How to Enable Adaptive Answer on U.S. Robotics V.Everything 56K Modem (190659)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft BackOffice Small Business Server 4.0a
  • Microsoft BackOffice Small Business Server 4.0
This article was previously published under Q190659

SYMPTOMS

The U.S. Robotics V.Everything 56K V.90 modem may not correctly perform adaptive answering if the modem is installed using the INF file provided by U.S. Robotics. The U.S. Robotics 56K V.90 modem may always answer as a fax modem. Adaptive answering is used to distinguish between an incoming fax or data call.

CAUSE

The Microsoft Fax server software included with Microsoft BackOffice Small Business Server has a hardcoded list of modem response strings from modems that have been successfully tested with Microsoft Fax and adaptive answering. The U.S. Robotics INF file for the U.S. Robotics V.Everything V.90 modem may have a different modem response string than the one expected by Microsoft Fax Server. If the modem response string included in the modem's INF file does not match exactly the expected value, Microsoft Fax server will not enable adaptive answering.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, download the latest Courier modem driver from the 3COM Web Site.

WORKAROUND

Before you try to change the INF, make sure that, when installing the driver for the modem, you had selected the correct option from the list of modems. The compact disc that accompanies USR modems contains settings and drivers for several different types of modems and their descriptions may sound close to what you are installing; however, they may not be exactly right or match your modem.

In the case of the USR Courier v.everything 56K modem, when you use the "Have disk" option and read the drivers off of the CD, three manufacturers are listed on the left.

You should select US Robotics Inc. (the third option) and not 3COM. After the correct manufacturer is selected, proceed to the description that exactly matches your modem; for example, Courier V.everything 56K Internal or External. Be aware that a similar description exists under the 3COM manufacturers' list, but this will not work properly with the USR modem.

You must edit the modem response string in the U.S. Robotics' INF file to change the modem response string so that it matches exactly the string that is expected by Microsoft Fax Server. The list of accepted response strings is included in the Faxadapt.lst file. This file is located in C:\Winnt.sbs\System32. The Microsoft Fax server expects the U.S. Robotics V.Everything modem to have a response string of:

COURIER V.EVERYTHING::U.S. ROBOTICS, INC.::U.S. ROBOTICS, INC.

  1. You must make the following changes in the INF file provided by U.S. Robotics. In this example, the assumption is made that the modem is actually a U.S. Robotics Courier V.Everything External with V.90 firmware. 
       Original U.S. Robotics Mdmcrv90.inf File:

      [Strings]
      USR     = "U.S. Robotics Access Corp."
      Modem1  = "Courier V.Everything EXT PnP (V.90&x2)"
      Modem2  = "Courier V.Everything EXT (V.90&x2)"

      Modem10 = "Courier V.Everything INT PnP (V.90&x2)"
      Modem11 = "Courier V.Everything INT (V.90&x2)"
      Modem12 = "Courier V.Everything INT (V.90&x2)"
      Modem13 = "Courier V.Everything INT (V.90&x2)"
      Modem14 = "Courier V.Everything INT (V.90&x2)"

   Modified File to Allow Microsoft Fax to Enable Adaptive Answer:

      [Strings]
      USR     = "U.S. ROBOTICS, INC."
      Modem1  = "Courier V.Everything EXT PnP (V.90&x2)"
      Modem2  = "COURIER V.EVERYTHING"

      Modem10 = "Courier V.Everything INT PnP (V.90&x2)"
      Modem11 = "Courier V.Everything INT (V.90&x2)"
      Modem12 = "Courier V.Everything INT (V.90&x2)"
      Modem13 = "Courier V.Everything INT (V.90&x2)"
      Modem14 = "Courier V.Everything INT (V.90&x2)"
  2. After the file is modified, add the modem using the Modems tool in Control Panel, but do not let the applet detect the modem.
  3. Click Have Disk and browse to the directory containing the modified INF file.
  4. Select the modem titled Courier V.Everything from the list of modems.
  5. After the modem is installed, configure RAS and Fax server appropriately.

MORE INFORMATION

The above procedure was tested and verified on the U.S. Robotics Courier V.Everything 56K V.90 modem with Supervisor rev 7.3.14 and DSP rev 3.0.13 firmware. The steps may be modified to work with other modems, but Microsoft has not tested any other modems and can not guarantee the results.

The third-party products discussed here are manufactured by vendors independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding these products' performance or reliability.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:2/24/2004
Keywords:kbprb KB190659
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.