I wasn't really sure where to post this question but I think the problem I'm having is hardware related so I'm posting here.

I've got a computer with windows 98 here, it boots up fine without a modem in a pci slot. But when I install a modem into the computer it won't make it past the post. I'm not really sure whats causing this problem, I've looked at the the IRQ's and set them up manually, and when they are set up manually it will make it past the Win98 loading sceen but then freezes before the desktop. I do know the computer had a bad processor fan and over heated on several occasions, and it's old. It's got old EISA slots on it and I'm not too familiar with those, maybe I'm not setting up the IRQ's right. The modems(I've tried two that should work, I don't know first hand they work, but I was told they do) are PCI modems if that clears anything up.

It's using a serial mouse also, that might help yu guys out, I think.
I've heard of serial ?mouse's? or ?mice? and modems having problems, i dunno if this is the case.

Thanks in advance, and thanks for the help you guys have provided me in other posts.

edit-I want to install a modem and be able to use in under win 98 on this computer... I never said that in the post.

Chery

Not sure, but to me it sound like your PC is a little too old to handle an extra peripheral. Try upgrading it. Check tigerdirect.com, you might even find a reasonable PC with built in modem and larger HDD that would be worth looking into. Just be patient, our experts will sign on soon and you'll get more advice. Good Luck! Since notebooks are the in thing now,desktop PCs can be purchased for a great deal. P.S. If you need a handy or two, try looking at one of the TV sale shows that will advertise handies plus a laptop or desktop PC for no price at all except for the contract of the handies. That's how I got my new Siemens handy and a great LCD TV. At any rate, do some shopping around for a better PC without headaches.

StuMegu

Sounds like this machine's a bit ropy but lets have a go!

I assume the computer boots fine without the modem(s) installed!

Generally you shouldn't need to set Irq's manually - I would suggest resetting your bios to default settings.

The PCI bus usually manages the irq allocations itself, it could be that your modem has a jumper setting on the pci card that forces a particular IRQ, this could be conflicting with your mouse!

Try booting without the serial mouse plugged in to test that.

Can you test the modem in another computer to see if it works there?

Also Windows 98 can be configured to keep IRQ's for certain devices, again I would not recommend this as it gets messy to keep on top of.

If you have set IRQ's manually in windows aswell I would suggest setting them back to auto and see how you go!

Post back with a progress report

fredg

Hi,
As another said, you shouldn't have to set up your own IRQ's for the modem; it should install, if you have the proper CD and/or drivers for it.
As for the Serial mouse, our local computer shops here have boxes and boxes of them (used) that won't work. I also use Win98SE, and use a ps2 mouse with no problems. Serial mice don't always work! and can sometimes cause problems with installing other things.
Is this an External or internal modem you are trying to install?
If it's External, it should have an install CD which contains all the files you need for installation.
Best wishes,
fredg

Chery

It's only my opinion, but PCs are so cheap today, I'd get a better one with all in it. You'll probably want a new CD/DVD burner soon, or another HDD anyway, so check out the sales. Tigerdirect.com is even having free giveaways with purchases. Try it.

giantrobotz

Sorry the the long delay on a reply. I tried a lot of things to fix this and eventually I gave up and found a better motherboard stuck some more memory in it and installed xp. It worked and it was easier, also xp is also a much better OS than 98 so thats a bonus. Thanks for your help, again.

fredg

Hi,
Glad you found an answer to the issue. XP is good, so is Win2000. Personally, I still like Win98SE cause it runs older programs that's hard to find now.
As an additional comment about modems, have you considered an External modem?
External modems are better than an internal one. A good one is the Creative Modem Blaster, also some of the others are good, too. The External modem does not use the computer's power; it uses its own power from a wall electrical plug.
Most pharmacies and other businesses use external modems, due to faster connections with their insurance corporations and other types of fast service.
Best wishes,
fredg

ScottGem

On what do you base your statement that Externals are better than Internals? On what do you base your statement that most pharmaices and other types of business use externals and that these externals provide a faster connection?

I'm not necessarily disagreeing with you, just trying to find where you are getting your info from.

Scott<>

fredg

As you well know, the best source of the most information is using a search engine, online.
As you also might know, ask your local drug stores/pharmacies how they connect to their prescriptions' services. Also, you might check with local doctors'/surgeons offices; asking their billing people how they communicate with insurance companies and billing agencies; specifically, what type of modems they use. Ask your local new and used car dealers what type of modems they use for connections concerning warranties and updates, if they are one of the larger dealers. Check with one of the larger hospital providers, such as Wellmont, etc, asking if they use external modems for their communications. This could take you some time, and give you some valuable information; face-to-face facts and hands-on learning.
If you aren't disagreeing, then you obviously know the answer also! Makes for some good posts, listening to "proving what you say" type of categories!! Most people accept common knowledge, not asking where, what kind, how many, who did it, how was it done, how many events were used, who validated the findings, how was the validation performed, who tested the results, who published the findings, who approved the publishing, and with what authority. Any more questions/comments?
Have a great day, and have a good time finding out all the above for yourself; which I have been; asking these questions for the past 3 or 4 years, out of curiosity of learning.
Also, most External modems are faster than internal modems, due to using their own power supply and software drivers, different from MS Windows.
fredg

Curlyben

What total cobblers !!!!!
Fred please explain this statement as it is a serious generialisation that has little base in fact.

The main reason behind companies using external modems is one of ease of replacement.
When the go bang it takes less effort to swap an external modem than it does an internal one.
Simple realy.