External Serial Modem Not Available Until Redetected

• Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
• Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional

SYMPTOMS

If an external serial Plug and Play modem is turned off when you start Windows 2000, the modem is not available in Windows 2000.

CAUSE

Windows 2000 cannot detect the current status of Plug and Play devices attached to the serial ports during normal operation because serial port polling is not performed.

RESOLUTION

To activate the modem:

1. Right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.



2. On the Hardware tab, click Device Manager.



3. Double-click Modems.



4. Right-click the modem to be detected, and then click Scan for hardware changes.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article.

MORE INFORMATION

Some external serial modems may appear on the taskbar as being ejectable. This is because of the Plug and Play capabilities of the modem, indicating that the modem can be removed with turning off the computer first. This feature is not functioning at this time in Windows 2000.

Windows 2000 recognizes a Plug and Play modem only if it is attached before you start Windows, or if you scan for hardware changes. This problem was noted on an ELSA MicroLink 56k modem, but other modems may have these symptoms.

Additional query words:

Keywords : kbenv kbhw
Version : WINDOWS:2000
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type : kbprb