Dial-Up Modems Question!

Mad Jack · 06-21-2009, 07:03 PM

Hi, all. Please keep in mind that I am a beginner! I have a question that is probably simple to answer...

Can I have both an internal and external modem installed on the same computer and have both enabled?

I have a 2005 Compaq Presario with Windows XP SP2. I am presently using just a plain PCI internal Agere software modem for dial-up Internet access (there are no other options other than satellite where I live). The modem itself has been fine for years, but recently I have been having line noise on my telephone line and my telco can't seem to fix the problem. So I read that external modems can sometimes handle line noise problems better than internal modems, so I bought a TRENDnet 56K external serial port modem to try.

My question pertains to the fact that there is nothing 'wrong' with my PCI modem, but that I would simply like to try and install and use my new external modem to see how it performs in comparison.

Can I install the new external modem without disabling the internal modem in device manager? Also, if I have both modems installed, how does my computer determine which it will use to dial-out with when I attempt to make a connection? Thanks so much!

**TheOutcaste** · 06-22-2009, 01:31 AM

You can have multiple modems. All depends on how many Serial ports or Card slots you have.
The modem to use is set in each "Connectoid", the profile that stores the number and dialing info for each connection.
Or there is software that will let a connection use the next available modem. Each connection is set to use a Virtual Modem, then the software will chose the physical modem that is actually used.

fej2008 · 06-22-2009, 03:53 PM

Outcaste is right, you can have both internet and external dial up modems installed at the same time. The connection will depend on the dial up connection or "connectoid" on which modem will be used to dial the connection. Internal modem go to PCI slot and External goes to Serial ports.

Mad Jack · 06-22-2009, 10:58 PM

Thanks so much for your help! I appreciate it immensely! :D

06-21-2009, 07:03 PM	#1 (permalink)
Mad Jack Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: USA Posts: 15 OS: Windows XP SP2	Dial-Up Modems Question! Hi, all. Please keep in mind that I am a beginner! I have a question that is probably simple to answer... Can I have both an internal and external modem installed on the same computer and have both enabled? I have a 2005 Compaq Presario with Windows XP SP2. I am presently using just a plain PCI internal Agere software modem for dial-up Internet access (there are no other options other than satellite where I live). The modem itself has been fine for years, but recently I have been having line noise on my telephone line and my telco can't seem to fix the problem. So I read that external modems can sometimes handle line noise problems better than internal modems, so I bought a TRENDnet 56K external serial port modem to try. My question pertains to the fact that there is nothing 'wrong' with my PCI modem, but that I would simply like to try and install and use my new external modem to see how it performs in comparison. Can I install the new external modem without disabling the internal modem in device manager? Also, if I have both modems installed, how does my computer determine which it will use to dial-out with when I attempt to make a connection? Thanks so much!

06-22-2009, 01:31 AM	#2 (permalink)
TheOutcaste TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 771 OS: MS-Dos 6.22 - Win7	Re: Dial-Up Modems Question! You can have multiple modems. All depends on how many Serial ports or Card slots you have. The modem to use is set in each "Connectoid", the profile that stores the number and dialing info for each connection. Or there is software that will let a connection use the next available modem. Each connection is set to use a Virtual Modem, then the software will chose the physical modem that is actually used. __________________ Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience Of course I know all the answers; I just don't always match the answers to the right questions. Rated R for Violence -- When your PC flies through a window, that's violent, right?

06-22-2009, 03:53 PM	#3 (permalink)
fej2008 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 263 OS: Windows XP SP2	Re: Dial-Up Modems Question! Outcaste is right, you can have both internet and external dial up modems installed at the same time. The connection will depend on the dial up connection or "connectoid" on which modem will be used to dial the connection. Internal modem go to PCI slot and External goes to Serial ports.

06-22-2009, 10:58 PM	#4 (permalink)
Mad Jack Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: USA Posts: 15 OS: Windows XP SP2	Re: Dial-Up Modems Question! Thanks so much for your help! I appreciate it immensely! :D