I would expect problems with answering machine software executing from a
stopped hard drive.

May I suggest an autoexec.bat file (or a manually activated batch file)
that loads to a RAMDISK (or other virtual disk actually stored in an
allocated section of memory) all the software and drivers needed to
answer the telephone.  Adjust the PATH, so that it goes to the virtual
disk first.  You may have to include a command to "wake up" the hard
drive when the 'phone rings.  With luck, the hard drive should be up to
speed by the time your outgoing message is finished reading from the
virtual disk.  If not, you will have to record to the virtual disk and
then copy to the hard drive.  (The virtual disk "disappears" when the
power goes off.)  I trust that you have plenty of RAM.

You could then shorten the time before the hard drive shuts down - first
to make it easier to test, and then a bit longer to trade off between
convenience using the system and also to conserve power and drive life.

As long as the answering machine software addresses the 28.8 K modem
on COM2 and the ISP dialup software addresses the 56 K modem on COM1, and
there are no other conflicts - such as a serial mouse - there should not
be any problems.  Do you have two separate 'phone lines?  Is there any
reason why you can't just use the 56 K modem for everything?  That should
be much simpler.

P.S. I'm only talking from theory, but am interested in how this works out.
Good luck!

Boyd Ramsay

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