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Windows 98 help......

Windows 98 help......

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I've just reprepped an old Windows 98 machine and the bitch will not detect the mousee. If I try 'add new hardware' the Com1 port comes up in the pnp devices to be added, then it says the device has it's drivers installed but is not funtioning correctly. So if I go to see the report on why it is malfuntioning I get the message: 'This device is not working properly because the BIOS in your computer is reporting the resources for the device incorrectly. please contact your computer manufacturer to get an updated BIOS'.
Is there anyway around this problem apart from flashing the BIOS? Surely a BIOS shouldn't need flashing to accomodate a serial port?

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Originally posted by jimslyp69
I've just reprepped an old Windows 98 machine and the bitch will not detect the mousee. If I try 'add new hardware' the Com1 port comes up in the pnp devices to be added, then it says the device has it's drivers installed but is not funtioning correctly. So if I go to see the report on why it is malfuntioning I get the message: 'This device is not wor ...[text shortened]... part from flashing the BIOS? Surely a BIOS shouldn't need flashing to accomodate a serial port?
It never hurts to have the latest version, i would update the BIOS and see if that fixes the problem

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Originally posted by Mangy Mooose
It never hurts to have the latest version, i would update the BIOS and see if that fixes the problem
I was hoping you wouldn't say that. I can't find the BIOS string in the bottom left hand corner where it is usually located, so I am lost. How do I update it if I don't know what it is?

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Have you tried an old mouse? Just a thought 😕

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Have you checked the COM port settings in your CMOS?

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Originally posted by kris1234
i have a windows 98 its crap they dont belong on desks they belong in skips take my advice and visit a scrap yard.
For once I agree with you. Get rid of it.

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Originally posted by jimslyp69
I've just reprepped an old Windows 98 machine and the bitch will not detect the mousee. If I try 'add new hardware' the Com1 port comes up in the pnp devices to be added, then it says the device has it's drivers installed but is not funtioning correctly. So if I go to see the report on why it is malfuntioning I get the message: 'This device is not wor ...[text shortened]... part from flashing the BIOS? Surely a BIOS shouldn't need flashing to accomodate a serial port?
One thing you could try, we have Dell's at work, win 2000 but
the idea should work, when they screwed up, the dell rep says,among
other things, take out the little battery on the MOBO and let it
sit for a minute or so then re-install the battery. This forces the bios
information to its default settings.
Another thing to try, like someone else suggested, the mouse might
be broken, try another mouse at least for a reality check.

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Originally posted by jimslyp69
I've just reprepped an old Windows 98 machine and the bitch will not detect the mousee. If I try 'add new hardware' the Com1 port comes up in the pnp devices to be added, then it says the device has it's drivers installed but is not funtioning correctly. So if I go to see the report on why it is malfuntioning I get the message: 'This device is not wor ...[text shortened]... part from flashing the BIOS? Surely a BIOS shouldn't need flashing to accomodate a serial port?
this isn't a brand name computer that might have a ps/2 mouse port is it?
Also.. is there an internal modem installed that might be on Com3 or something?

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Originally posted by jimslyp69
I've just reprepped an old Windows 98 machine and the bitch will not detect the mousee. If I try 'add new hardware' the Com1 port comes up in the pnp devices to be added, then it says the device has it's drivers installed but is not funtioning correctly. So if I go to see the report on why it is malfuntioning I get the message: 'This device is not wor ...[text shortened]... part from flashing the BIOS? Surely a BIOS shouldn't need flashing to accomodate a serial port?
I believe is a some kind of conflict involve here ..did you have the modem install ?

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Check for bent or missing pins on the com port.

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Either way.. I don't think a bios flash is necessary.. there are lots of things to try first before that.. I've never had to flash a bios to get a mouse working.

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Originally posted by jimslyp69
I've just reprepped an old Windows 98 machine and the bitch will not detect the mousee. If I try 'add new hardware' the Com1 port comes up in the pnp devices to be added, then it says the device has it's drivers installed but is not funtioning correctly. So if I go to see the report on why it is malfuntioning I get the message: 'This device is not wor ...[text shortened]... part from flashing the BIOS? Surely a BIOS shouldn't need flashing to accomodate a serial port?
This is an easy problem... 🙂

I ran the Arrakis BBS using one computer and 5 phone lines! 😲
Heh, you simply have a conflict between the int used by the mouse and something else on your computer.

Drawing from memory... I think Com 1 used int 4 and com 2 used int 3. You'll have to double-check it for sure cause I shut the BBS down around 7 years ago. But also know that if you have a com 3 it will use the same int as com 1! Same for com 4, uses the int from com 2.

So if you have a modem or other device using int 4, then your mouse needs to use a different int.

Printers should be assigned to int 7.

Good Luck

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You are correct in your memory of interrupts.. Com1/3 uses Interrupt 4, and Com2/4 use interrupt 3.
And.. Memory location is 3F8, 2F8, 3E8, 2E8 respectively.
If you do have a modem, move it to Com2.. that should resolve.. Easiest way to tell is remove the modem itself.. if the mouse starts working, then thats what it is for sure.

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No modem installed. I've checked the BIOS and it gives me the option to assign memory and IRQ allocations. Tried 2F8 and and 3F8 and rebooting, still no joy. It even has all the IRQ assignments in there, no conflicts shown. It shows COM 1 and COM 2 as the defaults. Hmmm. I'll try some of the other advice shown above and get back. Cheers dudes.