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Windows XP forum: Com Port disappearing

by: peterwill December 5, 2011 8:11 AM PST

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Com Port disappearing

by peterwill - 12/5/11 8:11 AM

I am running a Dell 380 Precision Desk top with XP Professional.I have an ICOM Short Wave radio connected via Com 3 and an OWL Electricity Monitor connected via Com 5.<div><span>At the moment both are working fine but as soon as I shut down the computer, the next boot up fails to connect the radio with any Com port. The only way I can get connected is to delete the Silicon Labs CP210x USB to UART Bridge and re-install. All divers are up to date. The problem has risen occasionally over the past few months but usually goes away after a time. It is now with me permanently.
<span>Hope someone can give me a steer on this.
Best wishes,
<span>Peter
</div>


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Sounds like buggy drivers.

by R. Proffitt Moderator - 12/5/11 9:19 AM

In Reply to: Com Port disappearing by peterwill

Try other USB to UART adapters or a serial port card. There are many other solutions out there but the hard part I find is that folk usually want what they have fixed.
Bob


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Com Port disappearing

by peterwill - 12/8/11 7:37 AM

In Reply to: Sounds like buggy drivers. by R. Proffitt Moderator

Hello again Bob,
Since my earlier post I have ahd a connection which worked well and kept me connected to the radio for 36 hours. However as soon as I closed down the computer last night I rebooted but could get no connection. Also on rebooting this morning the "Found new Hardware Wizard didn't come up either. But now I have Comms Port Com1, Printer Port LPT1, Owl Electricity Meter Com5 and Silicon Labs CP210x Com 3 all showing in the Device window but can still not connect to the radio. Do you think the radio is suspect or is it something to do with the Found New Hardware Wizard not functioning.

Peter


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Tipping my hand a little.

by R. Proffitt Moderator - 12/8/11 8:30 AM

In Reply to: Com Port disappearing by peterwill

I write apps that use serial ports. On Windows, Windows Mobile, PalmOS, embedded systems and more.

While I troubleshoot our systems I can't do the same over the internet. However I do know that if your story was told I'd be replacing the current USB to RS232 with something else.
Bob


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Pay close attention to Bob's ...

by Edward ODaniel - 12/8/11 2:13 PM

In Reply to: Com Port disappearing by peterwill

responses, but also be aware that it could be that because of your serial devices you will need to do a bit of modification to your Windows XP Boot.ini file.

There are several switches available for the boot.ini file that control what happens when the system boots. COM port discovery was often problematic (especially with serial mice and serial scanners and modems in various combinations) and /noserialmice was born. With Windows 2000 that got changed to /fastdetect:comnumber

I haven't had to use the switches for many years as I got away from exotic peripheral mixtures but I hope it helps you.

Here is a link to a complete explanation of the switches for your problem solving:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/833721


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COM Port disappearing

by peterwill - 12/10/11 9:22 AM

In Reply to: Pay close attention to Bob's ... by Edward ODaniel

Thanks to Bob and Edward for responses. I have tried two other computers and much the same results occur. I am now sending the unit back to ICOM to ensure that it isn't the radio which is at fault. Will report back but it maybe some weeks what with Xmas and the New Year. In the meantime,
Happy Christmas to all.<div>Peter
</div>


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