Uninstalled Modem Remains in Fax Server Registry Settings (198850)

IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry

SYMPTOMS

Whenever a modem is added to Small Business Server (SBS), an entry for the modem is added under the fax server registry settings. When a modem is removed, however, the entry remains in the registry. This may cause some unintended interruptions in the fax service, or various other symptoms.

RESOLUTION

To correct this problem, use the following procedure to delete the unneeded entry:

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

Click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double- click Services.
Stop the Microsoft Fax Service.
Run Registry Editor (Regedt32.exe)
Go to the following key:
```
      HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Fax\Devices\ 
						
```
At this time, you may want to save the key in case an entry needs to be restored.
There will be a key for each installed and uninstalled modem. The keys will have been named using a random, 8-digit number. Delete the keys that are not needed.
Restart the Microsoft Fax Service.

MORE INFORMATION

If you are unable to determine which modem keys are needed and which can be deleted from the registry, follow this procedure.

Before stopping the Microsoft Fax Service, click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click Fax Server.
Click the Receive tab. Select an installed modem and change one of the settings (CSID, Rings before answer, routing options, and so on). Repeat for all installed modems.
In the registry, look under the parameters for each modem listed. The ones that are currently installed will have the new values, while the unneeded modem entries will have the old values.
After you restart the Microsoft Fax Service, reset the changed values back to the original settings.