Upgraded to XP...now modem doesn't work on COM3

  • Thread starter Thread starter Ann
  • Start date Start date
A

Ann

We upgraded from Windows ME to Windows XP. Now the modem
doesn't work. It says the modem is on COM3, but no COM3
appears when I go to Device Manager. Windows help tells
me to enable the COM port via Device Manager...but it
isn't even there to enable.

Any ideas?
 
Ok, Com3 is a virtual com port created for running a modem. Most of the time
this is for a software modem. In reality Com3 is the same as Com1 (odd
numbers). This is why it is a good idea to remove modems, NIC's, and unplug
any external peripherals before upgrading to XP.

In Device Manager, remove the modem.
Reboot the computer. Let XP reinstall it.
If it doesn't work at that point, uninstall it again. Shut down the computer
and move the modem to a different PCI slot. Then restart and let XP
reinstall it again.

Rich
 
First, did you check that you have a proper Windows XP driver for you modem?
It's not unusual when upgrading from 9X to XP to have to obtain an updated
driver. The XP installation bundles drivers for some modems, but not all.

Second, if this is an internal Winmodem the virtual COM port it creates will
not be shown under Ports in Device Manager. You should look under Modems
and it will be shown in the modems properties. You might also see some
indication there re. the problem.

(Don't let the other post confuse you. It is true that the default
specification for COM1 and COM3 specifies the same interrupt for both, but
this is seldom an issue where Winmodems are involved, since plug and play
selects and an interrupt for the modem, and will not normally allow a
conflict of this sort.)
 
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