We have recently bought a Dimension 8300 with xP home and had it working well for two days. We connected a conon Lide20 scanner to the USB. The Found new Hardware wizard opened and then detected multiple modems (conexant d850 56K v.9x). We lost internet capability, the machine crashed. When booted in safe mode there were 64 modems loaded (all the same). At boot up there is a PCI device error and IRQ message that flashes up. We never did install the scanner.

Spent 6 hours on the phone over 2 days with dell support (southern India) reloading XP and drivers (twice). No success. Tried everything after that including uninstalling modems, drivers. Each time we rebooted the same new hardware wizard detected window appeared and we got all 64 modems back again. Occasionally able to get computer up and running including disabling 63 modems and having one that works. The system is very unstable.

When we do only get one modem on the system we get opening port error messages.

Virus scanning shows no infections

Yesterday same thing happens (no new hardware/software installed) and multiple modems loaded. Have tried new drivers for modem from dell site and still no good.

Are there any ideas on  what may be wrong with the system? telephone support from Australia is okay if all you want to do is swap curry recipes and try standard fixes. we need some imaginative help.