Author Topic: Internal Modem Installation  (Read 5396 times)

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Offline duh

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Internal Modem Installation
« on: Aug 26, 2008, 05:10:10 AM »
Help please!

I was given an internal modem to install on my new used computer.  It's a pentium 4 from gateway (that's the one with the cow pattern on it right?)  I don't even know how to open the cpu.  Can anyone help me?

Offline Jim

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Re: Internal Modem Installation
« Reply #1 on: Aug 26, 2008, 09:44:49 AM »
Ok here goes:

1. Turn the power off, unplug it, and take the case cover off.  You may have to loosen and remove several screws to do this.  Some cases have the sides that slip off by taking just 2 screws out of the back.

2. Now choose a motherboard slot for your modem. Many newer modems use PCI slots, although ISA modems are still available.  You should be able to look at the modem and tell which slot it will fit.

3. Remove the metal slot insert from the back of the computer. Save the screw, if one is present, to use for your modem.  This is like a small knockout panel if that slot has not been used before.

4. When you handle the modem, do it by its edge to avoid static electricity.  Push the modem into the slot. You may need to start one end of the card in the slot and kind of roll it because it will be a tight fit.  Make sure it is seated completely down in the slot.

5. The back plate of the modem should line up with the open hole in the back of the case. Tighten the modem into place using the screw you saved from step 3.

6. Now attach the phone lines to the modem. The line from the wall jack goes to “Line” on the modem.

7. Replace the case or side, tighten any screws that you loosened and reconnect all the cables.

8. Turn the computer on.  It should boot normally. If your modem is plug-n-play, your computer should detect the new modem upon startup and install the drivers.

That should just about do it.  Good luck with the "new" computer.  I know you are going to enjoy it.  :yay_jump:
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Offline duh

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Re: Internal Modem Installation
« Reply #2 on: Aug 27, 2008, 05:09:36 AM »
Scary.  Thank you for the information.  I'm going to try.  Since it is raining out today this is the perfect day to do it.  But, I'm such a scaredy cat.

Offline duh

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Re: Internal Modem Installation
« Reply #3 on: Aug 27, 2008, 06:37:11 AM »
Step 3 I can't get that knock out panel to come out.  There are three of them I can see them clearly but they seem to be attached to something.  I just can't tell what.  Can you help me?

Offline Jim

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Re: Internal Modem Installation
« Reply #4 on: Aug 27, 2008, 07:03:31 AM »
Step 3 I can't get that knock out panel to come out.  There are three of them I can see them clearly but they seem to be attached to something.  I just can't tell what.  Can you help me?

Most of the time these just pop out.  Usually the metal is stamped almost completely through with one spot that is holding it in.  I have also seen them made where they have a slot that the end closest to the motherboard fits into.  After your remove the screw, you should be able to either lift it straight up or pry it out of the slot.
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Offline duh

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Re: Internal Modem Installation
« Reply #5 on: Aug 27, 2008, 07:06:25 AM »
It's not comming out.  I can see where the other end goes behind the mother board but I can't find the screw on the end that is nearest the side that came off.  There is somekind of metal panel over that end of the slots and the piece just doesn't want to come out.  I'll try again.

Offline duh

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Re: Internal Modem Installation
« Reply #6 on: Aug 27, 2008, 07:07:33 AM »
Well after it stops raining.  That screw driver is in the shed.  Grrrrh.  I will get past this.  It can be done.  Positive thinking works.

Offline Jim

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Re: Internal Modem Installation
« Reply #7 on: Aug 27, 2008, 07:25:57 AM »
Here are a few pictures.  Is this what your computer looks like?





Here is one showing how to insert a modem into the empty slot.

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Offline duh

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Re: Internal Modem Installation
« Reply #8 on: Aug 27, 2008, 08:08:36 AM »
no mine is recessed so I can't get to the end pieces that show in your picture.

And where your slots are solid mine have a hole and a tab in them. 

On the outside of the unit right next to the slots and perpendicular to them is a grey handle with arrows pointing away from the back with one turn screw in the center of it.  But it doesn't move in the direction indicated with or without the screw in it.  Is that where the problem is?

Offline duh

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Re: Internal Modem Installation
« Reply #9 on: Aug 27, 2008, 08:13:32 AM »
I can't do this the handle doesn't move and the knockout panel is blocked.  I am so upset. 

Offline Jim

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Re: Internal Modem Installation
« Reply #10 on: Aug 27, 2008, 08:51:01 AM »
What is the model number on your computer?  I may be able to find out some more info if you can tell me the model number of the Gateway. 
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Offline duh

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Re: Internal Modem Installation
« Reply #11 on: Aug 27, 2008, 08:55:18 AM »
It's a gateway (GM)   ATX STF MNT E4600 the manufacture date is 12/07/01.  Do you need the serial number?

Offline Jim

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Re: Internal Modem Installation
« Reply #12 on: Aug 27, 2008, 09:18:21 AM »
OK, I found a manual for your computer here:

http://support.gateway.com/s/manuals/servers/eseries/8506984.pdf

It shows a card retainer on the back panel.  It says to loosen the thumbscrew.

If you are adding a card, remove the slot cover by pulling out on the card retainer and pulling the slot cover out in the same way you would if you were removing an existing card.

To put the new card in, pull out on the card retainer, holding it out as you insert the new card in the slot, pushing it in firmly to seat it completely, then release the card retainer and tighten the thumbscrew.

If you browse to the link and have a PDF reader installed like Adobe, you can view and even print the manual.  It does have pictures.
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Offline duh

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Re: Internal Modem Installation
« Reply #13 on: Aug 27, 2008, 09:50:24 AM »
while the manual is installing I think I'll take a cruise around the world.  Does that describe how slow my old computer is? lol.  It's just one of those days.

Offline duh

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Re: Internal Modem Installation
« Reply #14 on: Aug 27, 2008, 10:12:42 AM »
Ok, the problem was they had the arrows pointed in the wrong direction.  At least for this left hander they did.  And it doesn't slide the panel out like you would suspect it just allows you to bend the metal so you can get to a tongue that is slipped over an edge.  I'm so not good at explaining things.

But it's in and it seems secure so no it's time to disconnect this computer and see if the other one will come on line.

Now I'm really scared.

Cross your fingers for me.

Offline Jim

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Re: Internal Modem Installation
« Reply #15 on: Aug 27, 2008, 10:16:04 AM »
Great, glad you got it installed.  Makes you feel good to accomplish something that at first you didn't think you could don't it?  :Glee: 
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Offline duh

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Re: Internal Modem Installation
« Reply #16 on: Aug 27, 2008, 10:49:29 AM »
Actually my body is responding to the stress and I'm headed for bed.  I'll pick it back up tomorrow.  Thank you so much for your patience and knowledge.  I couldn't have done what you did.  Thanks for hanging in there.  I'm sure tomorrow what is left to do will be a snap.  By by for now.

Offline duh

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Re: Internal Modem Installation
« Reply #17 on: Aug 28, 2008, 08:22:37 AM »
Can I pull my hair out now?

I connected up the computer, ran the plug and play and tried to get on the internet.  The internet connection wizard can't get a connection with the microsoft internet registration something or other.  So I can't tell the computer that I have people pc internet provider.  I used the troubleshooting software and it said that the site might be down and to try back later. 

I sure wish I had the money to put someone else through this hassle lol.  What a pain. 

Do you know what might be causing the problem?  It was used with cable before and "ethernet" connection was made.  Do you think that could be a problem?

Offline Triss

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Re: Internal Modem Installation
« Reply #18 on: Aug 28, 2008, 11:15:48 AM »
Did you plug a cable (usually blue) into the modem and then into the box that your internet connection comes through?

Or if you are on dial up, is the phone plugged into the right space on the new modem?

We are all under the same stars, therefore we are never far apart.

Offline Jim

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Re: Internal Modem Installation
« Reply #19 on: Aug 28, 2008, 07:41:34 PM »
When you turned the computer on did it have a dialog box that said "Found New Hardware"?  Then usually it identifies what it finds and installs the drivers.  Sometimes it ask for a disk if you have one.  Once it's all done it should report that your new hardware has been installed and is ready to use.

The next step would be to use the network connection wizard to set up the internet connection.  Be sure and read every choice that is presented so that you make sure that you use the correct one.  That should just about do it.
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Offline duh

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Re: Internal Modem Installation
« Reply #20 on: Aug 28, 2008, 11:46:06 PM »
the network connection wizard is where the error comes in.  When I choose the selection that is for moving an existing account to the new computer it won't connect although I can hear the modem dialing.  The troubleshooter at that point ran me through a couple of actions to correct possible problems but none of them worked so the troubleshooting program suggested that it might be a site problem and to try back later.

Offline Jim

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Re: Internal Modem Installation
« Reply #21 on: Aug 29, 2008, 07:39:16 AM »
I can hear the modem dialing. 

That's a good sign that the modem is talking to the computer.  If you have your sign-in information for your ISP just create a new connection.  Type in your ISP information as the wizard ask for it and that should be all there is to it.

When the modem dials, do you hear a computer answer?  This would be another good sign.  :giggle:
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Offline duh

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Re: Internal Modem Installation
« Reply #22 on: Aug 29, 2008, 09:11:53 AM »
no it never makes the connection.  It's like noone is at the other end.

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Re: Internal Modem Installation
« Reply #23 on: Aug 29, 2008, 09:46:58 AM »
The number you input in the wizard is what is dialing.  Have you tried dialing the number manually and see if you get an answer?  If you do, then the modem is not dialing the phone correctly. 

One thing you can do is go to the Control Panel > System > Hardware > Device Manager and see if the modem is listed.  Click on it and it should bring up a dialog box that says the modem is working correctly.  From that page you can also test the modem to insure it is receiving commands and processing them the way it is supposed to.

Does your new computer have XP?
« Last Edit: Aug 30, 2008, 08:19:33 PM by Jim »
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Offline duh

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Re: Internal Modem Installation
« Reply #24 on: Aug 30, 2008, 07:29:28 AM »
Thanks Jim I'm going to try that.  Just as soon as I feel well enough to crawl around on the floor.  I've caught the flu something I do every year months before the shot is out.  Grrrrrh.

I really appreciate your help. 

 

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