DOS/Windows 3.1 General Troubleshooting Guide


Note:  To run Microsoft Diagnostics(MSD), exit to DOS and type MSD
       then <Enter>.
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Problem:  MSD sees the modem, which tells your computer that the port
          is active, however, when typing in Windows Terminal, the 
          modem shows no errors, and no echo on the screen.

Solution:  This is usually the result of an IRQ conflict. Check to
           make sure none of the other devices in your computer are 
           using the same IRQ as the modem. The most common device to 
           conflict with the modem, especially an internal modem, is 
           a sound card. One other item to try, is to power down(turn 
           off) your computer and modem. Then turn them both back on. 
           This will eliminate any possible system lock-ups that may 
           have occurred.
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Problem:  MSD sees the modem, which tells your computer that the port
          is active.  However, when you run Windows Terminal, you 
          receive an error "Port is either not supported or being 
          used by another device".

Solution:  Pull up the system Task List by typing CTRL-ESC. This will
           show you what other tasks are running on your system, and 
           possibly using the COM Port. One other thing to try, is to 
           edit the SYSTEM.INI file in your Windows directory, and
           set the COMM.DRV line equal to COMM.DRV(i.e., 
           COMM.DRV=COMM.DRV).

           (386ENH section: Device=*vcd or Device=Vcomm.386)

           **Watch out for Device=AWVCD.386

           Lastly, make sure the Windows Control Panel(COM Ports) is 
           set correctly.
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Problem:  MSD sees the modem, which tells your computer that the port
          is active.  However, when you run Windows Terminal, you 
          receive an error "Cannot open COM Port because a hardware 
          interrupt conflict has been detected".

Solution:  This occurs if a new device is added to the system, which
           places an IRQ value for the device in the SYSTEM.INI, 
           already used by the modem. You should change the IRQ  
           value for either the modem or the new card.