COM Ports missing on Device manager

Question

A few times now i have had a situation where my COM ports don't show up on the device manager. i know this because i am getting a "no dial tone" when trying to connect to the internet. when doing the troubleshooter i noted that the Ports only listed one - LPT 1 and i couldnt see any Com ports.

when this happened one time before, i was able to get some help in fixing this, but now i cant remember how it was done (could it possibly be related to the initilization strings?) . Tech support isnt able to help me thus far. they think its the modem that needs to be replaced or updated drivers. however, i got newer drivers today and it didnt help.

anyone out there know about this? I just dont think this is a modem problem, but something else related to this port thing. any ideas/info on why i cant see the COM ports and/or get a dial tone?

johnallg · Answer

These modems are software modems and do not list in the ComPort area of the Device Manager, but in the Modem catagory.  In the Control Panel - Phone and Modem Properties' Modem tab you will find the port listed. Message Edited by johnallg on 08-24-2004 10:47 PM

whitebisondream · Answer

Thanks for the info.  it turns out ive got mega probs with my motherboard and am sending it in to be fixed up.

Mr Robert · Answer

Hi:

Have problem with Dell Inspirion 7000 and app using com port.
Below MS KB seems to be the problem. My app using com(selectable)
can't connect using only listed com port com3 as described below.

Is this a Dell problem and has it been fixed in bios upgrade??

Thanks.
Best regards

Windows 2000 Device Manager Shows Modem on COM3 When It Is on COM2
View products that this article applies to.
This article was previously published under Q247152
SYMPTOMS
When you use a Dell Inspiron 7000 portable computer running Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional, Device Manager incorrectly shows the modem as being on communications port COM3, instead of on COM2. However, Windows 2000 correctly detects the modem and uses the resources as assigned in BIOS (02F8-02FF, IRQ 3).

This occurs on a portable computer with an internal LT Winmodem that uses the default basic input/output system (BIOS) settings.
STATUS
Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional.

johnallg · Answer

Boot to the safe mode, go to the Device Manager, delete all modem entries, reboot and let the modem be found again and driver loaded.  See if that fixes it.  Then if you are not using the 8.30 driver, use the link below and get it and load it.

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

COM Ports missing on Device manager

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