Error 633 modem already in use: by which application?

[Michel Merlin]

Error 633 modem already in use: by which application?

I am badly impaired by this problem, I found no real solution,
and despite some good soul came to help, none else found either.
So I am posting again what I already asked in a previous related
message (copied below).

My new Windows XP Pro laptop has been shelved for more than a
month now, absolutely unable to connect to the Internet through
phone (and here in France where bribe, scam and deception are
the rule, not the exception, and this unfortunately, more in
ISPs than anywhere else, I surely won't subscribe any broadband
as long as my good old simple 56K line refuses to work), due to
a stupid problem that has plagued Windows for years, but that
got WORSE in Windows XP: "Error 633: The modem (or other
connecting device) is already in use or is not configured
properly" (see the related post below).

I can't understand that in 2006 Windows is still unable to tell
the user which application is the culprit and needs to be
closed. I have spent countless hours using System Restore (back
weeks before the modem stopped working),
uninstalling/reinstalling everything that could even remotely
deal with the modem (modem drivers of course, modem software,
and everything that could try using it). The Related Message
below reports just the beginning of it. An anormous amount of
time and pain has been spent now - and totally wasted: I found
exactly nothing, I just happened to connect 3 or 4 times (in one
month) but next time it wouldn't and I had everything to do
again from start. My request for help on MS newsgroup got no
real reply - and of course won't get the one that would be the
most urgent, necessary, and relevant: forward the issue to MS
developers, requiring to URGENTLY and TOTALLY and RELIABLY solve
that problem that have produced too much time losses in
thousands users already.

I also tried (or retried - thanks again Drew!):

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/324760 1 Dec 2003
Error Message: Error 633 Modem Is Already in Use
(Recommends uninstalling all devices and programs that may
include a driver incompatible with Windows XP)

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308022 18 Jun 2004
Resources for troubleshooting modem problems in Windows XP
(Doesn't shoot any trouble)

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/283412 18 Oct 2001
Doesn't help any *and finds this is normal* ("This behavior is
by design").

http://www.google.com/search?q=Error+633:+modem+already+in+use
google "Error 633: modem already in use"

http://error633.windowsreinstall.com/
633 - The port is already in use or is not configured for Remote
Access dialout: recalls (appropriately: digging in details often
makes one forget the basic!)

« Check that you are not running any Fax, Remote Access,
Palm or Handheld software that is monitoring or using the
Modem »

None of this succeeded.

It may be also that the modem software (SmartLink 56K) would be
impairing itself by a doubled request? So I tried also
http://www.google.com/search?q=Error+633+modem+already+in+use+SmartLink+56K
google "Error 633 modem already in use SmartLink 56K"

http://www.sysopt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=182781
"I am about to throw the pc through the wall...
the worst part is I am a network tech..."
(several tries:
http://www.sysopt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=179495
http://www.modemhelp.net/dunerror/error_633.shtml
but no go...)

So please, if any good soul as the 1st one who tried had an
idea, please tell me... And above all, if anyone was able to
convince the relevant people at Microsoft to do what users
REALLY want and are craving for (i.e. CURING WHAT FAILS), then
please do it! In short:

1) How do I know which application is hoarding my modem or port?

2) Who at Microsoft should be contacted with a nanopercent
chance they consider curing this flaw?

Paris, Thu 1 Jun 2006 19:29:30 +0200


----- Related Message -----
From: "Michel Merlin" <[email protected]>
Newsgroup: news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general
Message: news://msnews.microsoft.com/[email protected]
Sent: Wed 3 May 2006 18:23:54 +0200 (16:23:54 GMT)
Subject: Error 633: modem already in use

On my new laptop (2 months) with Win XP Pro SP2 (US), since last
week I can't connect; each try brings me:
________________________________________________________
| Error Connecting to ... (56k connection to ISP)
|________________________________________________________
|
| ! Opening port...
|
| Error 633: The modem (or other connecting device)
| is already in use or is not configured properly.
|
| | Redial=59 | | Cancel | | More Info |
|
|________________________________________________________

The only change I can remember is installing ActiveSync (3.8)
and AvantGo (5.7 build 53). I tried System Restore back to
several days before, no avail.

Now I also tried:

Google "Error 633: modem already in use or not configured
properly"
http://www.google.com/search?q=Error+633:+modem+already+in+use+or+not+configured+properly

which brought:

« FIX: A program cannot re-establish communication with a
modem device after the USB cable is quickly reconnected »
Rev 2.2, Tue 25 Oct 2005
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/822112

and this could be the problem: I did install also:

- an ARTEC T14 mini Digital (USB2) TV Stick
http://www.artec.com.tw/ehtm/be122.htm
- and a "Microsoft® Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse 6000"
http://www.microsoft.com/products/info/product.aspx?view=22
&pcid=29718c22-f7bf-4393-8996-e1c6770827a0
&crumb=catpage
&catid=c250fb0a-1613-4550-983d-ba203f357698

both devices that I very often plugged/removed (since they react
quickly). So I guess this flaw is as that, when you have *once
only* removed too quickly an USB device, XP will be unable to
connect whatever you do, including rebooting or restoring...

So I guess I have to obtain the 822112 hotfix - which is a
chore. Anyone could offer another solution?

Paris, Wed 3 May 2006 18:23:55 +0200

 

[Mac]

ID 10 T

error..

Error 633 modem already in use: by which application?

I am badly impaired by this problem, I found no real solution,
and despite some good soul came to help, none else found either.
So I am posting again what I already asked in a previous related
message (copied below).

My new Windows XP Pro laptop has been shelved for more than a
month now, absolutely unable to connect to the Internet through
phone (and here in France where bribe, scam and deception are
the rule, not the exception, and this unfortunately, more in
ISPs than anywhere else, I surely won't subscribe any broadband
as long as my good old simple 56K line refuses to work), due to
a stupid problem that has plagued Windows for years, but that
got WORSE in Windows XP: "Error 633: The modem (or other
connecting device) is already in use or is not configured
properly" (see the related post below).

I can't understand that in 2006 Windows is still unable to tell
the user which application is the culprit and needs to be
closed. I have spent countless hours using System Restore (back
weeks before the modem stopped working),
uninstalling/reinstalling everything that could even remotely
deal with the modem (modem drivers of course, modem software,
and everything that could try using it). The Related Message
below reports just the beginning of it. An anormous amount of
time and pain has been spent now - and totally wasted: I found
exactly nothing, I just happened to connect 3 or 4 times (in one
month) but next time it wouldn't and I had everything to do
again from start. My request for help on MS newsgroup got no
real reply - and of course won't get the one that would be the
most urgent, necessary, and relevant: forward the issue to MS
developers, requiring to URGENTLY and TOTALLY and RELIABLY solve
that problem that have produced too much time losses in
thousands users already.

I also tried (or retried - thanks again Drew!):

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/324760 1 Dec 2003
Error Message: Error 633 Modem Is Already in Use
(Recommends uninstalling all devices and programs that may
include a driver incompatible with Windows XP)

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308022 18 Jun 2004
Resources for troubleshooting modem problems in Windows XP
(Doesn't shoot any trouble)

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/283412 18 Oct 2001
Doesn't help any *and finds this is normal* ("This behavior is
by design").

http://www.google.com/search?q=Error+633:+modem+already+in+use
google "Error 633: modem already in use"

http://error633.windowsreinstall.com/
633 - The port is already in use or is not configured for Remote
Access dialout: recalls (appropriately: digging in details often
makes one forget the basic!)

« Check that you are not running any Fax, Remote Access,
Palm or Handheld software that is monitoring or using the
Modem »

None of this succeeded.

It may be also that the modem software (SmartLink 56K) would be
impairing itself by a doubled request? So I tried also
http://www.google.com/search?q=Error+633+modem+already+in+use+SmartLink+56K
google "Error 633 modem already in use SmartLink 56K"

http://www.sysopt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=182781
"I am about to throw the pc through the wall...
the worst part is I am a network tech..."
(several tries:
http://www.sysopt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=179495
http://www.modemhelp.net/dunerror/error_633.shtml
but no go...)

So please, if any good soul as the 1st one who tried had an
idea, please tell me... And above all, if anyone was able to
convince the relevant people at Microsoft to do what users
REALLY want and are craving for (i.e. CURING WHAT FAILS), then
please do it! In short:

1) How do I know which application is hoarding my modem or port?

2) Who at Microsoft should be contacted with a nanopercent
chance they consider curing this flaw?

Paris, Thu 1 Jun 2006 19:29:30 +0200


----- Related Message -----
From: "Michel Merlin" <[email protected]>
Newsgroup: news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general
Message: news://msnews.microsoft.com/[email protected]
Sent: Wed 3 May 2006 18:23:54 +0200 (16:23:54 GMT)
Subject: Error 633: modem already in use

On my new laptop (2 months) with Win XP Pro SP2 (US), since last
week I can't connect; each try brings me:
________________________________________________________
| Error Connecting to ... (56k connection to ISP)
|________________________________________________________
|
| ! Opening port...
|
| Error 633: The modem (or other connecting device)
| is already in use or is not configured properly.
|
| | Redial=59 | | Cancel | | More Info |
|
|________________________________________________________

The only change I can remember is installing ActiveSync (3.8)
and AvantGo (5.7 build 53). I tried System Restore back to
several days before, no avail.

Now I also tried:

Google "Error 633: modem already in use or not configured
properly"
http://www.google.com/search?q=Error+633:+modem+already+in+use+or+not+configured+properly

which brought:

« FIX: A program cannot re-establish communication with a
modem device after the USB cable is quickly reconnected »
Rev 2.2, Tue 25 Oct 2005
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/822112

and this could be the problem: I did install also:

- an ARTEC T14 mini Digital (USB2) TV Stick
http://www.artec.com.tw/ehtm/be122.htm
- and a "Microsoft® Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse 6000"
http://www.microsoft.com/products/info/product.aspx?view=22
&pcid=29718c22-f7bf-4393-8996-e1c6770827a0
&crumb=catpage
&catid=c250fb0a-1613-4550-983d-ba203f357698

both devices that I very often plugged/removed (since they react
quickly). So I guess this flaw is as that, when you have *once
only* removed too quickly an USB device, XP will be unable to
connect whatever you do, including rebooting or restoring...

So I guess I have to obtain the 822112 hotfix - which is a
chore. Anyone could offer another solution?

Paris, Wed 3 May 2006 18:23:55 +0200

 

[Michel Merlin]

What do you mean « ID 10 T »?
Anyone can help? TIA,

Paris, Fri 2 Jun 2006 17:29:40 +0200


----- Parent Message (links are clickable) -----
From: "Mac" <[email protected]>
Newsgroup: news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general
message news://msnews.microsoft.com/[email protected]
Sent: Thu 1 Jun 2006 18:42:44 +0100 (17:42:44 GMT)
Subject: Re: Error 633 modem already in use: by which
application?

ID 10 T

error..


----- Parent Message (links are clickable) -----
From: "Michel Merlin" <[email protected]>
Newsgroup: news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general
message news://msnews.microsoft.com/%[email protected]
Sent: Thu 1 Jun 2006 19:29:30 +0200 (17:29:30 GMT))
Subject: Error 633 modem already in use: by which application?

Error 633 modem already in use: by which application?

I am badly impaired by this problem, I found no real solution,
.................

 

[tom.richards]

What do you mean « ID 10 T »?
Anyone can help? TIA,

This poster means to say you are an idiot (ID 10 T => IDIOT). Which is
really remarkably unhelpful and obnoxious. I had exactly the same
problem on my laptop, found nothing to help me on the Internet, and
ended up buying a cheap PCMCIA modem and using that instead of the
built-in one. So far, the error 633 message has only cropped up
occasionally, and has responded to power-cycling with the card removed
and then replaced afterwards.

Would the poster who called you an idiot please stand up and tell us
why? I would very much appreciate a solution.

Tom

 

[Michel Merlin]

Thanks! When none finds technical help, at least bearing with me
does comfort.

Sure the previous post was unhelpful, even if I actually do feel
somewhat stupid being caught in such net after 11 years in PCs
(and 30 in software development)...

Sure too I could find a way... if I could spend hours and days
searching!

I did another stupid mistake: after waiting from May 2005 with
no success for the CLEVO M520G (privately announced to me by an
acquaintance at CLEVO), updated links:

http://www.google.com/search?q=CLEVO+M520G
http://www.presence-pc.com/forum/pp...ble-W-WXGA-26GHz-2GB-Sonoma-sujet-10764-1.htm
http://www.clevo.com.tw/products/M520G.asp
http://www.ww-mmm.de/xtcommerce/product_info.php?products_id=93

I finally ordered in Feb 2006 an Uniwill 223ii0 and wrongly
accepted to replace it with the new 223ei0:

http://www.uniwill.com/products/mobility/223ei0/223ei0.php?HL=3&M=3
http://www.ww-mmm.de/xtcommerce/product_info.php?products_id=99

without noticing it had no PCMCIA slot (replaced too early with
an Express Card slot) and no COM port!

So I will sure find a way, but I don't see how I can avoid
wasting a lot of time before... So, again, thanks to ANY help!

Paris, Thu 8 Jun 2006 15:04:15 +0200


----- Parent Message (links are clickable) -----
From: <[email protected]>
Newsgroup: news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general
Message: news://msnews.microsoft.com/[email protected]
Sent: Tue 6 Jun 2006 01:23:19 -0700 (08:23:19 GMT)
Subject: Re: HELP Please Error 633 modem already in use:
by which application?)

This poster means to say you are an idiot (ID 10 T => IDIOT).
Which is really remarkably unhelpful and obnoxious. I had
exactly the same problem on my laptop, found nothing to help me
on the Internet, and ended up buying a cheap PCMCIA modem and
using that instead of the built-in one. So far, the error 633
message has only cropped up occasionally, and has responded to
power-cycling with the card removed and then replaced
afterwards.

Would the poster who called you an idiot please stand up and
tell us why? I would very much appreciate a solution.

Tom


----- Parent Message (links are clickable) -----
From: "Michel Merlin" <[email protected]>
Newsgroup: news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general
Message: news://msnews.microsoft.com/[email protected]
Sent: Fri 2 Jun 2006 17:29:40 +0200 (15:29:40 GMT)
Subject: HELP Please Error 633 modem already in use:
by which application?)

What do you mean « ID 10 T »?
Anyone can help? TIA,

Paris, Fri 2 Jun 2006 17:29:40 +0200


----- Parent Message (links are clickable) -----
From: "Mac" <[email protected]>
Newsgroup: news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general
Message: news://msnews.microsoft.com/[email protected]
Sent: Thu 1 Jun 2006 18:42:44 +0100 (17:42:44 GMT)
Subject: Re: Error 633 modem already in use: by which
application?

ID 10 T

error..


----- Parent Message (links are clickable) -----
From: "Michel Merlin" <[email protected]>
Newsgroup: news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general
Message: news://msnews.microsoft.com/%[email protected]
Sent: Thu 1 Jun 2006 19:29:30 +0200 (17:29:30 GMT))
Subject: Error 633 modem already in use: by which application?

Error 633 modem already in use: by which application?

I am badly impaired by this problem, I found no real solution,
.................
.................
1) How do I know which application is hoarding my modem or port?

2) Who at Microsoft should be contacted with a nanopercent
chance they consider curing this flaw?

Paris, Thu 1 Jun 2006 19:29:30 +0200


----- Related Message -----
From: "Michel Merlin" <[email protected]>
Newsgroup: news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general
Message: news://msnews.microsoft.com/[email protected]
Sent: Wed 3 May 2006 18:23:54 +0200 (16:23:54 GMT)
Subject: Error 633: modem already in use

.................

 

[Michel Merlin]

Sorry if I am not posting in the exact right place, but due to
Microsoft's way of handling newsgroups, in OE here on my laptop
I haven't all the involved messages at hand.

I would like to thank those who helped (or tried), in various
places including this one, and particularly on SysOpt forums;
and report that after intensive - and rather exhaustive -
searches and tries, it appears that Error 633 "(internal) modem
in use", in Windows XP, will never get fixed; trying more is
useless, find workarounds instead.

See details in
http://www.sysopt.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1375743#post1376877
and next ones:

- RAREPAIR, WinsockXpFix.exe failed
- Bought an USB-powered RTC modem
- Error 633 é(Internal) modem in use",
in Windows XP, is incurable

Paris, Tue 25 Jul 2006 23:53:20 +0200


----- Parent Message (links are clickable) -----
From: "Michel Merlin" <[email protected]>
Newsgroup: news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general
Message: news://msnews.microsoft.com/%[email protected]
Sent: Thu 1 Jun 2006 19:29:30 +0200 (17:29:30 GMT)
Subject: Error 633 modem already in use: by which application?

Error 633 modem already in use: by which application?

I am badly impaired by this problem, I found no real solution,
and despite some good soul came to help, none else found either.
So I am posting again what I already asked in a previous related
message (copied below).

My new Windows XP Pro laptop has been shelved for more than a
month now, absolutely unable to connect to the Internet through
phone (and here in France where bribe, scam and deception are
the rule, not the exception, and this unfortunately, more in
ISPs than anywhere else, I surely won't subscribe any broadband
as long as my good old simple 56K line refuses to work), due to
a stupid problem that has plagued Windows for years, but that
got WORSE in Windows XP: "Error 633: The modem (or other
connecting device) is already in use or is not configured
properly" (see the related post below).

I can't understand that in 2006 Windows is still unable to tell
the user which application is the culprit and needs to be
closed. I have spent countless hours using System Restore (back
weeks before the modem stopped working),
uninstalling/reinstalling everything that could even remotely
deal with the modem (modem drivers of course, modem software,
and everything that could try using it). The Related Message
below reports just the beginning of it. An anormous amount of
time and pain has been spent now - and totally wasted: I found
exactly nothing, I just happened to connect 3 or 4 times (in one
month) but next time it wouldn't and I had everything to do
again from start. My request for help on MS newsgroup got no
real reply - and of course won't get the one that would be the
most urgent, necessary, and relevant: forward the issue to MS
developers, requiring to URGENTLY and TOTALLY and RELIABLY solve
that problem that have produced too much time losses in
thousands users already.

I also tried (or retried - thanks again Drew!):

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/324760 1 Dec 2003
Error Message: Error 633 Modem Is Already in Use
(Recommends uninstalling all devices and programs that may
include a driver incompatible with Windows XP)

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308022 18 Jun 2004
Resources for troubleshooting modem problems in Windows XP
(Doesn't shoot any trouble)

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/283412 18 Oct 2001
Doesn't help any *and finds this is normal* ("This behavior is
by design").

http://www.google.com/search?q=Error+633:+modem+already+in+use
google "Error 633: modem already in use"

http://error633.windowsreinstall.com/
633 - The port is already in use or is not configured for Remote
Access dialout: recalls (appropriately: digging in details often
makes one forget the basic!)

« Check that you are not running any Fax, Remote Access,
Palm or Handheld software that is monitoring or using the
Modem »

None of this succeeded.

It may be also that the modem software (SmartLink 56K) would be
impairing itself by a doubled request? So I tried also
http://www.google.com/search?q=Error+633+modem+already+in+use+SmartLink+56K
google "Error 633 modem already in use SmartLink 56K"

http://www.sysopt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=182781
"I am about to throw the pc through the wall...
the worst part is I am a network tech..."
(several tries:
http://www.sysopt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=179495
http://www.modemhelp.net/dunerror/error_633.shtml
but no go...)

So please, if any good soul as the 1st one who tried had an
idea, please tell me... And above all, if anyone was able to
convince the relevant people at Microsoft to do what users
REALLY want and are craving for (i.e. CURING WHAT FAILS), then
please do it! In short:

1) How do I know which application is hoarding my modem or port?

2) Who at Microsoft should be contacted with a nanopercent
chance they consider curing this flaw?

Paris, Thu 1 Jun 2006 19:29:30 +0200


----- Related Message -----
From: "Michel Merlin" <[email protected]>
Newsgroup: news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general
Message: news://msnews.microsoft.com/[email protected]
Sent: Wed 3 May 2006 18:23:54 +0200 (16:23:54 GMT)
Subject: Error 633: modem already in use

On my new laptop (2 months) with Win XP Pro SP2 (US), since last
week I can't connect; each try brings me:
________________________________________________________
| Error Connecting to ... (56k connection to ISP)
|________________________________________________________
|
| ! Opening port...
|
| Error 633: The modem (or other connecting device)
| is already in use or is not configured properly.
|
| | Redial=59 | | Cancel | | More Info |
|
|________________________________________________________

The only change I can remember is installing ActiveSync (3.8)
and AvantGo (5.7 build 53). I tried System Restore back to
several days before, no avail.

Now I also tried:

Google "Error 633: modem already in use or not configured
properly"
http://www.google.com/search?q=Error+633:+modem+already+in+use+or+not+configured+properly

which brought:

« FIX: A program cannot re-establish communication with a
modem device after the USB cable is quickly reconnected »
Rev 2.2, Tue 25 Oct 2005
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/822112

and this could be the problem: I did install also:

- an ARTEC T14 mini Digital (USB2) TV Stick
http://www.artec.com.tw/ehtm/be122.htm
- and a "Microsoft® Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse 6000"
http://www.microsoft.com/products/info/product.aspx?view=22
&pcid=29718c22-f7bf-4393-8996-e1c6770827a0
&crumb=catpage
&catid=c250fb0a-1613-4550-983d-ba203f357698

both devices that I very often plugged/removed (since they react
quickly). So I guess this flaw is as that, when you have *once
only* removed too quickly an USB device, XP will be unable to
connect whatever you do, including rebooting or restoring...

So I guess I have to obtain the 822112 hotfix - which is a
chore. Anyone could offer another solution?

Paris, Wed 3 May 2006 18:23:55 +0200

 

[Plato]

I would like to thank those who helped (or tried), in various
places including this one, and particularly on SysOpt forums;

It's nice to get a thank you now and then. Thanks.