xp automatic hardware install

basically, in cases like this, where windows wants to use it's own driver first, instead of asking you to install one upon detection, and using the driver update wizard does not result in a proper driver installation, you need to go to the windows-inf folder (have your hidden files visible) and locate the .INF file that windows is using to identify that device, and delete it, or at least move it to a different folder so it can't locate it during the device detection phase. Then remove the device's entry in the device manager, reboot, and then windows should request a driver for the device instead of installing one automatically. Since there are bound to be many modem driver .INF files in the inf folder, it is important to locate the proper one. This can be difficult however and you may need to open several inf files in notepad to see what models they cover before you find the right one. I usually try to find some identifiable description string that matches the device name windows gives the modem, because that name will be in one of the inf files. Or, you could go the hamfisted route, and remove all inf files pertaining to modems. I highly recommend that you merely move them to a temporary folder. That way you can move them back in the event of a problem. Good luck.