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Step 4: Does Not Install
The most likely reason for a non-installation in Windows 95 or 98 is a lack of IRQ
resources. The modem needs one IRQ and two I/O addressees in order to function.
Modern computer systems are usually equipped with sound card, CD-ROM drive,
Hard-drive, floppy drive, video card, two COM Ports, one LPT port, keyboard, and
a mouse. Each of these devices require at least one IRQ (interrupt) in order to func-
tion.
This section deals with the process of freeing IRQ’s and configuring the system for
Plug-N-Play requiring that you know how to enter your computer system’s BIOS
Setup Routine (read your computer user’s manual for information on how to invoke
and use the BIOS setup).
Once inside the BIOS Setup, find the Plug-N-Play configuration. This can be found
within the “Advanced”, “PNP/PCI Configuration”, or “Plug and Play Configura-
tion” section depending on the BIOS Manufacturer. Next, from the information you
noted in Step 2. Find the interrupt selection for the IRQ your modem is using.
(Some BIOSs do not allow individual selection of interrupts to ISA, Plug-N-Play, or
PCI.) You want to set this so that the PCI bus has access to this interrupt. This can be
called ICU/PCI, PCI, or PNP depending on your BIOS version and manufacturer.
Do not set this interrupt to “ISA” only or to “Legacy ISA”.
If you do not have any free interrupts available, you will have to disable some unused
function of your computer system. If you are using a PS/2 style mouse, you may be
able to spare one of your internal COM ports. To disable a COM port, find the
BIOS Setup section for “Integrated Peripherals”. Locate the Serial Port settings and
disable an unused port that has nothing connected to it This will often be serial port
2. This should free one IRQ for your modem to use. You may also have to disable the
COM Port in Windows.
Although it is possible for a PCI card to share interrupts, it is recommended that you
have one free IRQ available in your computer. The modem needs one IRQ and two
I/O Addresses to function. To check for any available interrupts in your system,
right-click on the My Computer icon, choose Properties, and select the Device Man-
ager tab. Click the Properties button to view the System Resources.
Their are 16 (0-15) interrupts available in a system. Make a note of any interrupt not
listed. To make sure that an available interrupt is assigned to the PCI bus, go to your
system BIOS Setup routine and find the Plug-N-Play settings. These are found in the
“Advanced”, “PNP/PCI Configuration”, or “Plug and Play Configuration” sections
depending on the BIOS Manufacturer.
Next, verify that one free IRQ has been set so that the PCI bus has access to it. (Some