Problems Using Two Identical Modems in Windows 95

• Microsoft Windows 95

SYMPTOMS

If you install two identical modems in Windows 95 and then try to use the second modem with a 32-bit communications program that supports the Telephony Application Programming Interface (TAPI), the first modem may be used instead. The problem occurs if both modems are identified and installed as the same model.

CAUSE

This problem is caused by the length of the "friendly" name for the modem. You can see the modem's friendly name (for example, "Practical Peripherals PM288MT II V.34") in the Modems tool in Control Panel.

RESOLUTION

To work around this problem, remove the second modem and then reinstall it as a different model. To do so, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double- click Modems.

2. Click the second modem, and then click Remove.

3. Click Add, click the "Don't detect my modem..." check box to select it, and then click Next.

4. In the Manufacturers and Models boxes, click a manufacturer and model that is compatible with your modem. If your modem is not compatible with another modem, click Standard Modem Types in the Manufacturers box and click the model that matches the speed of your modem in the Models box.

   NOTE: If you choose one of the standard modems, you may not be able to use some of the advanced features of your modem. For example, the option to use data compression may not be available.

5. Click Next.

6. Click the appropriate port for the modem, and then click Next.

7. Click Finish.

MORE INFORMATION

This problem typically occurs when you install one modem to use with communications programs, and another modem to use for a different purpose, such as sending and receiving faxes. If both modems are identical and are installed as the same model, both modems appear in the Modems Properties dialog box. For example, if you install two Practical Peripherals PM288MT II V.34 modems in Windows 95, the following modems are displayed on the General tab in Modems properties:

• Practical Peripherals PM288MT II V.34
• Practical Peripherals PM288MT II V.34 #2