keep losing COM1

[Chris Kusmierz]

P4 2.4 with 512 mb ram, WinXP Pro machine.

I have a sign plotting machine connected to com1. Let me add that this
plotter is not installed as a printer in add/remove printers. The software
detects the plotter upon being opened and loads the appropriate drivers for
it.

All the sudden, when I try to print to my plotter, it gives a spooling error
to com1. Rebooting doesn't help, re-installing the sign software doesn't
help. The only thing that will fix it is to remove the com port from device
manager, reboot so that it re-installs com1. Then it works fine for a little
while. I thought maybe it was dieing after the system went into standby or
hibernated so I confirmed that neither of those functions are enabled. Does
anybody have any other ideas?

Thanks!
Buster

XP has a habit of making the assumption that data coming a serial port is a
pointing device and promptly takes over the port.

After XP takes over go into device manager and see if there is a serial
pointing device listed, if so disable it, don't delete it or XP will again
rediscover it and you're back to where you started.

There is also a way to add a line to the boot.ini file, but I've used the
above method several time and haven't had a problem.

If you want to try the boot.ini option, google for:

noserialmice

HTH
Chris

 

[Blankman]

P4 2.4 with 512 mb ram, WinXP Pro machine.

I have a sign plotting machine connected to com1. Let me add that this
plotter is not installed as a printer in add/remove printers. The software
detects the plotter upon being opened and loads the appropriate drivers for
it.

All the sudden, when I try to print to my plotter, it gives a spooling error
to com1. Rebooting doesn't help, re-installing the sign software doesn't
help. The only thing that will fix it is to remove the com port from device
manager, reboot so that it re-installs com1. Then it works fine for a little
while. I thought maybe it was dieing after the system went into standby or
hibernated so I confirmed that neither of those functions are enabled. Does
anybody have any other ideas?

Thanks!
Buster

 

[Blankman]

Interesting. I'll give that a whirl!

Thanks!
Buster

 

[Frank]

P4 2.4 with 512 mb ram, WinXP Pro machine.

I have a sign plotting machine connected to com1. Let me add that this
plotter is not installed as a printer in add/remove printers. The software
detects the plotter upon being opened and loads the appropriate drivers for
it.

All the sudden, when I try to print to my plotter, it gives a spooling error
to com1. Rebooting doesn't help, re-installing the sign software doesn't
help. The only thing that will fix it is to remove the com port from device
manager, reboot so that it re-installs com1. Then it works fine for a little
while. I thought maybe it was dieing after the system went into standby or
hibernated so I confirmed that neither of those functions are enabled. Does
anybody have any other ideas?

Thanks!
Buster

Serial ports are legacy. When they are powered down a reboot is
necessary. Check for power saving features for COM ports.
There should be a manual for the plotter from the mfg. web site.

 

[Blankman]

Where would I find power saving settings for the com port?

Thanks Frank!
Buster