sticker marked HP)Hardware 56k Ambient Modem
HP VL6/233.series 7

Hi;

Do you have the model # of the modem?

I believe that the Ambient modem is indeed a "soft" modem made with intel components. I would guess that, if your system was working properly before inserting the modem (is it the PCI version?) that this is the source of the problems that you are having. I had one of these and besides taking up a good deal of cpu time (although the company claims this is not the case) there have been problems with this brand. I had one and had to return it, as the first one I bought was defective. The second one worked "OK" but it took a good deal of work to get it working at any reasonable speed.

I would suggest trying another modem that has the UART chip onboard, in other words, a hardware based modem, not a "soft" modem that uses the cpu to substitute for an onboard modem UART.

Of course, if you want to tinker, you could try downloading the most recent drivers. Information can be found at Intel at this link;
http://developer.intel.com/design/modems/support/faq.htm

which will give you an idea what your working with.

When doing the modem diagnostics, also try to do the diagnostics without the phone line connected.

My guess is that your system will have trouble with it, given the system information you gave me, and the reply I gave you above.

The modem will also be affected by poor phone line quality easily.


If you can try another hardware modem, and it works, you know where the problem lies.

Good luck!

Let's see if others on this site have any more specific information that can help you.

[This message has been edited by danleff (edited 08-17-2001).]

[This message has been edited by danleff (edited 08-17-2001).]

Can't add to what Dan said. He nailed it. Get a hardware modem. Just about any ISA modem is hardware based, or you can opt for a USR Performance Pro. It's PCI based, but uses an onboard controller on the modem to do its work, without using up system resources. I recently purchased one and was skeptical at first, but now am very pleased with it. It'll run you ~$100.

Good luck.

Big Blue 66


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Yes Sir, Occifer!