Using original registry

[Guest]

My 8 month old laptop has lost a dead modem. Before sending 3,000 miles back
to HP I would like to see if it is a software problem. I've already
uninstalled, re-installed and updated modem drivers. But no go.

The first day I got my laptop I went to regedit and exported that current
registry. How do I put that registry back into the computer without merging?


IF that doesn't work I've exported the current registry and will backup
everything and send off the laptop for warranty work.

 

[R. McCarty]

No software changes will remedy a defective or non-operating
piece of hardware. Have you recently installed any peripherals
to the PC ? Does the modem show up in Device Manager and
without any Yellow Exclamation or Red X leading the entry.
Also, have you used the Modems applet in Control Panel and
done a query modem. This usually runs a diagnostic utility that
shows the modems features.

 

[Rock]

My 8 month old laptop has lost a dead modem. Before sending 3,000 miles back
to HP I would like to see if it is a software problem. I've already
uninstalled, re-installed and updated modem drivers. But no go.

The first day I got my laptop I went to regedit and exported that current
registry. How do I put that registry back into the computer without merging?


IF that doesn't work I've exported the current registry and will backup
everything and send off the laptop for warranty work.

You certainly don't want to restore a registry that's 8 months old.
Besides exporting then importing a full registry doesn't work.

 

[Guest]

Yes the modem query shows that it is working.

Here is what was happening before the final death:

For two weeks when I would disconnect from the Net the computer would hang
open the phone line. If I pulled the telephone cord from the computer the
phone line would disconnect and then I could use my phone.

Then last Saturday the modem just stopped working, no connection, no dialing
tones.

I did go to MS and do some updates, one was a critical update for the WMF
vulnerability. I have not added any peripherals. Device Manager shows the
modem....no yellow sign aside it.

This is something I am not accustomed to but I was a Win 98 person until
this laptop. The Agre Modem is on the motherboard and is on COM 4. This is
the strange thing, in device manager, under Ports, no COM 4 is showing. I
have read some about virtual ports and perhaps that is how the on-board modem
works?

HP tech didn't / couldn't help and they feel a new motherboard is in order.
Very strange, very strange?

I'm tempted to get a USB modem and be done with it. I borrowed one and I
know that will work for me. I am afraid if I do that and the motherboard is
going that it will totally go on the 13th month. One month after warranty
runs out.

 

[R. McCarty]

Thanks for the follow-up, information always helps. I just recently had
to use HP's return/repair for a Pavilion notebook. They did replace the
motherboard and not rebranded a refurbished to send back to the owner.
Using a USB modem is a solution, although having an external can be
a hassle when traveling. As to COM ports, the modem has it's own
dedicated UART/Serial Port and it won't appear in Device Manager as
a separate entry. Likely your BIOS is setup to use the 1 or 2 onboard
ports on the motherboard. Once last suggestion, have you checked on
HP's website for a modem driver update. **WARNING: NEVER &
I mean never use HP's notebook Firmware flashing utility that runs from
Windows - it can and will render some models UNBOOTABLE.

 

[Guest]

Thanks.

Mine is a Pavillon zv5000. It seems that motherboards, batteries and the AC
power in-port are problems for HP's. At leasst that is what I have read and
heard. All of which do not make me a happy consumer / purchaser of HP
products.

 

[R. McCarty]

Notebook quality seems to be all over the chart. I finally upgraded to
a new Toshiba Satellite. Really like the Widescreen & TruBright. I
wanted a notebook with SATA to avoid the "Hot/125+ degree disk
drives. Just 30 minutes ago, I had a customer call with a unbootable
Dell Inspiron. Dell is on my watch list for questionable products. I've
seen several "Dead-Dells" over the past few weeks. HP notebooks
can double up as an "Easy Bake Oven". Gateway notebooks are also
a choice. I researched around for months before deciding on
the Satellite, now that Dual-Core is pushing vendors to clearance on
current models. Anybody shopping notebooks, might consider the
Toshiba M55 line - Bump it's memory up a tad and it will run a new
"Work-in-Progress" Operating System very well.