PCI communications device

[Mcd]

After booting the "Add new hardware wizard" appears and says it is going to search for communications device, I put in the systems disk and hit search but it can't find it. Any help would be appreciated.

Pat.

[Abbadon]

It might be that the files/drivers for that device are not on your system disk. If you can tell us excactly what device your system is refering to, we'll be able to help you in lociting the correct drivers.

[Kimbo]

Is this a new build? What motherboard is it? Might be onboard sound or modem driver it's looking for, and if we know what board we may be able to offer more help. More info on your system would be most helpful. ;)

Kimbo

[Mcd]

It is a pretty old Gatway with a 450 celeron processor.

[Fruss Tray Ted]

We need more info Your system specs and what changes have been made to your system like modems, sound card etc.

I'll guess it's for a modem with voice/data/fax and suggest using the modem drivers disk to look for the 'inf' file.

[Kimbo]

I think Fruss Tray Ted's guess is probably right about the modem driver, especially if the modem was added and not part of the factory configuration. Do you have sound?

Things to try:

See if the model number of the Gateway is on the case. You can search for that model here (http://www.gateway.com/index.shtml) to find out its original configuration. That might be helpful in determining what hardware you're dealing with.

Check in Control Panel, System, Device Manager to see if either a modem or sound card is listed. If one is listed there, the other is probably the culprit you're looking for. Also check there for yellow or red marks beside any hardware items and let us know if you find any.

Also, when you say "systems disk", is that a recovery CD that came with the computer? If so, it should automatically set up all drivers unless you've added something new to the original setup.

If it's not a recovery CD, it might be a mainboard drivers disk that includes drivers for onboard communications devices. You may have to browse the CD manually to look for subfolders labeled sound or modem while you're in the Add Hardware wizard if it's not finding them when you just point it to the CDROM drive.

Please keep us posted on your progress and we'll keep trying to help figure it out. :)

Kimbo

[Paleo Pete]

Yep, FTT hit it right, PCI Communications device is a modem, and drivers will have to be installed. Those won't usually be on the system (Windows) disk, but on a floppy or CD ROM that came with the modem or on the manufacturer's website.

Most of this is conjecture, we'll be able to give you solid advice once we know a bit more of the details concerning the situation. The main thing I wanted to do is let you know that what the Hardware Wizard is finding is a modem, so that gives you a place to start anyway.

The link Kimbo posted might have drivers, if the modem is the same one originally installed, and if that is the case, drivers might be on the restore disk (if you have it), but might not be easily accessible without actually reinstalling...I'm not too sure how Gateway set their CD system up, but seems I remember they have a separate driver CD.

[PrntRhd]

What model Gateway are we talking about?

Most of their Recovery CDs of that vintage had hardware drivers, including modem drivers, some utility software etc, and a second CD of their version of the Windoze OS included with the computer.
With that Recovery CD, you could install the drivers one at a time or batch load all of them.

[Mcd]

It is a recently installed modem Lucent V92. When I click on modems in the control panel, I get a message box saying "Windows will now try to detect your modem. Before continuing you should 1 if modem is attached make sure it is turned on. 2 Quit any programs using the modem.

When I click ok it says it is checking com port 1, when my modem is an internal modem.

After checking Performance in system in the control panel, it says no PC card sockets are installed. Is this serious.

Gateway 400c
MAXT Tower
Serial no. 0001309530
MFG date 22.10.99

Thanks for all the replys

[Mcd]

This is missing too.

[PrntRhd]

I think Fruss Tray Ted's guess is probably right about the modem driver, especially if the modem was added and not part of the factory configuration. Do you have sound?

FTT is right,
I believe you will have to remove the Lucent modem, boot into SAFE mode, delete the modem driver for the OEM modem,
power down and install the Lucent modem, boot up, it should detect new hardware (modem), and you supply the proper Lucent modem driver when it asks. This modem driver will be one from Lucent's website or on a floppy included with the modem. (Do not use the OEM driver from a Restore CD). I would be certain to label the PC that you have the new spec modem installed and where the driver is stored in the event a OS restore/upgrade is necessary in the future.
:)