Things to know if you want to install an old ISA modem on a pentium+ motherboard
So, you don't feel like buying a new modem and you found an old ISA modem (the one that creates a real COM port) stuck in an old computer. Here are some tips on how to install that old modem in your modern machine (it's easier actually to install on a pentium rather than a 486 or less, assuming you still have that ISA slot).

My BIOS displays the COM port addresses during boot. Probably yours too. So it's a good idea to disable the onboard COM ports, and that way, if you boot up and you still see a COM port address, it means that your modem is recognized - at least by the BIOS! If not, it means you have to continue playing with its IRQ and range configuration (whether the configuration is changed using a program or using some good old jumpers).

After your port is recognized and all (you might need to tell windows to add new COM port through the hardware wizard too!), If it's an old modem it might not get recognized by windows, but you can still add it manually. The next step is to try to use the modem through that HyperTerminal thing of windows (try a direct connection to the port)

Now, don't use the fastest possible speed. Seems that it's too fast for some modems and they just won't respond. Instead try values like 19200 first and see how far you can increase it.



And one final tip: If there's a storm outside, disconnect the modem and the computer from the power and the phone line! The poor modem, that I worked hours on figuring how to use, died because of that lightning bolt (along with 3 other appliances). It almost made me cry.