Com1 in Ports vs. Com1 in Modems

I just uninstalled the modem (without physically removing it) and reinstalled it using device manager. I was trying to install it as com2, but Wizard only allowed Com1 or "all ports". Since I chose "all ports" last time, and it assigned the modem to com1, I chose com1 this time, just for kicks (to the head). I did get Com1, as expected. And, also as expected, I am getting the same error when querying the modem, some generic stuff about be sure modem is turned on, and irq interrupt is set properly. Anyone know how I can change the modem to Com2? Thankssssss. (Wizard will show me com1 but won't offer any other ports to change it to).

Com ports are serial ports, not ethernet ports. If there's one on the IO panel, it'll be shaped like a VGA port but with 9 pins instead of 15 holes. If not that, then there will be an internal header.

It's not clear to me whether the modem actually needs to use COM1 or usurp its resources. What resources (DevMgr -> r-click device -> Properties -> Resources tab) are in use by COM1 and the modem?

Alphaniner, Thanks.

There isn't any vga port on the back of the computer with any pins. There is one with 15 holes avail. The other 15 hole vga port is in use for monitor. I'm using a phone line plugged into the internal modem, in a PCI expansion slot.

Device Manager for Ports tells me in Resources tab: "Communications Port (COM1)" next to an icon of a large connector (not a phone line). On same Resources tab it shows the I/O range of 03F8- 03FF and IRQ of "(04)". Conflict device list box has "no conflicts". "Use automatic settings" is checked. In General tab, also still in Ports, it says the location of Com1 is "PCI standard ISA bridge". Device Status is "working properly".

When I go to Modems in Device Manager I can't get the word "Resources" to appear anywhere. It does say the port is COM1, and location is "Unknown", and device status is "working properly".

I have a slightly better understanding of what's going on now. External modems need to connect to an actual serial (COM) port on the motherboard. Internal modems "provide a serial port" for all intents and purposes.

I came across information suggesting that generic drivers may not be enough to make internal modems work... but I also found this which may help in your troubleshooting.