missing comm port 3 for modem

[boobaloo]

I am running Win98 with an internal ISA SM56 Motorola modem. Removed old drivers which removed Comm port 3. Refreshing the device list will detect the modem. I load drivers but will not assign it to port 3. The modem takes port 5 instead which the computer will not recognize. How can I get port 3 back?

Thanks

 

[TekTippy4U]

When you removed the drivers the resources/port got probably reassigned to other devices......
It's a known issue for mouse and modems to conflict when trying to share ports....
IRQ's(Interrupt ReQuests) and BIOS settings and the ability of the pc to share interrupts all factor in
Try going into Control Panel.......choose Modems....are any listed?.....If so click properties inder the General Tab....whats it say?....
Also click the Daignostics Tab........Click any/all com ports listed and view details.....

I'm not sure of exactly how to fix your exact problem, but I know that when I had problems with my US Robotics Internal Voice Winmodem....This is on place where I looked for info to hunt down the problem.....

TT4u

Notification:
These are just "my" thoughts....and should be carefully measured against other opinions....I try very hard to impart correct info at all times.

 

[TekTippy4U]

.........also go Start menu/programs/accessories/system tools/System Information......right click and Send to>Desktop(create shortcut)......Easy access to program info now(as it's only a shortcut and can be deleted at any time off your desktop.....or moved)......
Anyway......Open SysInfo and in left pane/ open Components......and obtain info from "ports"....and "modem" sub folders.....on top of right pane there's an advanced button for more info, once iside the subs....

TT4u

Notification:
These are just "my" thoughts....and should be carefully measured against other opinions....I try very hard to impart correct info at all times.

 

[mainegeek]

Does the modem have jumpers on it to change the irq and base? If so, try it on com2, irq 3, 02f8. If not, go into device manager, modems, resource and change it in there.

Com1 Irq4,03F8
Com2 Irq3,02F8
Com3 Irq4,03E8
Com4 Irq3,02E8

 

[boobaloo]

TekTippy4U: Sys info only showing Comm 1 & 2. In Control Panel-Modem-General tab, shows modem -> Diagnostics shows it on Comm 3, more info... "Couldn't open port". It is using IRQ 9. (Comm ports 1 & 2 are OK). No noticable problems in sys info panes.

Mainegeek: No jumpers. Tried forcing resources to use comm 2 but will not use, it will not share. I'll try again.

Thank you both for some ideas.

 

[mattjurado]

So the modem is now assigned to COM3, but you're getting the couldn't open port message? Your first posting states you couldn't choose COM3... Just want to clarify this.

Try going to

http://www.motorola.com/softmodem/driver.htm,

and download the 98 driver sets here (not sure if either of these are the right drivers for that modem, but there is an uninstaller which I have used to remove Motorola SM56 driver sets before). The SM56 drivers don't cleanly remove unless you run the uninstaller, if you unzip these downloads, the file is sm56un.exe or something like that.

Reinstall the correct drivers, try again. If the problem still occurs, try running MSCONFIG, go the STARTUP tab, and disable all background softwares, reboot, try to use the modem again.



Matt J.

 

[TekTippy4U]

Do you have a PS/2 mouse or is it connected to one of the serial ports.....?.
If you don't have PS/2.....the cheapest quickest way is to go buy a $5 PS/2 mouse......Just make sure your MOBO has that type of connector....
If you don't have a connector on board..you'll probably have to move the mouse to COM 2...I'll explain why later..
More info from you...

TT4u


Notification:
These are just "my" thoughts....and should be carefully measured against other opinions....I try very hard to impart correct info at all times.

 

[mainegeek]

You may need to make changes to com 2 in bios. Try changing
it to 03E8.

 

[Rob2806]

I had the same problem when I reformatted my Hard Drive. Seemingly there should be some software with the modem that tells the computer that Com3 exists and that there is a modem there.

If you haven't the software (I had misplaced mine) you may have to buy a new card modem that has the software or buy an external modem and run that from either your serial port or USB port

It cost me in the UK £25 for an external modem.

 

[SESaskDFC]

Howdy:

Go to the following URL and download the three files you need to install the drivers for this modem.. Follow their instructions... Make sure you get the ISA modem drivers..

http://e-www.motorola.com/collateral/SM56_DRIVERS.html

Murray

 

[boobaloo]

I was very fortunate that the owner had the original CD for the modem. I removed the modem in 'devices' then refreshed and loaded drivers from CD. It took comm 4 and works. Before this I tried most of the suggestions above to no avail. I will now think twice (10x) before removing an ISA modem.

Thank you all for your suggestions.
Mike