ISP can't recognize dial-up modem

Question

I run a Dell Inspiron 8100 laptop with Win XP Pro SP2 op system, 256 RAM, 1.0GHz CPU, a 30 GHz hard drive 50% used.   At home I use DSL and on the road use dial-up modem using WalMart Connect and Juno ISP's. Recently my computer wouldn't recognize the modem when trying to connect with either ISP programs. Both worked fine in the past. I get the message Windows cannot find modem.  There are no modem dial sounds.  When I run Windows trouble shooting it says the modem is working fine.  When I set-up  the modem it says it is installed.  Have spent literally hours with Dell Support on the phone. They have tried hard but no success. They ran several of their diagnostics and finally connected my computer with my dial-up modem to the IBM Global Network. It dialed out and connected fine. They concluded there was no problem with the computer. I agree that on the surface that seems correct conclusion. But...I uninstalled both ISP programs and re-installed latest versions (Walmart Connect from CD and Juno from download). Same problem. Neither ISP can connect through the modem. In fact says there isn't one. There has to be some problem within my computer. Everything is original Dell. Have made no changes to the laptop since purchase except software.  Can anyone help?

johnallg · Answer

Have you tried to run the connection wizard again and point it to the modem?

HHdHeel · Answer

Yes I have run the connection wizard and it won't let me anything to set up a new connection. The page is blank and I get the error message 711, saying a configuration within the computer is preventing...etc.  Does the 711 error message code help any?

dcsouthpaw · Answer

Did you ever figure this one out? I'm stuck with the same scenario, though I think it's a Window's problem rather than a hardware issue.

johnallg · Answer

Use the search at the bottom of the page for Error 711 and you get these: http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/search?board_id=insp_modem&submitted=true&q=Error+711

HHdHeel · Answer

John

Sounds like you have me on the right track. But...before I jump into it a couple of questions.

1) I had WinXP home SP1 when the modem problem started. Because of a problem with not being able to download SP2, Microsoft sent me a Win XP Pro with SP2 to install. I did so over the existing installed Win XP. Modem problem did not go away..... do you think I should uninstall the Win Pro now on the system and go back & install the original Win Home that came with the computer, and then directly install the Win XP Pro SP2?

2) Can I uninstall current Windows Op Sys and have the computer still work so I can install the latest version?? Would the computer boot to safe mode or what would it boot to without a Windows op system? Should the changes to the registry be made while no Op system is installed?

3) Is it possible to fix my problem without going back to SP1? Can I just go into the registry and make the recommended changes without touching the installed Win XP?

Thanks for your help.

Bill

HHdHeel · Answer

dcsouthpaw-

No I haven't but if and when I do I will post the solution here so keep watching. Also, If you find a fix please post here so I can see it too. Please note the post after yours with several links to check out. I haven't gone thru them yet.

johnallg · Answer

1) I would leave Windows alone.

2) Without an OS, the computer will report "No Operating System Found" and just sit there at boot.

3) Yes. By editing the registry you will change the existing XP install. The registry is the database Windows uses to know everything about the hardware and the software installed, and how to handle them. Make sure you know what you are doing.

I would first recommend booting to Safe Mode and deleting all modem entried in the Device Manager. Then reboot normally and let the modem be found again and the driver loaded. See if that fixes it.

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

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