Hardware Installation

I would like to install a new modem, and sound card. I am trying to set this machine up as an answering machine/speakerphone, and be able to send/receive faxes. I am fairly new at this hardware installation. I know that I have to enter BIOS to disable on board sound prior to sound card installation. I guess my question would be related to sequencing. Should I remove existing modem & sound drivers, then shut machine down/remove old modem/install new modem and sound card/install new drivers for new modem and sound card? The modem is a Creative ModemBlaster model DI5631, and the soundcard is Creative SoundBlaster PCI 16. Please see system specs. below. Thankyou in advance for any help.

1. RE: Hardware Installation
DJ Net2Infinity Jun-03-02 06:05 PM
In response to message 0

You could do it either way, but if it was me I would remove your old modem and drivers in Windows and then open the case and remove it. I would then install your New Modem and drivers and ensure that it works before moving onto the sound card. That way if something goes wrong during the modem install you know it has nothing to do with the sound card and vice versa. After you know your modem works, I would then disable on board sound in the Bios and then install your new sound card and drivers and ensure it works.

2. RE: Hardware Installation
lbyard Jun-03-02 06:10 PM
In response to message 0

I would do them one at time starting with the soundboard. Rule of thumb: avoid dealing with more than one variable at a time. It makes troubleshooting more difficult. Before instlling th soundbaord, remove all of the old sound drivers in the Device Manager. Also, suggest disabling the motherboard serial ports, if you aren't using them, before installing the MODEM. Larry

3. RE: Hardware Installation
lbyard Jun-03-02 06:13 PM
In response to message 2

Well, Brian, we crossed mail and disagree. I have found that it is easier moving one MODEM IRQ around if there is conflict than two soundboard IRQs. Larry

4. RE: Hardware Installation
DJ Net2Infinity Jun-03-02 06:21 PM
In response to message 3

Yeah you are right, I agree with your opinion .... The main point of my post was to do one at a time, because if you got in a bind you know what caused the problem. None of the pcs I have or use daily have a modem and I havent installed a modem in years HAHAHAHA ....So Larry I definately agree with your post.

5. RE: Hardware Installation
markwb56 Jun-04-02 06:13 PM
In response to message 4

Thanks guys for the information. Not that it matters much, but I forgot to call out the "AMD Athlon XP1700 Processor" in the system specs when I originally posted. I will take the advice and start with the sound board, then modem. Again, Thankyou very much.

6. RE: Hardware Installation
Twinhead Jun-06-02 03:14 PM
In response to message 0

One extra tip!
Boot into Safe Mode, and goto the Device manager.
You will be supprised how many things you wil see listed there and are not listed in real mode.
Delete ALL double or multiple listed devices to clean up the HAL.
(Exept for the ones that ARE really multiple present)
Also, delete the devices from which you are sure they are no longer present in your system.
Victor.

7. RE: Hardware Installation
lbyard Jun-06-02 07:17 PM
In response to message 6

Victor, some of those duplicates might be for various hardware profiles. Larry