Installing a program which requires a COM Port - What if you have no COM Port?

[Phrog]

greetings all,

I obtained an application called Softimage XSI, a graphics editing program, only to
discover that I can't install it. In order to install the application, you must have
an unused COM port. And the only one I have (COM1) is being used by the mouse.
However I do have an abundance of USB ports. The application can only use COM1 or
COM2.

Is there any type of program, application, utility or driver that will configure a
PC (running XP) to see a USB port as a COM port? Using a USB to Serial cable isn't
enough, as the computer must first "see" the USB port as a COM port in the device
manager. Any and all advice much appreciated.

Phrog

 

[Al Dykes]

greetings all,

I obtained an application called Softimage XSI, a graphics editing program, only to
discover that I can't install it. In order to install the application, you must have
an unused COM port. And the only one I have (COM1) is being used by the mouse.
However I do have an abundance of USB ports. The application can only use COM1 or
COM2.

Is there any type of program, application, utility or driver that will configure a
PC (running XP) to see a USB port as a COM port? Using a USB to Serial cable isn't
enough, as the computer must first "see" the USB port as a COM port in the device
manager. Any and all advice much appreciated.

Phrog

Get a USB mouse....

 

[Ron Bogart]

In

Get a USB mouse....

Get a USB mouse and clear up your COM port.

--
Ron Bogart {} ô¿ô¬
Associate Expert
Expert Zone -
Lovin life on Mercer Island 8^)
"Life is what happens while we are making other plans."
In memory of a true friend, MVP Alex Nichol (1935-2005)

 

[Phrog]

Get a USB mouse and clear up your COM port.

Makes sense to me. Any particular way I should go about "clearing up" the COM1 port
once the mouse is removed from it? Or does simply unplugging the mouse do it? Thanks.

 

[Ron Bogart]

In

Makes sense to me. Any particular way I should go about "clearing
up" the COM1 port once the mouse is removed from it? Or does simply
unplugging the mouse do it? Thanks.

Unplug the mouse, plug in a USB mouse and the COM port is now clear. Keep
in mind that you don't want to unplug the serial mouse while the machine is
running. Should the serial mouse remain in your hardware list once you boot
up, simply right click on it and select uninstall.

--
Ron Bogart {} ô¿ô¬
Associate Expert
Expert Zone -
Lovin life on Mercer Island 8^)
"Life is what happens while we are making other plans."
In memory of a true friend, MVP Alex Nichol (1935-2005)