Hi-

Background on the computer: My sister was given this computer in a non-working state. The computer is an IBM Aptiva 2170. I replaced the hard drive. I installed Windows98 SE. Everything went smoothly.
When I tried to hook up to the internet, I received an Error 680. The message said no dialtone detected.
I hooked up a phone to the "phone" side of the modem and there is indeed a dial tone, and I could make a call.
I uninstalled the modem. I removed the modem from the system. I took the modem out of it's slot, and re-installed. Everything said the installation was good, but once again, same error.
I uninstalled the modem again, removed from Device manager, etc.
I installed a new, different brand of modem (USRobotics) . The installation once again went smoothly. Upon trying to hook up to the internet, I once again got the Error 680 no dial tone detected.
I know that the modem is using COM1 however when I open Device manager, I only see COM2 listed. One or two of the websites I visited were saying to remove both coms from device manager, disable plug-and-play, etc. I actually tried the disabling of plug and play, I did NOT do the removing of COM1 and COM2 from device manager, mainly because I can not see a COM1. I am thinking that the lack of COM1 showing up in Device Manager is my problem, but I am willing to try about anything at this point.. Any suggestions? Thanks for any help!

Go to Control Panel and into the Modems option. Go to the Diagnostics tab and check that your modem is listed. It will say what port it is using. There should be a button you can click that goes off for a few seconds to test the modem. Does it give an error or does it run the tests and give you a summary window with a load of command strings that it has run?

If the modem was listed as COM1 and you don't have one, go back to the first tab and double-click the modem. Is there an option to change the port?

If not, close the Modems window and double-click the System option in Control Panel. Go to the Device Manager tab. Double-click the Modems group and your modem should be listed - double-click it. Is there an option to change the port in there?

If not, then close the Device Manager and System windows and then double-click the Ports option in Control Panel. There's an option to add a new port. Add a new serial (COM) port.

Reboot.

Modem any better?

If not, uninstall it and re-install it - does it now work off of the new COM port or is it still trying to use the old one that doesn't seem to be present?