COM1 Buffer Overrun

I'm running an Inspiron 8100, lots of mem, Window 2X.  When I connect to a serial device to download info to that device from the back of the Inspiron, I get "Buffer Overrun" errors from the software.  Different software makes no difference.

However, when I connect through the docking bay, no problem.  A similar problem was reported by other Inspiron users, who had no access to this board. 

I believe there's a problem with the com1 port on the back of the laptop.  (The docking bay uses a different setup, and that has no problems.)

Anyone else have this problem?  Did you get it resolved?  What was the solution?

I've lowered the baud rate, raise the baud rate, etc. and it's intermittent. 

Thanks