-> On the 286 - it's quite possible there is only _one_ comm port on
-> that machine on the motherboard.  Easiest way to tell is to look for
-> the 16450
 Long story...There's a 25-pin serial port on the back clearly labeled COM2. 
I've got the (non-functioning) modem plugged in to that. Adjacent to it is a 
9-pin port labeled COM3. I haven't tried that. The mouse, which works OK, is 
on COM1. When I run Microsoft Diagnostics, it reports that I have one 8250 
UART, for the mouse. PC Tools reports that I have one 16450 UART, also for 
the mouse.
 When I acquired the computer, it had an internal modem, a 2400 bps one, that 
ran erratically. I've removed it.
 Because the expansion cards are installed horizontally, my view of much of 
the motherboard is obscured. At this point, I am lazy enough not to take 
things apart--it's easier to use the Mac. What I need is a stretch of rain, 
so I can stop planting and start dismantling. Then I'll figure things out.
 Thanks for the advice. I'll need it.
 Yours, Blair.
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