Recipe 3.3. Repairing a Missing Modem

Problem

Your modem does not work under Windows XP after upgrading the OS.

Solution

Using a graphical user interface

1. Uninstall the device driver, if present.

   1. Right-click My Computer, and select Properties.

   2. Select the Hardware tab, then click Device Manager.

   3. Double-click on Modems to expand the listing, right-click the modem listed, and select Uninstall.

      - or -

      Double-click Other Devices to expand, right-click PCI Simple Communication Controller, and select Uninstall.

   4. Confirm the removal of the device, then click OK to close the dialogs.

2. Install generic modem driver:

   1. Right-click My Computer, and select Properties.

   2. Select the Hardware tab, then click Device Manager.

   3. Double-click on Modems to expand the listing, right-click the modem listed, and select Uninstall.

      - or -

      Double-click Other Devices to expand, right-click PCI Simple Communication Controller, and select Uninstall.

   4. Confirm the removal of the device, then click OK to close the dialogs.

Rockwell/Conextant modem chips found in many popular modems included with off-the-shelf PCs in particular, but also older pre-Windows XP modems may not be supported in XP without new drivers. The best thing to do is to obtain generic Rockwell modem drivers for the HSF (Soft 56k PCI) and HCF (USB) models of modem chips from the Conexant web site at http://www.conexant.com/customer/md_driverdownload.jsp, or visit the web site of your modem's manufacturer for XP drivers, then follow step 1 above to remove the wrong driver before installing new drivers.

Discussion

This problem usually occurs when Windows 95, 98, or ME is upgraded to Windows XP, if the old modem is based on the Rockwell or other chipset and the proper drivers are not included in Windows XP. A generic modem type or updated generic driver will provide basic support for the modem. Upgrading to more up-to-date drivers suitable for Windows 2000 or XP will get you up and running.

See Also

A few independent web sites offer a wealth of information about the Rockwell modem chipset commands and drivers for myriad modems using the chip. Looking up www.modemhelp.net/r/rockwell.shtml and members.shaw.ca/reboot/, or www.modemsite.com/56k/rockhcf.asp, will put you deep in the middle of modem nirvana to get these devices up and running.