Mac OS X 10.2: Modem Unable to Dial, "could not open the communications device" Alert

The Mac OS X Modem Update resolves a rare issue in which a built-in modem cannot dial up. You may see an alert box with this message: "Internet Connect could not open the communications device."
Symptom

After updating or installing Mac OS X 10.2, your computer cannot dial out using the built-in modem. These three symptoms may occur:


Solution

If you have not experienced the symptoms, you do not need to download the Mac OS X Modem Update.

The steps below use the copy of Mac OS 9 that is installed on the affected computer for downloading the update via modem. If you do not have Mac OS 9 installed, you should download the update (as in Steps 3 and 4) from another location, and copy it to a CD-R disc to take back to your computer. If you live near an Apple Store retail location, you may also get help there if necessary. For portable computers, consider going to a location where you could download the update via Ethernet (which includes common broadband Internet services such as cable and DSL).

To download and install the Mac OS X Modem Update, follow these steps:

Legal information

The Mac OS X Modem Update license agreement permits the reproduction of software once for archival purposes only.


Related documents

25438: "Mac OS X 10.2: Modem - 'Could not Open the Communications Device' Message (Bluetooth)"

Published Date: Feb 17, 2012