Dell computer serial com port question...

[Tom in D.C.]

Need advice on the best way to make a Dell desktop's
serial port into one that works like the rest of the world's
serial ports work. I've done a ton of reading on Google
about the subject and my Dell Dimension B1000 still won't
work right at Com 1.

All hints, leads, suggestions, etc. are welcome.

[wavetar]

I'm not aware of the COM port issue with the Dell desktops...I've only dealt with the laptops where they seem to work perfectly well. What types of problems are you having?

The easiest thing to do might be to buy a PCI serial card & pop it in...it might be COM 3 or something, but it should work properly.

Todd

[k2hz]

I have owned 3 Dell Dimension series and never had any issues with the com ports.

I presently have a Dimension 8100 and use the com port for several programs, including radio programming, with no problems.

[Jim2121]

I have also 3 dell notebooks, no com port probs? whats up Tom? Jim Reid

[Tom in D.C.]

Okay, here's my situation:

Dell Celeron D desktop running XP Home Edition
Astro/Saber CPS V4
Motorola RIB

The whole setup works fine on a Toshiba Satellite but
won't communicate on the Dell. I need to run the
program on the Dell for speed; the Toshiba is loaded
with old crap and is very slow.

Tried installing an auxiliary set of serial ports, Com 4
and Com 5, but get the same error message. No
errors in Device Manager; all ports show up fine.

All help appreciated.

[emsbuff3240]

Check the serial port configuration in the BIOS if you have not yet.

[Tom in D.C.]

Serial port in the BIOS is set to AUTO.

[kcbooboo]

What other choices does the BIOS show for COM1 except AUTO?

Sometimes laptops have infrared (IR) ports that could be enabled instead of the usual serial port hardware on COM1. Worth checking out.

If you have the ability to set manual values, go for address 03F8 and IRQ4, as these are standard for COM1.

Also check any other ports (IR or COM2) just to be safe and make sure they aren't using the same resources. Docking stations often have additional ports; disable them. Internal modem?

Check Windows Hardware Manager for sharing violations.

Bob M.

[tvsjr]

What other applications are running? I'd be looking for things locking the ports... Palm software, etc.

And, force the ports on in BIOS... don't set them to AUTO if you can avoid it.

[Tom in D.C.]

Problem mysteriously solved. Looks as if the main, onboard,
primary com port likes to be called COM 4. Makes no sense
to me but everything is now working, reading, programming,
etc. just fine.

Thanks to all who replied.