Windows XP & Modems

If you haven't yet installed or upgraded to Windows XP - please read this whole page first! If it's installed, check Control Panel -> System -> Hardware Tab -> Device Manager to see if the modem is listed (see this page for sample); if the Query Modem produces responses, you probably don't have a modem problem - check your Connectoids.

MODEM INSTALLATION IN XP:
If you are upgrading a system with an older version of Windows to XP: you are much more likely to have a modem problem. I recommend remove the modem from the system before you upgrade. (Remove it in Control Panel's Add/Remove Programs if it is listed there, as well as physically.) Then, after XP is installed, put the modem back in the machine. XP should find new hardware and automatically install support.

Clean Install - installing XP "clean" (not attempting to upgrade existing system/OS) shouldn't be a problem - as long as XP has a driver for your modem.

If XP doesn't find a driver for your modem: Search the WindowsUpdate driver list for a driver; or, find a XP or Win2k-compatible driver from your modem vendor.

If you've already upgraded the system with the modem installed, subsequent removal may result in automatic installation of the same non-working driver. You may be able to resolve the problem by installing a new driver using the Update Driver... selection in Device Manager (see below).

ALSO SEE: Checking Modem Install XP Driver Signing XP Tips Disconnections

Check System: Click START -> CONTROL PANEL. (Then, the easiest way for me is to Switch to Classic View, and double-click the SYSTEM icon. There are other ways of bring up System as well.) Then, click on the Hardware tab, and then Device Manager. (See this page.)

Expand the Modems tab by clicking on the +, and your modem should be listed. If it is not, look for Unknown devices / Error indications.

You can also use the Update Driver... and use the don't search / Have Disk option to point XP to a compatible driver you've downloaded. You can also try Uninstall and then try the Add New Hardware wizard - use the don't search / Have disk option to point to a compatible driver.

If the modem is listed without error indication in device manager, continue to Properties by right-clicking the modem as shown.

Windows XP (Updated 26-Apr-03)