No com or Lpt ports

Chipset Drivers are required.

Inspiron 530
Inspiron 530s

Chipset - Driver

Description	Importance	Version	Released	Supported OS	Download
Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility for 530abcd/530sabcd, v.9.0.0.1008, A01 Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility for Vista	Urgent	9.0.0.1008	2/19/2009	Windows Vista 64-bit Windows Vista 32-bit

Which bios depends on which model 530 you have.

"Tried to install printer, but there are no com ports or lpt port appearing in  device manager."

Sounds like your printer is not a Dell Printer and therefore not supported here.

One reason for not seeing any SERIAL or PARALLEL ports is that

the 530 DOES NOT HAVE ANY SUCH PORTS Physically on the system.

USB Port Drivers for Printers would require XP Service pack3 since SP1 and SP2

are no longer supported by Microsoft.

BIOS - BIOS

Description	Importance	Version	Released	Supported OS	Download
Dell Inspiron Desktop 530s System BIOS, Inspiron Desktop 530 System BIOS, 1.0.18 Inspiron 530/530s System BIOS	Recommended	1.0.18	3/11/2009	BIOS
Dell Inspiron Desktop 530b/530Sb System BIOS, 1.0.2 Inspiron 530b/530sb System BIOS	Recommended	1.0.2	2/16/2009	BIOS
Dell Inspiron Desktop 530s System BIOS, Inspiron Desktop 530 System BIOS, 1.0.1 Inspiron 530/530s System BIOS	Recommended	1.0.1	7/3/2007	BIOS

Try a newer version. Then make sure the bios is Correct and has not disabled those ports.

File name: infinst_autol.exe	Version: 9.3.0.1026		Download
Date: 11/06/2012	Status: Latest
Size: 4.73 MB	Language: English
Operating Systems: Windows Server 2003 *, Windows Server 2003 Standard x64 Edition*, Windows Server 2008 *, Windows 2000 *, Windows 7 *, Windows 7 (64-bit)*, Windows 8*, Windows 8, 64-bit*, Windows Server 2008 Standard x64*, Windows Server 2012*, Windows Vista *, Windows XP *, Windows XP Professional x64 Edition*

Hi SpeedStep.

Tried installing the chipset drivers (XP). This did solve the no drivers for SM Bus issue, but i still don't have any com ports!??

I noticed the driver you have posted is for Vista - have I used the correct driver?

Any other sugestions gratefully recieved...

Sorry SpeedStar (and thanks for your input) but this didnt work either.

However while rebooting I noticed a message flash across the screen that read:

AHCI Bios not installed!!

Any ideas where I might find this, and do I have to flash the bios to install this?

Cheers

Windows is sp3, all updates installed.

Usb to serial port is CH341 (google it)

Shouldn't there be a "ports" entry in device manager?

I dont wish to appear stupid but ive never seen device manager without a ports entry.

Windows is sp3, all updates installed. Usb to serial port is CH341 (google it) Shouldn't there be a "ports" entry in device manager? I dont wish to appear stupid but ive never seen device manager without a ports entry.

This site is not support for CH341 usb to serial adapters or cutters or plotters. If the adapter is bad it will not show up in device manager as a Serial Port.  If the DRIVER for the CH341 is not installed it will not show up as a Serial Port. The ports do not show up until the Device is actually detected.

I have a Lynx Vinyl Cutter. Can I use a USB connection?

flashed bios - no change. ( Nice new dell logo on boot though)

I know this machine has no physical ports, I am looking for the ports in device manager as I have to install a usb driver that installs to com3 ( or nearest free com port available).This then drives a vinyl plotter

Everything was working fine till the BSOD on Saturday. I wouldn't have thought that reinstalling windows could remove these from the system, but that seems to be the case. This really is driving me nuts, even thought of reinstalling windows again, but what would be the point if I still have no ports in device manager.

I have reinstalled my printer (not plotter) a dell AIO 810 and that works fine.

Thanks for all your time on this SpeedStep.

I realise that this forum is not for CH341 or related issues. These are not Dell products and are not supported.

I simply want to know why I have no ports entry in device manager,

This setup was working perfectly for months untill the machine crashed at the weekend. Before the crash I had ports in device manager, but now they are gone.???

The USB ports REQUIRE the Service Packs.  Then the Driver for Serial to USB.

Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package - Microsoft

www.microsoft.com/.../details.aspx

PL-2303H / 2303HX / 2303HXD Drivers are not native to XP.

There are however also NOT A Dell Product.

There are ZERO Drivers for a USB to Serial to Plotter from Dell.

prolificusa.com/pl-2303hx-drivers

No "Ports" would EVER show up since they are not physically there. Once the USB fixes and USB to SERIAL drivers are installed the "Com"  PORT will show up.  If you do not use a USB to Serial Adapter then the Driver for the Plotter needs to be installed.

I would recommend using a Keyspan brand USB adapter for this type of connection.
SignWarehouse stocks and sell the Keyspan Adapters. There is an article on the support website

(www.signwarehouse.com/support)

below that has instructions on how to set the Keyspan up once you have it:

http://www.signwarehouse.com/support...barticleid=116

You can contact sales or order the Keyspan from support at (800) 966 - 1783.

You can also email support directly at support@signwarehouse.com if you have any other questions.

Many thanks again Speed Step, I really appreciate your time and trouble.:emotion-21:

Reading your last post gave me an idea. I swapped the usb cable for another and lo and behold everything is happy again. Feel a bit of a fool for not checking that before posting here,:emotion-10:

On the plus side I have learned a few things today.

Cheers:emotion-22: