Software can't see COM1

Question

Hi,

I have a Dell D520 Laptop with XP Pro SP3. I’m having an issue with a program called Doors. It’s a database for a security system and I upload new data about once a month. Data is uploaded via a AOpen FM56EXV modem connected to COM1. Once the data is uploaded, I disconnect the modem and put it back in it’s box.

All was well until I had to reinstall XP and format the HD. I reinstalled the program and now it says COM1 not available. I’ve tested COM1 with Dell’s utility disk (with a loopback plug and with the modem connected), reinstalled the AOpen and port drivers, reinstalled the program twice, made calls to my cell via hyperterm, queried the modem via Device Manager, etc. Windows acknowledges the modem as connected to COM1.

I don’t believe there’s anything wrong with the hardware. The software company says otherwise and I agree because with a USB drive I can copy the software to another computer and there’s no problem. I don’t know where to turn. Any suggestions?

Ed

Message Edited by hdtrc on 08-21-2008 04:59 PM

ieee488 · Answer

When it was working, were you using XP SP2 and not XP SP3?  Are you sure there isn't an update for the AOpen modem itself? Can you dial out to an ISP with that modem? Message Edited by ieee488 on 08-21-2008 04:06 PM

hdtrc · Answer

Hi ieee488,

Hmmm...good question, I may have been working with SP2 before the format. I just did the format two weeks ago and don't remember if SP3 had been downloaded before then. It probably wasn't, I made Updates manually and don't recall seeing it but I could be wrong.

The AOpen site didn't show any updates. I have the same question posted on Dr. Open on their website.

Never tried dialing out to an ISP.

I really don't think it's the modem because the program says it can't find COM1. The program has it's own COMtest and COM1 fails it. The message says something about there might be another program running or the device is faulty. It might be right about some sort of Win software but it works fine on my 6yo desktop at home. I formatted that one right after I did the laptop.

Message Edited by hdtrc on 08-21-2008 05:09 PM

ieee488 · Answer

It's probably some sort of IRQ conflict.   Does the D520 have an infrared port? You might want to disable it.

hdtrc · Answer

Yes it does have an IR port. I had that same idea when I was looking in the BIOS but didn't act on it. I'll give it a try. Thanks

Update...the IR port was off all along. COM1 says something about 3F8h with IRQ4. I don't know what that means.

Message Edited by hdtrc on 08-22-2008 08:04 AM

ieee488 · Answer

If you go into Device Manager and select View -> Resources by Type, you'll see if there is anything else using IRQ4. On my Dell Optiplex 745 here at work, nothing else uses that IRQ. Otherwise, I don't know what can be causing it unless it is something with Service Pack 3.

hdtrc · Answer

Success! I don't kow what I did but I'm good to go now. I tried your suggestion in Device Manager. I wasn't aware of the view options. Also, I fiddled with Hyperterm. At one point I hit "Restore Defaults" somewhere and everything started working. Thanks for your time.

Ed

hdtrc · Answer

AHHH! The problem is back. I turned off my laptop and now I'm back in the same spot. The root of the problem is that according to Hyperterm 'Unable to open COM1'. I don't know how to correct that. Any ideas?

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Software can't see COM1

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