Modem Drivers

Modem drivers are an important part of your operating system especially if you have an older model computer. Most modems use hardware drivers that are updated using a firmware program. What this means in simple terms is if you have a plug and play modem you will probably not have to worry about modem driver issues. Your hardware-controlled modem does not need a modem driver. Many of the cheaper modems used software based controllers. If your modem uses a software controller then you need a software driver in order to use that particular modem. Software modem drivers were useful in producing the cheap high quality modems installed within operating systems of the late eighties and early nineties and offered as upgrades when technological advances allowed for faster speeds over your typical phone line.

Common Modem Drivers Problems

Modem driver problems used to be a common problem before the introduction of high speed internet. I would be willing to bet that few of you remember the computer age before DSL or cable internet access. If you do then you have probably have had issues with your modem drivers. Early 56k modems were particularly finicky and just would not work in some operating environments. If you encounter one of the relics that still use a standard dial-up modem then the following list of problems could indicate you are having a problem with your modem drivers.

1. Your modem will not dial out or will not answer an incoming call.

2. Your modem is not transmitting or receiving at the speeds you expect.

3. Your operating system does not recognize your modem.

4. Your modem is dropping an excessive number of packets during transfer.

Troubleshooting Modem Drivers

Troubleshooting your modem drivers is not for the faint of heart. Rarely will the solution be as simple as an end-user fix is today under operating systems such as Microsoft Vista, Windows 7, or Mac’s Snow Leopard.

If your modem will access a remote connection download the latest version of your modem driver, install the EXE file, and reboot your pc. Test your new modem driver to see if you are getting better performance. This is something you should do at least once a year because manufacturers frequently update modem drivers to gain every extra ounce of performance possible from their products.

If your modem will not connect to a remote connection then the first thing you should do is hook a phone up to the line and see if you have a signal. If you hear a dial tone then listen for any static coming through over the line. If your phone line has static your modem may not be able to establish a reliable connection to under any circumstances and you will need to contact your phone company.

Dealing with a modem driver failure is tricky for the average end-user that has no access to the internet in order to diagnose the problem. There are many issues that could be the cause of the problem within your computer other than your modem drivers. Dial-up modems are such tricky beasts in older model computers. I would suggest that you take your pc to a technical specialist who will be able to help you easier than you can probably solve the problem yourself.