Whenever I try to access my PCI modem, I get an error "OpenComm: Port already open" and the modem doesn't respond to commands. How do I fix this?

If you are getting an OpenComm error or suspect the PCI modem is conflicting with another device, please follow the troubleshooting steps below.

If you have the Model 5001 (PCI cable modem), skip Step 1 and go to Step 2.

1. Turn off any communications programs that are currently open or running in memory. If you have a fax or remote access program, also disable auto-answer/auto-receive. Also check your StartUp Items folder and remove any items that pertain to communications, including the electronic registration (see SmartFact #134 for instructions for deleting this program).

2. You may need to install an updated device driver. For more information and to download the driver, please visit the Zoom Support Files page and select your product from the list.

3. Reinstall the modem into a different PCI slot. The BIOS (aka CMOS or system setup) usually pre-assigns interrupt requests (IRQs) to the PCI slots, so just changing a slot will often assign a different IRQ to the modem.

CAUTION: Please contact your computer or motherboard manufacturer to be guided through the next two steps!

4. In the BIOS, try assigning the IRQ to the specific slot. Many times the BIOS will allow one to assign a specific IRQ to the slot, therefore forcing the device to use that IRQ.

5. In the BIOS, try reserving the IRQ to Legacy ISA devices only so that the modem will not use the IRQ.

Please Note: If all the above suggestions fail, then check the chipset of your motherboard and see if there are any updated IRQ routing files necessary to be installed. Please contact your computer or motherboard manufacturer for assistance. (Note: VIA has a 4in1 driver file that should be installed to aid in the installation of PCI and USB devices.)