Setting up a dial up connection

[keith bucklitch]

I started out to upgrade my computer with a new
motherboard and CPU. When I had done so, Windows XP
refused to recognise the new setup, so I had to re-
install Windows. Having done that,I found that I had
lost all the additional updates that I had installed over
two years, such as support for USB2 etc.

Worse was the fact that I could no longer use my external
modem (connected via the serial port) to access the
internet. When I ran the Setup dial-up connection
wizard, the option to set up a dial up connection had
been greyed out. As far as Windows was concerned, I had
a permanently connected LAN connection. (I don't). I
decided to replace the system with the original
motherboard. Once again I had to re-install windows XP.
This time, I still could not set up the dial-up
connection to the Internet. In order to get online and
send this message, I have had to install an older hard
drive that still had the Windows installation for the
original motherboard and dial-up connection.

Any suggestions as to how I can re-establish a dial-up
connection on the new motherboard/hard drive system?

Thanks

Keith

 

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows Shell/User\)]

First, when you change motherboards, you only need to do a repair install as
outlined below and not a complete reinstall of XP but, nonetheless, it is
necessary when the motherboard has been replaced as you've changed the
hardware environment in which XP functions. A repair install does require a
reinstall of all updates. As to your modem, have you checked for updated
drivers for the modem, have you checked the modem manufacturer's website for
issues and possible help with this issue, have you checked for any possible
firmware updates for the modem?

Repair install instructions:

NOTE, while a repair install should leave your data files intact, if
something goes wrong during the repair install, you may be forced to start
over and do a clean install of XP. If you don't have your data backed up,
you would lose your data should that eventuality occur.

Assuming your system is set to boot from the CD-ROM drive and you have an
actual XP CD as opposed to a recovery CD, boot with the XP
CD in the drive and perform a repair install as outlined below. If the
system isn't set to boot from the CD or you are not sure, you need to enter
the system's BIOS. When you boot the system, the first screen usually has
instructions that if you wish to enter set press a specific key, when you
see that, do so. Then you will have to navigate to the boot sequence, if
the CD-ROM drive is not first line, set it first in the boot sequence. Save
your settings and exit with the XP CD in the drive. The system will reboot.

When the system boots, a few screens into the process you may see a message
instructing you
to hit any key in order to boot from the CD along with a countdown. When
you see this be sure to
hit a key on the keyboard, if you miss this instruction and the system fails
to boot from the CD, it's too
late, you'll need to reboot and try again.

Once you have pressed a key, setup should begin. You will see a reference
asking if you need to load special drivers and another notice that if you
wish to begin the ASR (Automatic Recovery Console) depress F2. Just let
setup run past all of that. It will continue to load files and drivers.

Then it will bring you to a screen. Eventually, you will come to a screen
with the option to (1) setup Windows or (2) Repair Windows Installation
using the Recovery console. ***The selection you want at this screen is
"Setup Windows,"
NOT "Repair Windows Installation.

The first option, to setup Windows is the one you want and requires you to
press enter. When asked, press F8 to accept the end user agreement. Setup
will then search for previous versions of Windows. Upon finding your
version, it will ask if you wish to Repair your current installation or
install fresh. Press R, that will run a repair installation. From there
on, follow the screens.