Modem Detection

Q: Why does Windows 95 never detect the modem?

A: Check that the system has a free COM port or an IRQ that is ready to be used. The valid COM ports are 1, 2, 3, and 4, and the valid IRQs are 3, 4, 5, 7, and 9.

To check if you have a free IRQ:

1. In My Computer double click on System.
2. Click on the Device Manager tab.
3. Double click on Computer to visualize the list of IRQs used

It may be necessary to reallocate an IRQ to another peripheral, so that the 56 K Voice Winmodem will be detected. For example, configure your sound card to IRQ 11 so that the Winmodem may be installed on IRQ 5.

(ATTENTION: Making changes in the Windows 95 Registry registry database can cause serious problems. Do so at your own risk! Make a copy of your registry database before starting REGEDIT.)

Installation Port

Q: Why does the Winmodem install itself on COM 5 when Windows 95 says that at least one of the COM 1, 2, 3, and 4 ports are available?

A: A damaged registry database can show partial data on a COM port. The Plug and Play (PnP) Registry could have been affected by a partial or incomplete Winmodem installation or it could have been affected by another program. Change the port manually to see if Windows 95 will accept it.

Opening the Installation Port

Q: The Winmodem says that is installed successfully under Windows 95, but when I ask for a modem diagnostic (Modems icon in the Control Panel, Diagnostics, More Info…), the answer is "Impossible to Open the Communication Port". Why?

A: This can happen after you installed the Winmodem and Windows 95 had already registered something the COM port in the registry database.

Q: I installed Winmodem correctly under Windows 95 in COM 3 IRQ 5 but my computer freezes or indicates there is a conflict when I try to return to Window 95. Why?

A: It seems that certain cards that use a DOS 16 driver may be configured on IRQ 5, but these cards do not appear to conflict under Windows 95. To check if the problem exists, take the card out of your computer. If Windows 95 starts-up correctly without the card, the problem probably stems from the sound card driver. The best way to solve this problem is to obtain the latest version of the Windows 95 driver from your sales representative, and then to place the card on an IRQ that is different from IRQ 5.

56 K Voice Winmodem Use

Q: Why may I not use the 56 K Voice Winmodem with DOS or OS/2?

A: The 56 K Voice Winmodem is a modem that is strictly Windows based. It needs the Windows drivers to work. DOS or OS/2 applications cannot detect it.

Installation is Postponed

Q: I did not immediately insert the Winmodem installation disk when Windows 95 requested it and I preferred to postpone the installation. Now how do I install my modem?

A: To install your modem use the following procedure:

1. Click on Start.
2. Click on Settings/Control Panel/System/Device Manager.
3. Click on Other peripherals.
4. Click on Remove.
5. When the peripheral is removed, select Refresh.
6. At this stage, you will be asked to insert the installation disk and the installation will continue without any problems.

N.B.:

You cannot install the Winmodem by selecting Add peripherals or by "Run a: install".

Modem Deinstallation

Q: How do I uninstall the Winmodem under Windows 95/98?

A: To uninstall the Winmodem, use the following procedure:

1. Turn off your computer.
2. Remove the Winmodem card from the computer.
3. Turn on the computer.
4. Click Start/Settings/Control Panel, click on the Winmodem icon.
5. Click on "Uninstall".

Function Test

Q: How do I test the operation of my Winmodem once it is installed?

A: Under Windows 95/98 click on Start/Settings/Control Panel/Modems/Diagnostics. Select the COM port where Winmodem appears. Click on More Info... If the ATIx codes are posted in the blank window, the modem is working correctly.

Plug and Play Error at Start-Up

Q: Why does my computer show a Plug and Play error (PnP) during Start-Up, with reference to a USR Winmodem?

A: This error appears when one (or several) Winmodem parameters are invalid (Examples: Memory Addresses E/S, IRQ, or COM Port).

Firmware and Driver

Q: What is the difference between firmware and a driver?

A: Firmware is a code that isburned into achip inside your modem; it allows the latter to meet industry standards, whether it be X2, V34, V90, etc. It can usually be updated at the modem's website.

The driver is 100% software. It is a file that allows your operating system to recognize your modem and all of its characteristics.

We find many different types of computer hardware on the market and these are often manufactured after the operating system comes out. It is important to be up to date with all the changes concerning your operating system and to make the necessary updates.