I have been using a 56k internal modem for some time. Earlier this week when I logged on to my machine the modem was no longer recognised by the computer.
When I go into control panel -> modems -> diagnostics -> more info, I get the message 'cannot open port' about com3. As far as I can see, com3 no longer exists.
I have tried taking the modem card out and putting it in a different PCI slot, no joy. I've now borrowed a friend's external modem and have downloaded the latest firmware drivers for my internal modem, but when I try to install them it gets a third of the way through the install and then stops, with no further progress.
Does anyone have any sugegstions please?

This has happen to me a couple of times and this is what I did. Remove the modem from device manager, shut down the system, remove the card and reseat until it clicks, I had to do this a few times to get it to seat right. Reboot and windows should pick it up, have your modem disk ready and follow the wizard it should install the drivers. If all else fails get a new modem. One day I will be a pro too. Thanks Andy Oh someone else may have a better solution.

Driver problems are the noumber source for that kind of problem with an internal modem...what Andy said is the way to go, unless your modem has an uninstall feature in Add/Remove programs, use it instead,

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mjc
Links list:Computer Links (http://www.dreamwater.org/tech/mjc/index.htm)

Celts are the men that heaven made mad, For all their battles are merry and their songs are all sad.

Thanks mjc I have uninstall under modem, device manager. Advice very well taken because I need all the help I can get so one day I will be a pro too Thanks Andy Yes whyzman am going to make it to the test page and thank you for the help

The problem is now fixed, thanks for sugegstions. After checking everything, installing new drivers, even fiddling with the records in the registry, it was apparent that the computer just wasn't seeing the modem. I went and bought a new modem today which works fine.
Only thing I can think of is some sort of surge down the phone line which caused the modem to break.

Dear Bobbedy:

I'm glad you're up and running. Now do yourself a favor and go to the local computer store and get an APC sure protector with telephone line protection. If your diagnosis is correct, the next little surge may take out more than your modem. It will be money well spent....