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Hi Biff:
Yep. It sure sounds like the modem is dead. If you have a PCMCIA slot, you can get "cardbuss" modems for around $10 at http://search.ebay.com/pcmcia-modem . I got a 3COM 56K modem there, and Win95 recognized it immediately without any special software, and I didn't have to dig around inside my computer case.
Jerry
Here's another idea:
Right-click on MY COMPUTER, then left-click on PROPERTIES. Click on the DEVICE MANAGER tab. Double-click on MODEM in the list (if MODEM appears). One (or more) entries may appear under MODEM. Click on the first one, then click REMOVE. Do this for all the modem entries.
Reboot your computer. It will look for new drivers for all the modems it finds. Maybe this will fix the problem.
Jerry
Hi Jerry!
I looked at the Device manager, and there is only one modem listed, and there's only one listed under the "Ports" section as well. (Before I reformatted, there was a single modem listed under "Modems" and two of the same listed under "Ports", on COM2 and COM5). Indeed it looks as if my modem is fried, although should something like this ever happen again, I'll now be armed with many troubleshooting tips. :)
So the type of modem I should look for on ebay is a "cardbuss"? I know the name of my current modem is the "Sound4 Winmodem", maybe that will be helpful in my searching out a replacement.
Thank you so much for your reply (replies)!
Well -- "cardbuss" describes a type of circuit board. It's about the size of a credit card, and there's usually a socket for it that's easily accessible from the outside of the computer case. Very popular on laptops. If you don't have this kind of socket (PCMCIA) already, the "cardbuss" type modem won't help you.
Jerry
Hi Jerry,
I don't think I have this type of circuit board...When I look at the back of my computer, all I see are the large spots for the printer/monitor/scanner etc to attatch (not sure of the technical terms there), the small holes for the keyboard, mouse and spekers, the space reserved for insertion of the phone cord, and two small slots that look sort of like usb ports. :confused:
So assuming that I'm not equipt for a cardbuss, I suppose I'll need to find a modem that's designed to be internal. I've heard that once the modem is located, it can be removed and reattatched with the simple use of a screwdiriver. But isn't it true that if I were to replace an internal modem, I'd need to seek out and install its specific driver?
Thank you so much for your help!
Hi Biff:
Maybe -- but maybe not. Win95 comes with a lot of built-in drivers, and will try to make your new modem work without your installing special drivers. A brand new modem may not work without new drivers if it's been made in the last few years because when Win95 was designed, they couldn't foresee all the future equipment that it might have to deal with.
If you don't want to dig around inside your computer case, don't forget "serial port" modems were/are sold, and might be easier to install. I found some new ones here:
http://www.partshelf.com/gvcexserpor5.html
which clain to work with Win95.
Also check out eBay:
http://search.ebay.com/serial-port-modem
but be careful to confirm that whatever brand you buy will work with Win95.
Jerry