I was trying to get my new Fujitsu Lifebook to use a USB to RS-232 conversion cable since it doesn't have a serial port but I kept getting an error message stating "com port failed to open" as soon as try to launch the associated program. I went into Device Manager to look at the "Ports (COM & LPT)” option but it doesn't even exist. I'm stumped. How or is it even possible to accomplish my objective?

You may need to add the ports. Go into "add/remove hardware" choose the option that Say's something like "let me choose what hardware to install" then go to "choose hardware from a list". Go down the list and find the "com ports". Then choose to "add com port". I added 4, one at a time to my system in case I need them. Musky If the voices inside my head paid rent, I'd be rich!

I just tried that and it worked to get in in the Device Manager but it says that the device cannot start. I've tried several different com port numbers with the same result. Any more suggestions?

I've used those USB to serial converters before with no problems except to make sure that the Drivers get loaded. XP doesn't have any "generic" driver for them. Try right clicking on it in device manager and choose "update driver" then point XP to the driver CD, and force it to load them. I hope this helps. Musky If the voices inside my head paid rent, I'd be rich!