I got the computer brand new, and it apparently has a Motorola SM56 modem inside which isn't functioning anymore (I assume, because of the red "X" in system info). Do you think it's important to remove it? And is it definitely safe to remove it?

I tried PeerGuardian2, and I still have the setup files. It didn't seem to be helping, only using up memory, so I deleted it. But I'll try it again. Thanks for your help.

safe is relative....have you ever worked on the insides of a box before? if you have, then yeah, its safe....if you're a virgin at such things then it might not be 'safe'...should be pretty simple...

but...upon doing a little research it seems this modem is a fax modem, not an internet connection modem....

soooo...your problems shouldn't be associated with this...DOH!

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So Long and Thanks for All the Files
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Kobra

Just as Peerless says, it is extremely unlikely that your internal fax modem (aka dial-up modem) has any effect on your current setup.

I still use my internal dial-up modem to send faxes, not to connect to the Internet. For Internet connection I use a multi-user modem router, the Speedtouch 585.

Back to your problem, the reason why you have a "red X" marked in Device Manager for your dial-up modem is because the software drivers for it are not installed and so it is totally inoperative and has no affect in or on your PC. You will not achieve any benefit from removing this modem from your motherboard, other than to risk causing damage to your computer.

As for PeerGuardian, it is an IP blocker and stops Government Agencies (and their associates), various computer companies, local city and area authorities, known malware distributors, etc. from accessing your PC while you are using Limewire.

Unfortunately, when you configure your PC to use Limewire, by port forwarding and amending your firewall, you also enable a whole host of other organisations (both good and bad) to access your PC as well. PeerGuardian blocks some of those organisations.

As for me and Limewire, I no longer use it because there is a government backed campaign in the UK, and across Europe, against the use P2P software. And along with the various laws and snooping powers that have been recently enacted it just isn't worth it anymore.



UK Bob