Serial Port Error

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@babygirl2960 wrote:

I need to transfer information from my computer, my old computer uses the 9 prong null. But my dell does not have a connection for the 9 prong null, I purchased an adaptor and plugged into USB on my new dell but I get an Error say "CAN'T OPEN SERIAL PORT LAST ERROR: THE SYSTEM CANNOT FIND THE FILE SPECIFIED." I really am not sure if I'm plugging it into the right place, I know that the file is good and it's in my computer.

Please tell me what I'm doing wrong? I have 4 USB plugs, My mouse, my key board, my printer, I only have the one left. Is that the right one? That is the one giving me the error. I'm even thinking that it really does not go there anyway? If not, then WHERE?

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In general, the USB -> Serial adapters are not going to work well for what you are wanting to do. You'll need to buy a PCI card with serial ports and install it in your new PC.

It should not matter which USB port you plug it into.

Where/when are you getting that error message? When you plug into the USB port or when you try to access the serial port?

Presumably, the serial port needs to be set up (COM ports, IRQ etc). Did you do that?

How are you accessing the serial port (what program are you using)?

What computer do you have?

Peter

Generally, with serial ports you need to adjust both the program accessing the port and the serial port itself to be compatible. That is why serial ports are such a PITA!

I would go into Device Manager (right click My Computer and select Manage then select Device Manager). Look in the Ports section. I think your USB serial port should be there. If so, look at the properties. You might be able to adjust COM, IRQ, etc.

Also check the program that wants to send data. It should have a setup that determines which serial port it is accessing. It should match what you see for your serial port. If they don't match, you will need to change one of them.

As you can see, serial ports are obsolete and a pain. That is why Dell is getting rid of them.

I hope this helps. I don't have your hardware or software, so I have to guess at what you need to do.

You can always contact the USB serial port maker and the software vendor for support on making them work together.

Peter

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@babygirl2960 wrote:

My computer recognizes the new USB cord when I plug it in.

But When I try to access it is when I get the error message.

I have a Dell Dimension E310 Desktop

How do I set up the Serial Port, and how do I know what program I'm using? Give me an example, please. Thank You!

If you can explain it to me, I'd willing to try.

Someone said that maybe my driver was not set up. That I may have to set it up manually. I'm a computer DUMMY at this point. Is my driver and serial port the same thing? And does any of this sound anywhere close to what my problem might be?

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I'm not quite clear why you are choosing to use a null modem cable to connect your new and older PC. It sounds like you have never done this before.

It is possible to do this, but I will say again that the problem is that the USB to Serial adapter is probably not going to give your PC direct access to the hardware pins that it wants.

Take a look at these article:
www.pcnineoneone.com/howto/filexfer.html

http://compnetworking.about.com/cs/directcabledcc/