Serial Port Issue

[mikehende]

I am trying to use an Automated Macro software for my remote control which plugs into the 1 Serial Port in my pc but when I try to configure the "com 1", I get this message

"Device cannot be used, port is already in use"

I am thinking now that some program somewhere has to be causing this and it is not any program in my System Tray as I only have McAfee, my Wireless Internet connection Icon and my Soundcard's DSP software's icon in there.
Is there anything I can do to figure just what is using this port or why I am getting this message? Thanks.

 

[phreakwars]

Usually when something like that happens its either 1 of 2 things, a mouse or a modem. Though not always the case, it is typical. Sometimes just a simple BIOS reassignment of the IRQ can fix this problem, sometimes switching the interfering device to another PCI slot will fix you right up, sometimes you need to manually assign an IRQ to the serial port to use based on the requirements for the serial device.

Also this depends on the OS you are using. Windows XP usually will share IRQ's without a hitch but 98 and ME can fight you occasionally.

I guess what I'm really saying is be a little more specific about your configuration and the problem can be tracked down much quicker.

I could second guess it forever and never have the correct answer without first knowing what exactally your PC OS is and your exact configuration.

I'm sure its a pretty simple fix either way, but more info would be nice.
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[mikehende]

Hi, so sorry for forgetting to include more info, it's just that I don't really know what info you need? The OS is XP Home edition, can you tell me which of these you need in the System Summary please?
1] Hardware resources
2] Components
3] Software environment
4] Internet settings

Thanks.

 

[phreakwars]

Just hardware resources.

DEVICE MANAGER, VIEW RESOURCES BY CONNECTION THEN THE IRQ's for the serial port and if there are any exclamation points (I doubt there are)

And if possible what model computer/motherboard just to be on the safe side.

Also any devices you have plugged into the PCI slots.

Thats probably overkill, but better to get it all out now and make sure.

Serial ports will usually be assigned there own IRQ in XP,as long as no other devices are on the PCI bus. I'm thinking maybe yours just needs to be set to AUTO in the BIOS if it has such a setting. It might be set to a user assigned IRQ that is conflicting, but then won't know that till I know what I'm dealing with, but before we get into that, it might also be that your software is out of date, did you check for an updated driver for the remote yet?

And which remote is it.
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[mikehende]

ok
1] No exclamation points in there but when I look in the Device Manager, under "Sound, Video and Game Controllers", I see a yellow exclamation point in "Soundmax Integrated Digital Audio" which doesn't belong to this pc but came bundled with some other music program I can't remember which but I remember uninstalling it so now it doesn't show in the Control Panel's Add/remove programs. The Soundmax is the music software that comes integrated with Laptops usually, so do you think this may be the cause? If so, how do I get rid of it?

2] Dell Dimension 3000 Celeron 2.6 Ghz XP Home SP2

 

[mikehende]

I don't think that the SOUNDMAX software is the problem becuase i got rid of the exclamation point and same result, also it doesn't show in the task manager, the remote is x10 and the software is the latest versiob, the best thing i can think of now is to use the bios settings you referred to, care to explain further please or anything else i can try?

 

[phreakwars]

The Dell should be factory set to AUTO in the BIOS. Unless you have changed it yourself, so I doubt that would be the cause.

I'm going to ASSUME, you are refering to the model MK19A. In which case I could not find ANYTHING for the Windows XP OS, except something about switching from the serial port to a PS/2 port and plugging the mouse into the supplied serial port on the reciever with the included adapter.

God, you gotta hate hardware manufacturers that sell something and KNOW it will have issues with some PC's, but we'll leave that discussion for Bobs OTHER php board.

Anyway. I'm almost 100% convinced now that the problem is with your mouse.

That series of Dell, I believe, comes with an adapter on the mouse end (green) that will unplug and allow you to use the mouse on a USB port instead.

I'd try that method and see if you can get it working. Plug the MOUSE into the USB port and don't use the PS/2 port (if that is in fact an option). Your serial port and ps/2 port are I'm guessing on the same IRQ.

If this is not an option, then goto the device manager, communications port, then right click and then goto PROPERTIES, then click the RESOURCES tab, UNCHECK "USE AUTOMATIC SETTINGS" and assign the IRQ to an unused/non conflicting IRQ,.

Also, I'm not sure about this so don't quote me, SOME devices will have communication problems on a COM port if there BAUD rate is set too low/too high. But lets not mess with that setting until we have tried other things first, in XP, thats more of a desperation move and can usually be pointless.

Another point I want to make, is from what I have seen, I did not see anything about that remote being XP compatible. Unless I missed something on the x10 website, or have incorrectly identified the remote you are using.(I did guess).

But anyways, after the IRQ change, reboot and see if your then getting communications.

I'm not sure what else to tell you at this point, as I am not familiar with x10's products and am only giving you a general reference to most ANY serial device.
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[mikehende]

I am really very impressed with your willingness to help phreakwars and you'll never know how much I appreciate the help but I after a "week" of frustration trying to get the x10 mouse remote to work with the Girder software I abandoned it and used another software to get the mouse remote working again which is the "max10" software. I have learned a lot from your posts though so your efforts haven't gone in vain, thanks a lot for the help, until next time, take it easy, Mike.
p.s. If you guys here have any questions on music/pc automation, let me know.