Drivers and Flash Upgrades
What are Drivers?
Drivers are files which contain configuration information on modems and other
hardware. They are platform-specific, and used when installing new hardware
into a system. These files are usually provided on a diskette or CD-ROM
with the modem, but occasionally an updated driver will be made available to
fix a bug or provide improved performance.
What are Flash Upgrades?
K56Flex modems, as well as many newer devices that are software-driven,
save their operating parameters in a special type of memory called "Flash
RAM". This is memory that maintains its contents during normal operation,
but can be over-written by special commands. This way, if a bug in the
code is discovered or new features become available, all you need to do
to replace your modem's firmware is to run a special program that replaces
the contents of the Flash RAM with the corrected or improved code.
How to tell what firmware you have:
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Method 1, with a terminal program:
Using a terminal program such as Windows Terminal, Windows 95 Hyperterminal,
or Procomm, connect to your modem's COM port, but do not dial a number. Type
AT and you should see OK echoed to the screen.
Then type ATI3 and the firmware revision will be displayed.
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Method 2, with Windows 95 modem diagnostics:
You must first set up your modem with Windows 95 to use this method.
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Select START -> Settings -> Control Panel -> Modems.
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Click the Diagnostics tab.
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Highlight the port associated with your modem.
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Select More Info
Your modem's firmware revision will be shown next to the ATI3 parameter.
Getting the latest revision from the manufacturer:
The following is a listing of K56flex modem manufacturers with drivers and
flash upgrades online.
Selecting a link will direct you to that manufacturer's upgrade page.
Use your browser's BACK option to return.
Please let me know of any additions or
corrections that should be made to this page.
Modem Init Strings
