Error Message: Modem is Busy or Not Responding

• Microsoft Windows 95

IMPORTANT: This article contains information about editing the registry. Before you edit the registry, you should first make a backup copy of the registry files (System.dat and User.dat). Both are hidden files in the Windows folder.

SYMPTOMS

When you try to dial by using Online Registration, HyperTerminal, or MSN, The Microsoft Network, you may receive the following error message:

   Modem is busy or not responding.

CAUSE

You may receive the error message if any of the following conditions are true:

• The port is being controlled by another communications program.
• The port settings are in conflict with another device.
• The registry contains incorrect or damaged communications settings.

RESOLUTION

If the port is being controlled by another communications program, close the other communications program.

This situation usually occurs when a 16-bit program is open (possibly minimized). The only way that multiple programs can use the port is for the controlling program and the requesting program to be TAPI aware. The TAPI specification allows for the controlling program to relinquish control of the port to the requesting program.

If the port settings are in conflict with another device, follow these steps:

1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel on the menu that appears.

2. In Control Panel, double-click the Systems icon.

3. In Systems Properties, click the Performance tab, and then click Graphics.

4. In Advanced Graphics Settings, move the Hardware acceleration slider to None.

If the Windows 95 Registry contains incorrect or corrupt communications settings, follow these steps:

1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel on the menu that appears.

2. In Control Panel, double-click the Modems icon.

3. In Modems properties, click the modem, and then click Properties.

4. Click the General tab, and then click the Only Connect At This Speed check box to clear it.

5. Click the Connection tab, and then click the Disconnect A Call If Idle check box to clear it.

6. Click Advanced, and then click the Use Flow Control check box to clear it.

7. Click OK or Close until you return to Control Panel.

If you still receive the "Modem is busy or not responding" error message after you complete these troubleshooting tips, follow these steps.

NOTE: For information about how to edit the registry, view the Changing Keys And Values online Help topic in Registry Editor (Regedit.exe). Note that you should make a backup copy of the registry files (System.dat and User.dat) before you edit the registry.

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall Windows 95. Microsoft cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the incorrect use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

1. Make a copy of your registry by typing the following command at an MS-DOS prompt:

         CD\<windows folder> (where <windows folder> is the name of your
                              Windows folder)
         ATTRIB -R -A -S -H System.dat
         COPY System.dat SYSTEM.PSS
         ATTRIB +R +A +S +H System.dat
   
   

2. On the Desktop, click the Start button, and then click Run.

3. In the Open box, type "Regedit" (without the quotation marks).

4. In Registry Editor, double-click each of the following items:

         HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Class\Modem\
         0000\Settings
   

5. Under Name, using the right mouse button, click FlowControl_Hard, and then click Modify on the menu that appears. In Edit String, delete the data under Value data.

6. Under Name, using the right mouse button, click InactivityTimeout, and then click Modify on the menu that appears. In Edit String, delete the data under Value data.

7. Under Name, using the right mouse button, click SpeedNegotiation_On, and then click Modify on the menu that appears. In Edit String, delete the data under Value data.

   NOTE: Do not delete the Value name; delete only the Value data.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft Windows 95. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.