I am trying to help a friend, she has an HP Computer with a Rockwell HCF 56K modem. She tried to install a new modem driver and things didn't work out so well. She ended up deleting the modem in device manager. Now when we try to re-install it, it tests as an open comm port. A call to HP Support had us, in safe mode, deleting the modem, the modem enumerator, all the ports (lpt and com) and everything under sound video game controllers. Then shut down and restart and everything should re-install and work fine. Everything re-installed, but the modem installed on COM2 instead of COM3 and still open comm port. If I physically remove the modem and then go to safe mode remove all of the above, re-boot without the modem, and then re-insert the modem and re-boot, will I solve the problem? I checked the archives and the only thing I learned was that Rockwell modems belong in the garbage and not in the computer - oh well. Thanks so much for the assistance.

What is wrong with the modem being on com 2?

I don't think there's a problem with COM2, except it will not work. When I select "more info" in diagnostics I get "open comm port" and it will not function.

This a little confusing but ... only one device can use com port #2. If com port #2 is enabled in the Bios the modem will not be able to use it. If you know how to enter the setup routine for the Bios, check to make sure the com port #2 is disabled so the modem can use it.

Well in defeense of those Rockwell Chip Modems, I'm using one right now, and have been connecting at least at 49,333 always with no problem. Many of those internal modems are tricky to install properly, but once you get it right, they usually work great. I had a Dell where a different modem would only install at Com 5, but Com 5 would not work with the AOL software on that one. I don't use AOL it was a friend's pc. It seems like the cheapest $14 modems work best. Rockwell and the Motorola sm56 have given me miles of smiles. You should be able to remove it and restart, then reinstall it without going to safe mode. Make sure you have the correct drivers for it and are selecting the correct modem. Takes a bit of time sometimes. Other times it works right off.