IRQ problems????

[clutchcargo]

Recently I had to replace my old ISA modem which finally, after many years of faithful service, failed to pass a renewal medical.

SO..... considering myself to be somewhat dangerous in the area of computers (that means I have limited knowledge at the best of times), I decided to invest in one of the "new-fangled" PCI modems - Just plug it in and pray (oops I meant prey, ooops I meant play <img src="smile.gif" border="0"> ).

Well the thing has taken over my machine and allocated IRQ 10 and 11 for the PCI steering of the modem and video card, in the process it booted off the secondary IDE hard drive controller (which has resulted in me being unable to access one of the hard-drives). And worst of all it will not allow me to change any of the IRQ settings.

Does anybody know of an easy fix - apart form welding a large chain on one end and using it as the latest mooring bouy.

I am willing to send beer..... <img src="smile.gif" border="0"> :) <img src="wink.gif" border="0">

[Andrew Cant]

You have two choices really. Patch up your existing config by re-installing all the devices that the modem booted out (it'll be easier that way rather than trying to re-arrange the modem settings as modems can be really picky regarding IRQ settings). Depending on the level of damage, you may be able to get away with just running the Add New Hardware wizard from your control panel. Hopefully, it will find all the hardware that 'fell out' of your system.

The other option is to un-install the internal modem, and buy an external modem. These connect through your serial port, which will have resources already assigned, and hence, shouldn't give you the problems that the internal modem is causing.

[fobotcso]

CC what are you on? That is, er, what version of Windows? Sounds like Win98/ME with your mention of PCI steering, but I can't imagine any system allowing itself to be locked up by a pesky modem.

I wouldn't give any piece of hardware house room that I could not contol fully but I suspect you can change the IRQ settings if you really dig deep into the Resources allocation and uncheck the "use automatic settings" box.

[clutchcargo]

Thanks for your replies and help

fobotcso - I am using win 98 and the problem is that even with the automatic settings box unchecked the system resoures will not allow me to change the IRQ settings.

I think I might have a new mooring bouy after all.

[BayAreaLondoner]

Another thought is to see if there is an updated or, heaven fordbid, a specific driver for said PCI modem. A new driver may allow you to specifically configure IRQs.
However, as the other poster mentioned, modems are finnicky about their IRQs and one typically has to shuffle things to fit around them.

[clutchcargo]

Been searching through the FAQs on said problem, apparently it is a fairly common problem and has a bit to do with the age of the motherboard and the BIOS that is being run.
Apparently, so I am being told, my BIOS is outdated (considering it is only 1996 vintage - I guess I'm well beyond hope)and needs to be updated.
So many thanks for your help. I guess I will have to live with the inconvenience.

Safe skies.....CC

[Man-on-the-fence]

Clutch

Ever flashed a BIOS before??

Good Luck <img src="tongue.gif" border="0">

[clutchcargo]

MOTF - Never.....
Would it be worth considering in this case and what would be the best way to go about it.

I haven't considered going down that path as I have heard a few horror storeis of not being able to boot up and then not even being able to reinstall the old BIOS.

I don't think I could stand the thought of nver being able to read pprune again :) :) :)

[Man-on-the-fence]

clutch

It isnt a job for the faint hearted, for a start you will need to know the exact make and model number of your motherboard.

When it goes right it is a big anticlimax, if it goes wrong...err...thats it!!

You are probably better living with it.