Is there a way to free up COM ports?

[Guest]

All,
I was wondering if there was a way to free up COM ports on windows xp pro.
I recently purchased a pocket pc with bluetooth sync.
As I have learned to use the device, I have had to configure it a few times,
and each time, it seems to eat more com ports. At present, I have none left
that are lower than 50... I need one lower than 20.
Is there a way to get into xp and free up these com ports that I know I am
not using?

 

[Wesley Vogel]

You probably only have two.

Communications Port (COM1) and Communications Port (COM2).


--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In

 

[Guest]

No, I have many more than that. When I first got my pocket computer, I had
com ports ranging from roughly one to twenty. I saw them in the bluetooth
control panel.
As I have tinkered and reinstalled the lower numbers have dissapeared. I
now have com ports ranging from roughly 60 up. The device needs the lower
numbers to work. Does anyone know how to get them back?

Michael Simmons

 

[Wesley Vogel]

Look in the Device Manger.

Type: bluetooth in Help and Support.

Overview of the COMDisable Tool
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/819036

[[Bluetooth devices that use a COM port require special programs on your
computer. These programs are typically included with the device. You can
also obtain these programs from the device manufacturers. To set up your
program to use a COM port, follow the instructions in the program
documentation.]]
How to install and configure Bluetooth devices in Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/883259

How to remove Bluetooth wireless device support in Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/889814

How To Connect to Peripheral Devices with IrDA
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/313296

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In