I need a modem.

[69Z28]

Hello. I am new here to this site.

My question is in regards to the modem. I did a search first but didn't find info I was looking for.

I just acquired a hand me down computer with WindowsXP. The problem I am having is that I need to replace the modem and don't have any idea how to identify what is in the computer now. I searched the web for anything that may help, but there is no FCC ID number to reference and anything else printed that is of use. No manufacturer or model numbers. Also the computer doesn't see that it is installed. So I am assuming the modem is bad.

There is a serial number however.

The card installs with the components facing down. There are also 2 pin sections on the card that fit into the socket on the motherboard. One long section with 49 contacts and one short section with 11 contacts.

Can anyone help me out here? I was thinking about going with one I can pic up from ebay and could use the info to guide me.

If you need to know anything else please ask.

Thanks

[Allan]

Check Device Manager. But it really doesn't matter - a modem is a modem.

[69Z28]

Allen...
 
Already did that. Computer doesn't indicate that modem is there, however, there is one installed, so I am assuming it is bad. Computer doesn't give me any info on what modem is installed.

[Allan]

Doesn't matter. I assume you're on dial-up. Just decide whether or not you want fax capability and order 56K modem.

Here's a start: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/category_slc.asp?CatId=563&name=Internal

[truenorth]

69Z28, A good start to enable you to find out what your computer is made of would be to download and run the free copy of "everest" and you will then know what exactly you have in the unit.truenorth
http://majorgeeks.com/download4181.html

[Allan]

If it's not in device manager it won't show in Everest. And it doesn't matter - all he has to do is buy a modem.

[truenorth]

True but given it appeared he did not know what the recently acquired computer had in it i figured this would not only assist with his modem issue but give him the knowledge to more explicitly deal with future issues (which undoubtedly there will be).truenorth
P.S. If it turns out that a modem is indeed needed i recommend an internal US Robotics PCI 56k modem. Presuming we are talking dial up.

[Computer_Commando]

... but there is no FCC ID number to reference and anything else printed that is of use. No manufacturer or model numbers. ...

Try reading what's printed on the chips or any other silkscreened info on the card.  Sometimes the card manufacturer just uses a symbol or logo.

[69Z28]

Allan...

Just out of curiosity, can I just get any kind of dial up modem? I have noticed that there are differences where the modem plugs into the motherboard socket. The modem I have has one split in it, as in one long part and one short part to plug in. Other modems I have seen have 2 splits with a long section between 2 short sections.
I also noticed that there are some modems with space/s between the contacts as well. Mine has a full set of contacts on both sides.

So is a moden just a modem? Or is there more than one socket on the motherboard that a modem will fit? In which case at modem is just a modem.

[Allan]

Doesn't matter - it's almost certainly a pci slot. You can read more here if you like: http://www.computerhope.com/btips/modem.htm

[69Z28]

Allan...

I read the info you posted for me. Thanks. However, I still am not convinced that I can just pick any modem and plug it in. Where the modem contacts are, I have noticed in looking to purchase one, that there are 2 obvious contact configurations. I really don't think that these different contact points will plug into the same socket. The modem I took out has a 2 section contact area, a long section with 49 contacts, then a slot and then a short section with 11 contacts.

Other modems I looked at have a 3 section contact area. I can't see how 2 different contact surfaces can be plugged into the same socket.

Unless I am missing something....

[patio]

There are also external modems that plug into a serial port...
Just another option.

[truenorth]

69Z28, To allow you to move on i wonder if you can post a picture of the modem you have removed? If that is not possible take the one you have removed to your local computer retail outlet and ask them to "define" it for you. If indeed it is a PCI card (which is most likely) then i reiterate the earlier suggestion i made. Your hardest problem once you are certain of what you have may be finding a 56k modem ( not used or carried much anymore--unless the on line option is part of your choice). One other suggestion not yet made is to try your current modem in another card slot (if available). Sometimes that can resolve the issue of a card not functioning.truenorth
P.S. There will be generic modem drivers included with your windows O/S which should suffice to get you going if the card works until you can go on line and download the proper Mfgr,'s drivers. If you haven't done the "Everest" scan yet (regardless of the modem problem) you should do so for the reason i advanced earlier.

[69Z28]

Truenorth...

I'll try to get a picture of what I have and and what the other modem I see alot of. I'm downloading Everest now, however, I do have something loaded that tells me everything that is in the computer in question. With the dead modem installed the return info provided indicates that there is NO modem installed.

OK. The top pic is what I have in the computer. So it is safe to say I need one like this one.
The bottom pic is another modem I see a lot more of than the one I have. I don't really think I could buy just any modem and expect it to fit the slots in the computer I have. Allan wasn't giving me enough to go on other than just buy a modem.

[Saving space, attachment deleted by admin]

[69Z28]

Truenorth...

I installed the modem in another slot and computer indicated that it found new hardware. Other than that no activity from the modem. The device drivers section just has a big yellow question mark. I downloaded the drivers for the modem on-line and unzipped them, with no activity there also. Do the drivers go into some specific file when unzipped, or do I need to do something else from there?

To add to this post...

I installed the Everest program and found what modem I have, Ambient Creatix V.90 HaM Data/Fax/Voice Modem.