Need com port

[Jeff]

I am running XP MCE. When I first setup this new notebook PC I turned off
remote access for security reasons and because I did not need it. (Do not
recall how I did that now).

I am now trying to run an old DOS app which needs a com port to run
correctly. I do not actually need to use the com 1 or 2 with it, but if it
does not find it, the app freezes and refuses to run. So, I need a com port
to be "available". I looked in my Device Manager and cannot find any mention
of legacy serial ports, only USB ports. How do I restore (or create,
emulate) a serial com port for this program to run?

Thanks.

Jeff

 

[DanS]

I am running XP MCE. When I first setup this new notebook PC I turned
off remote access for security reasons and because I did not need it.
(Do not recall how I did that now).

I am now trying to run an old DOS app which needs a com port to run
correctly. I do not actually need to use the com 1 or 2 with it, but
if it does not find it, the app freezes and refuses to run. So, I
need a com port to be "available". I looked in my Device Manager and
cannot find any mention of legacy serial ports, only USB ports. How
do I restore (or create, emulate) a serial com port for this program
to run?

Thanks.

Jeff

Does the motherboard have 'real' physical serial ports on it ? If so, are
they disabled in BIOS ?

The other option is to use some type of 'virtual serial port' driver.

 

[Will Denny]

Hi

Have you checked in manual that came with your Laptop - could be specific to
the manufacturer.

--


Will Denny
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
Please reply to the News Groups

 

[Jeff]

Does the motherboard have 'real' physical serial ports on it ? If so, are
they disabled in BIOS ?

The other option is to use some type of 'virtual serial port' driver.

I think you are correct about the motherboard not having any legacy serial
ports on it. This is a new notebook (Toshiba Satellite M105-S3084) with
Intel duo-core cpu. I guess they left out the legacy ports. I looked
everywhere and there are none that I can see and the manual mentions
Bluetooth but not COM ports. There is a built in Software Modem that is
connected to COM3. I'll change that to COM1 and see if I can get the DOS app
to run.

How do I create a virtual serial port (in case I need it)?

Jeff

 

[Yves Leclerc]

Please note that COMM port, Parallel ports and PS/2 port are disappearing
"physically" from motherboards. They might not exist on the motherboard or in
the BIOS. You may need to add a USB to Serial COMM port cable adapter.

 

[DanS]

I think you are correct about the motherboard not having any legacy
serial ports on it. This is a new notebook (Toshiba Satellite
M105-S3084) with Intel duo-core cpu. I guess they left out the legacy
ports. I looked everywhere and there are none that I can see and the
manual mentions Bluetooth but not COM ports. There is a built in
Software Modem that is connected to COM3. I'll change that to COM1 and
see if I can get the DOS app to run.

How do I create a virtual serial port (in case I need it)?

Jeff

Hey Jeff,

A virtual serial port can be created (usually in pairs) by using a third-
party app. Off hand, there is only one that I can actually point you too,
by a company called Eltima. They do have a demo version that runs for 30
days before having to pay.

A quick Google resulted in this FREE one: http://www.hw-
group.com/products/hw_vsp/index_en.html there may be others.

But this is not only a virtual serial port, but redirects TCP/IP traffic
to said port if needed. I'm guessing that if you don't actually need/use
the TCP/IP functionality, it would work as well for your need. The DOS
app only needs to see a com port is what you said, and that you don't
actually use it.

Regards,

DanS

 

[Jeff]

Hey Jeff,

A virtual serial port can be created (usually in pairs) by using a
third- party app. Off hand, there is only one that I can actually
point you too, by a company called Eltima. They do have a demo
version that runs for 30 days before having to pay.

A quick Google resulted in this FREE one: http://www.hw-
group.com/products/hw_vsp/index_en.html there may be others.

But this is not only a virtual serial port, but redirects TCP/IP
traffic to said port if needed. I'm guessing that if you don't
actually need/use the TCP/IP functionality, it would work as well for
your need. The DOS app only needs to see a com port is what you said,
and that you don't actually use it.

Regards,

DanS

Thank you.

Jeff