Hibernation sometimes doesn't

[Guest]

Occasionally my PC fails to hibernate. Recently a window popped up stating
that hibernation was being blocked by com 2 and something to do with a modem.
Unfortunately I didn't make a note of the message.
According to my system info I have a modem on com 3. Presumably this is my
external broadband modem, if there is another one could it be an internal
modem that I didn't know I had and how do I check.

Help doesn't seem to know about coms - more likely I'm asking the wrong
questions, can anyone give me an overview on coms and where to look to see
whats going on?

 

[RobertVA]

(snip)
Help doesn't seem to know about coms - more likely I'm asking the wrong
questions, can anyone give me an overview on coms and where to look to see
whats going on?

Old older systems COM ports were typically used for fax-modems. They
were occasionally used for file transfer via null modem cables or a
connection for a mouse. Sometimes one serial "COM" port was built into
the motherboard and another was part of a fax-modem card. Sometimes
there were conflicts between devices in connection with attempting to
use the same system interrupt or I/O hardware address.

When a motherboard includes a COM port, the port can usually be
deactivated through the systems CMOS settings. Check your manual to
identify the connection, so you can look at the back of your computer
and make sure the port is not being used. The manual should also have
instructions for accessing and using the CMOS setup. Many manufacturers
have manuals available for download from their web site if you have
misplaced the hard copy.

On the Windows XP "Start" menu click "Control Panel" in the second column.

Click "System" in the "Control Panel" Applet list.

Click the "Hardware" tab in the resulting dialog.

Click the "Device Manager" button

Make sure "Show Hidden Devices" is selected in the Device Manager's
"View" menu.

Expand the "Ports (COM & LPT)" branch of the listing.

Double click the listing for the port of interest.

 

[Guest]

Thanks RobertVA, your concise instructions have been helpful however I must
stick to what I'm good at and get someone else to sort this out for me. There
are times when it is useful to know enough about something to know you know
nothing about it and leave things to someone who does.