Unable to connect to modem

Question

I’m having a problem connecting to my modem. I clicked the phone & modem icon in the control panel, then clicked on the modem tab, then clicked on the properties tab, the message I got was:
“This device is working properly.

If you are having problems with this device, click Troubleshoot to start the troubleshooter.”

I clicked & started troubleshooter and got the following message:
Is your COM port turned off?
This may be the cause of the problem.
Follow these steps: To enable a COM port;
Open Device manager in Control Panel.
Double-click Ports (COM & LPT) to expand the list of ports.
Right-click the port the modem is using, and then click Enable.
If Enable is not listed, the COM port is enabled.

I checked the device manager and clicked on (Com & Lpt)
and com port 3 was not listed.

I also tried clicking on the diagnostics tap and then the query modem and got this message: “The port the modem is using is currently open by another application. Exit any application that may currently be using that port”
However, I do not have another program running.

How can I correct this problem?

PETER345 · Answer

What machine and OS do you have?

You could try deleting (uninstalling) the modem and reinstalling it. Are there updated drivers?

Your OS thinks the com port is in use. It isn't necessarily a program, but could be another driver (e.g. another modem) trying to use the same port.

Peter

PETER345 · Answer

COM1 is a real com port in your machine (i.e. there is a connector on the back and that goes to COM1). The modem has its own COM port, which is setup as COM3. So you absolutely don't want the modem using COM1.

On my machine without any serial ports and a modem, I don't show any COM ports and my modem is setup for COM3.

The problem seems to be that Windows thinks something else is using the COM3 port so your modem can't.

I would try uninstalling the modem drivers and let Windows redetect the modem. Reinstall the drivers if you have to. You can also try moving the modem to a different slot. Windows will treat it like it found new hardware.

Can you try the modem in a different machine to make sure that it is working correctly?

Peter

wmcook · Answer

I'm using Dell Dimension 4600 with Windows XP   There are no driver updates.   I have only com port 1 listed, under the divice manager.   Is there a way to change the modem setup from com port 3 to com port 1?   I've deleted the software for the camera I just added and that did not help.   I've added a new network printer, it is just connected to the router.   Thanks, for your suggestings, any additional help would be appreciated.   Bill

dbramlet · Answer

If PETER345 suggestions don't work go to control panel and device manager. Expand modem to see the type modem you have. Highlight the modem and right click to select properties. Then select advanced. Then select advanced port settings. Then at the botom left you will see COM Port Number and it will show 3. Change that to 2 or 4. Like you were told, do not use com port 1.

Reboot the computer before trying the modem. If this doesn't work then it may be a bad modem as suggested. Sometimes a modem will not seset because it is bad and that will give you the error you get under diagnostics that the port is in use. The com port does not have to show under ports in control panel and the modem should work fine really on 3.

Message Edited by dbramlet on 03-11-2007 04:28 PM

wmcook · Answer

Thanks, I tried port 2 and 4. I still get the message that another program is using these ports also.  I have no other program that would require using a port.   I very rarely ever use the fax, I guess I can live without it.   Sould would like to get it fixed, anyway.   I guess I could have someone comeout or take it someplace to get fixed.   Thanks, for all your help and suggestions.   Bill

dbramlet · Answer

Ok, well then it looks like a bad modem that will not reset on a cold boot unless the fax is tying it up. I think your best bet is to get another modem which might be cheaper than hiring someone yo try to fix it. Walmart sells a nice little PCI 3com modem for like $25 that works pretty well.

Message Edited by dbramlet on 03-11-2007 04:41 PM

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Unable to connect to modem

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