Alright, I'm having a problem here with XP, and getting a serial to USB converter to work right with the program I'm trying to use. I have a computer connected to my car that allows me to tune it, the computer is then supposed to connect via a 9 pin serial cable into the back of my laptop. However, the laptop I have doesn't have a 9 pin connecter. This is where my serial-to-usb converter comes into play. So I connect the 9 pin cable into the converter, and then the converter into my USB slot on my laptop. Here's where it gets good. I go to run the program and it tells me it can't open COM1, so I switch it to COM2, same error. The program has only two options... either COM1, or COM2 can be used with it. My guess on this matter is that the USB port on the laptop isn't a COM1 or COM2, so that explains why the program can't connect to it. The only thing I can figure is to somehow redirect the USB port to being recognize as a COM port. Only question is, "Is it possible?" The way my luck has been, I'd say no. I need some help is what I need, lol. If anyone out there knows what I might be able to try, PLEASE let me know, 'cause I'm at a loss. I've tried a ton of things, and can't seem to find anything online that will switch ports or redirect, or anything like that. HELP HELP HELP, that's all I can say. If you need to know more, post here or email me at edwardzb1983@yahoo.com . I'm desperate. THANKS! Brad

Is the program you're trying to run actually a Windows program? I ask because if it is a DOS based program running in a command prompt window then there is no way it will ever work. The USB to serial converters all rely on Windows drivers and don't natively support console applications.

Well an interesting question gets an interesting answer. I doubt this would work but you could configure your USB port to use the resources of a COM1 port. You would have to go to device manager and change USB resources first I/O range to 03F8-03FF w/ IRQ 4. If the program is looking for the I/O range it will work. If it is looking for a COM port it will fail. You will most definitely need to buy a port replicator. dark.

Hmm, not a bad idea. Will have to try it. lloyd33, yes, it's a Windows program... it works fine within Windows98 with it directly connected to a 9 pin serial port (COM1 on that laptop). The problem with that laptop is that the battery is hosed, and it's $150.00 for a new one. This wouldn't be such a big deal if I wasn't tuning the car on the road, but it's a must to keep it from running to lean or rich with a load on the engine. Anyways, I'll try that idea tomorrow and see what happens. Dark, quick question for you though... would I change the resources of the USB Root Hub or the USB Universal Host Controller? Just want to make sure before I go and dick something up, lol. Let me know. Thank you both for your replies. Keep the ideas coming folks. Brad

You have to change the I/O settings on the host controller. Make sure you write the old settings down, so that you can change it back if it doesn't work. Also, I was going to add that those USB to serial adapters usually come with drivers and a little software proggy to help you set up the COM ports. Did you install everything there was for it? Also look in the device manager and see if you have a COM port listed under 'Ports'. If so, make sure it is set on COM1. The setting is under Ports > COM Port > Port Settings > Advanced. If all else fails, I have a nice Sony Vaio laptop that I will sell to you for the low low price of $1,200 complete with serial port. Best of luck!

Alright, thanks a lot Dark. I'll give it a shot tonight. *Crosses fingers* Hopefully it will work. I'll make a post later on if whether or not it worked. Thanks again for your help. Brad