Configuring modem for dial up Internet access.

[Aes]

Hey:
I've been trying to get my Mandrake dist. to connect to the 'net for me. However, when I get it to detect the modem, it says it's busy. I've looked up some stuff on this, but none of it has been of much help. I'm guessing that it's a winmodem or something (?) and I'd like some help on how to get connected with it. Drivers maybe? Thank in advance, it's much appreciated!

[navy-linux]

We need more info here about your system? What kind of modem is it? What com port is it using? That kind of stuff.
I use mandrake and have had no problems.
;)

[Aes]

All righty then, I'd be happy to. I'm sorry about not doing it first. =)

It's on com3. I have it set on the correct port. It's just when I have the Internet Connection assitant thing (under KDE if that helps, although it's probably the same for all GUI's) detect the modem, it tells me that it's busy. Also, when I first installed it and it did the hardware detection process, it told me I would need "[proprietary] drivers" for my modem, so that's why I'm assuming it's a winmodem or something. Is that enough? Sorry if it's not, I'd be happy to tell you anything else, but I don't know what's relevant or not. =) Thanks!

[kapwfm]

Is your modem an ISA modem or a PCI modem? :) This could help in determining whether or not your modem is a "winmodem" or is compatible with Linux. *(PCI and ISA modems explained farther down)*

Another thing, get into your BIOS at bootup (press F1, F2, Delete, or whatever key you need to press to get into your BIOS setting). Make sure the PnP OS is set to "No" or "Off". Unfortunately, every BIOS is different, so I really can't tell you where exactly this setting is. Just snoop around, but make sure to save the settings upon exit. :-D

Most likely, this will solve the problem . . . especially if it's an ISA modem (open the case and look at the modem slot). ISA slots are longer than PCI slots. The socket is usually black, while the PCI socket is usually white or creame colored.

Also, make sure the modem IN LINUX is set to COM 3. The setting for this is tty/s2 (yes, it is /s2. :))

Hope that helps ya! :D

[Aes]

Thanks ... kind of. =)

At least I know it's a PCI modem then. It's in a cream/white colored slot. I changed the PnP OS to "no" in the BiOS and saved the changes and then booted up, but I still got the "sorry, modem is busy" message. It's set to COM3 on tty/s2. Any other ideas? So far, you're being a great help despite it not working! =) Thanks.

[kapwfm]

What version of Linux-Mandrake are you using? The only other suggestions I could give to you is to try using Mandrake 8.0 if you're not doing so already. The new kernel (2.4.x) has added support for SOME winmodems. Either that or you can try and find an ISA modem for your computer. :)

[bdg1983]

You don't know the manufacturer of the modem? If not, then pull it out, write down the numbers/letters you find on the card and try searching the web. You should be able to find some info on the modem and if it's supported in Linux.

[Aes]

I'm using Mandrake 7.2. I'll try 8.0 as soon as I'm able to -- however, on a dial-up it's not exactly easy to download one gig+ of files. =) However, during the interim since my last post, I did some searching around, and looked at the Linux/Modem compatibility list. It is a winmodem and is a Conexant(Rockwell) 56K modem. I went to their site, and it had a note that driver information should be e-mailed to them ... they didn't have any available for download ... needless to say I'm highly perturbed. So I e-mailed them and am waiting to hear back. Assuming I get something helpful (e.g. where to download the correct drivers), I suppose the next question would be how do I install the drivers on Linux? I'm still new, so I apologize for my ignorance. Thanks. =)

[Aes]

All right. I recieved an e-mail from them -- and they suggested http://56k.com/. I took a look, yet can't find anything for Linux and winmodems -- only things for Windows and Macintosh. And I don't exactly have a lot of money for an external modem right now. Any ideas at all? Thanks. =)

[rattus]

you could have a look aroundlinmodems.org (http://www.linmodems.org) you may find something there to help.

Personally, I'd recommend getting hold of an ISA modem - even if you can only get a 33.6 or 28.8, it's worth it to own an actual modem <g>

[quandary]

Aes, try looking at this. Don't know if it will help, but it's worth a try:

http://216.243.177.83/sean/linux/linmodem-howto-5.html#ss5.5