Modem Drivers

Do you know what kind of chipset your modem has? You'll find drivers - or links to driver sources on the page(s) about your modem's chipset. These pages are listed in the "About Modems with Your Chipset" section of the Troubleshooting Contents page - and also at the bottom of this page. This site has driver downloads for Lucent/Agere LT Win Modem; as well as links to drivers for most other modems.

Do you know what driver version you are using now? See Driver Versions. Before attempting to upgrade or change your driver, you should determine the version you are presently using.

Microsoft's Windows Update for XP site has drivers and links to drivers for many modems. (Note: I know of no way to get these drivers from Microsoft if you aren't running XP - which can create a catch 22 - see 16-Feb-02 latest update.)

If you don't know what chipset your modem has - you need to find out:
   The Chipset Page

IF YOU ARE INSTALLING WINDOWS XP and you are having trouble with the modem, see Windows XP & Modems.

But first: Do you really need a modem driver? - See the information below based upon the type of modem you have:

If you have a modem that has a hardware controller:
  Conexant/Rockwell ACF, Lucent/Agere Venus, Many USR models, etc.

The modem doesn't need a driver to work - the "driver" that makes it a modem is in the modem and is known as flash firmware. To install the modem in Windows, the "driver" is an .inf file that defines the modem's command set and other responses for Windows-TAPI applications. Connectivity problems basically are unaffected by the "driver" - only a firmware flash can change the code that determines how well your modem will perform. If you have a problem with this type of modem, consult the Interactive Troubleshooter or Troubleshooting Contents for information on your type of trouble.