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Install an unsupported modem

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Applies To: Windows Server 2008

You can use this procedure to install a modem that is not automatically detected and installed by the Install New Modem page.

Any user account can be used to complete this procedure. Review the details in "Additional considerations" in this topic.

To install an unsupported modem

  1. In Control Panel, click Hardware and Sound, and then click Phone and Modem Options.

Note

In Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, open Control Panel. In View by, click either Large icons or Small icons. Click Phone and Modem.

  1. If you are prompted for location information, enter dialing information for your location, and then click OK.

  2. In the Phone and Modem dialog box, on the Modems tab, click Add.

  3. In the Install New Modem page, select the Don't detect my modem; I will select it from a list check box, and then click Next.

  4. Do one of the following:

    If Do this

    A modem is listed that is a good match for your modem

    On the list of modems, click the manufacturer and model that is the best match for your modem, and then click Next.

    Your modem is not listed, and you have an installation disk or .inf file provided by the manufacturer

    Click Have Disk and specify the location of the disk or .inf file.

  5. Follow the remaining instructions provided by the Install New Modem page.

Additional considerations

  • You must have administrative privileges to install a device driver that is not included with Windows.

  • If possible, get the latest installation disk or modem .inf file designed for your operating system from the modem manufacturer. This can usually be downloaded from the manufacturer's Web site. If the installation files for your operating system are unavailable, you can try using an installation disk or .inf file from an earlier version of Windows. It might work correctly in the Windows Vista® and Windows Server® 2008 family as well.

  • If no installation file is available for the modem, the manufacturer's instructions that came with the modem might specify a compatible modem. Otherwise, click (Standard Modem Types) in Manufacturers, and try choosing the standard modem with the speed matching your modem.

  • If your external modem uses an RS-232 serial cable, and a cable is not provided with the modem, refer to the manufacturer's instructions for cabling requirements. Most but not all off-the-shelf cables will work. Some cables do not have all the pins connected. Do not use the 9-to-25 pin converters that come with most mouse hardware, because some of them do not carry modem signals.