Question about Com Ports

Lorraine W · 08-03-2004, 04:57 PM

Hi, I have a question and I was hoping someone here could answer. We have cable internet on our new computer, and I've decided to use my old computer for my daughter. Anyway, I'm going to be getting a router but in the meantime, I am going to have dial up connection on the older computer. Here's the problem. I had to buy a new modem a while back, and it wouldn't fit in COM1, so I installed it in COM 2. The computer says the modem is installed successfully, however it is seeing it in COM 1, and when I try to connect to the internet, it is saying it cannot detect a modem. Basically, what I need to know is how to change the COM port on the computer from 1 to 2. I've done it before, but it's been a while and I forgot. I have called AOL, Best Buy, and even Comcast, my cable internet provider, but none could help. I know there is a way, I just cannot remember how. I would really appreciate if someone could help me asap. Thanks in advance. Lorraine

08-03-2004, 05:43 PM

Hi,

Two things...first of all, if you want to look at the port assignment and possibly change, look in this area:

Start, Control Panel, System, Hardware, Device Manager, find what you are looking for, then right click, then properties, Advanced....and there are your port settings.

A little advice if you have three PCI slots on your computer. Modems usually operate better (if they are stubborn ones anyhow) if in PCI #3 and that closely matches factory specs. I would move it there and see what happens first if this is possible. This is a personal opinion, but has worked for several who have had some of the problems you have had without changing ports. Hey, when it comes to computers, I will try anything.

08-03-2004, 08:19 PM

If your not using com1 and com2 do the following in safe mode.
Remove the modem from device manager.
And while your there remove com1 and com2 also.
Shutdown.
Remove the modem.
Boot up.
Go into the bios and disabling com1 and com2.
Save and reboot.
Check device manager to make sure removed items are not there.
Shutdown
Install the modem.
Boot in normal mode up and install the driver when prompted.

08-03-2004, 04:57 PM	#1 (permalink)
Lorraine W Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 1 OS: xp	Question about Com Ports Hi, I have a question and I was hoping someone here could answer. We have cable internet on our new computer, and I've decided to use my old computer for my daughter. Anyway, I'm going to be getting a router but in the meantime, I am going to have dial up connection on the older computer. Here's the problem. I had to buy a new modem a while back, and it wouldn't fit in COM1, so I installed it in COM 2. The computer says the modem is installed successfully, however it is seeing it in COM 1, and when I try to connect to the internet, it is saying it cannot detect a modem. Basically, what I need to know is how to change the COM port on the computer from 1 to 2. I've done it before, but it's been a while and I forgot. I have called AOL, Best Buy, and even Comcast, my cable internet provider, but none could help. I know there is a way, I just cannot remember how. I would really appreciate if someone could help me asap. Thanks in advance. Lorraine

08-03-2004, 05:43 PM	#2 (permalink)
mark3567 Posts: n/a OS:	Hi, Two things...first of all, if you want to look at the port assignment and possibly change, look in this area: Start, Control Panel, System, Hardware, Device Manager, find what you are looking for, then right click, then properties, Advanced....and there are your port settings. A little advice if you have three PCI slots on your computer. Modems usually operate better (if they are stubborn ones anyhow) if in PCI #3 and that closely matches factory specs. I would move it there and see what happens first if this is possible. This is a personal opinion, but has worked for several who have had some of the problems you have had without changing ports. Hey, when it comes to computers, I will try anything.

08-03-2004, 08:19 PM	#3 (permalink)
SPEEDO Posts: n/a OS:	If your not using com1 and com2 do the following in safe mode. Remove the modem from device manager. And while your there remove com1 and com2 also. Shutdown. Remove the modem. Boot up. Go into the bios and disabling com1 and com2. Save and reboot. Check device manager to make sure removed items are not there. Shutdown Install the modem. Boot in normal mode up and install the driver when prompted.