I have an external input device that I want to use on my computer.
Dell running Windows XP Pro. For whatever reason, when I hook it up
it automatically gets assigned to COM5, 9, 11 or some other high
random port number.

The problem is, in order for it to even work, I will need to go into
Accessibility Options / Serial Keys and enable it, but my only choices
for COM ports are 1-4. (so you see my dilemma?)

Is there anyway to get Windows (Accessibility Options) to recognize/
see the higher port numbers?

OR

How can I get this device to utilize COM 2, 3 or 4?

By the way - under device manager >> Ports: 2, 3 & 4 aren't even
listed...

I'm stuck....

any help, advice, feedback or suggestions would be very much
appreciated!

To clear the incorrect COM ports in Device Manager, delete all the inactive
COM ports in Device Manager. The next time that you start your computer, the
COM ports are detected correctly.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/323511

Also check your settings via the BIOS.


SerialKeys: Use an Alternative Input Device Instead of a Keyboard or Mouse
http://www.microsoft.com/enable/trai...erialkeys.aspx

Added info:

Serial Device May Be Detected as a Serial Mouse in Windows
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/283063

Quicker Fix: http://www.pctools.com/guides/registry/detail/1268/


/NOSERIALMICE=[COMx | COMx,y,z...] - Disables serial mouse detection of the
specified COM port(s). Use this switch if you have a component other than a
mouse attached to a serial port during the startup sequence. If you use
/NOSERIALMICE without specifying a COM port, serial mouse detection is
disabled on all COM ports.


--

All the Best,
Kelly (MS-MVP/DTS&XP)

Taskbar Repair Tool Plus!
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/taskbarplus!.htm


"bo" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:fe3c60dc-5a30-44fb-836b-(E-Mail Removed)...
>I have an external input device that I want to use on my computer.
> Dell running Windows XP Pro. For whatever reason, when I hook it up
> it automatically gets assigned to COM5, 9, 11 or some other high
> random port number.
>
> The problem is, in order for it to even work, I will need to go into
> Accessibility Options / Serial Keys and enable it, but my only choices
> for COM ports are 1-4. (so you see my dilemma?)
>
> Is there anyway to get Windows (Accessibility Options) to recognize/
> see the higher port numbers?
>
> OR
>
> How can I get this device to utilize COM 2, 3 or 4?
>
> By the way - under device manager >> Ports: 2, 3 & 4 aren't even
> listed...
>
> I'm stuck....
>
> any help, advice, feedback or suggestions would be very much
> appreciated!

"bo" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:fe3c60dc-5a30-44fb-836b-(E-Mail Removed)...
>I have an external input device that I want to use on my computer.
> Dell running Windows XP Pro. For whatever reason, when I hook it up
> it automatically gets assigned to COM5, 9, 11 or some other high
> random port number.

Yep.

> The problem is, in order for it to even work, I will need to go into
> Accessibility Options / Serial Keys and enable it, but my only choices
> for COM ports are 1-4. (so you see my dilemma?)

I run into this all the time, as a critical piece of software (and older
version) I run at work only sees COM 1-4; newer versions don't have this
limitation, but I'm not inclined to spend nearly a grand for that "feature".

>
> Is there anyway to get Windows (Accessibility Options) to recognize/
> see the higher port numbers?

No, but you can shift the port number down in a few seconds.

> OR
>
> How can I get this device to utilize COM 2, 3 or 4?
>
> By the way - under device manager >> Ports: 2, 3 & 4 aren't even
> listed...

Connect the device so that it creates its port. Go to Device Manager,
right-click on the port, choose Properties.

Choose the Port Settings sheet, and the Advanced button. Change the COM
port button in the lower left.

HTH
-pk

>
> I'm stuck....
>
> any help, advice, feedback or suggestions would be very much
> appreciated!