Modem not found on Device Manager

Question

I have an Inspiron 8200 running XP Pro. I don't know when it happened (I usually connect to the internet via LAN), but XP can no longer detect the built-in modem. In My Computer>System Properties>Device Manager, there is no entry/icon for Modems. Background: last year, my 8200 had major problems with locking up on boot. It made three unaccompanied trips to the repair depot. (I finally solved the problem by reformatting and reinstalling XP Pro, software, and data.) So it may be possible that on one of those visits to repairland, the technician forgot to plug in a cable. My network connection works fine. I'm running A11 BIOS, and there is no setting to enable/disable the modem controller. Is there anything else to check before I crack the case and check the physical connection?

johnallg · Answer

I would look to see if they actually left the modem daughter card out one of the trips back.
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins8200/en/sm_en/upgrades.htm#1102515

If it is not there, and you cannot convince Dell to provide one, look here.

JimmyJet · Answer

Thanks for the link. I removed the Memory Module/Modem Cover. The PCTEL modem is present and connected to the modem cable. Without removing the bottom cover, I cannot see if the modem cable is connected at the RJ11 end. If the modem is fried, I'll buy another one at the link you provided, but I'm just trying to reconcile modem not working properly vs. modem not found. I suppose it could be fried badly enough that XP can't detect it. What do you think?

johnallg · Answer

Start with removing it from the motherboard (no AC or battery of course) and then reseat it.  See if ti si found then.  Are you sure there is no place to 'Enable' it in the BIOS?

JimmyJet · Answer

I'll try reseating the modem. (I need to get to a meeting, so will need to do it later.) I looked everywhere in the BIOS and did not find any place to enable/disable the modem. I even had a second pair of eyes on it. If we missed it, they hid it well.

JimmyJet · Answer

(I got way too sidetracked to get back to this before.)

I reseated the modem. Still no modem present in Device Manager (i.e., there is no entry in Hardware for Modem). Verified (after reseating) that there is no setting in the A11 BIOS to enable/disable the modem.

Because the message on the modem says to not remove the wrapper (of which the pull tab is a part), I could not see if there were any visible signs of the modem having gotten fried. The wrapper was intact, with no discoloration.

I also tried to have Windows detect a modem. It did not find one. Is it possible that when I reinstalled Windows, I did not reinstall the modem driver? If it is merely missing a driver, why can't Windows detect the device anyway?

Do you think it is time to buy a replacement modem? You sent me the URL for a source in a previous post.

Message Edited by JimmyJet on 06-07-2005 11:29 AM

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Modem not found on Device Manager

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