no COM ports found on the machine, how to install?

[Guest]

I am running XP pro SP2 on a centrino 1,3 MHz.
When I try to use the internal modem (for the 1st time) I get no response
and after looking for the cause I find out that there are no COM ports
installed on the machine.
They are not simply disabled, they are not in the Device manager at all!
How can I install them without reinstalling the entire system?

 

[Brian A.]

Check your BIOS setup and enable them if disabled.

--

Brian A. Sesko { MS MVP_Shell/User }
Conflicts start where information lacks.
http://basconotw.mvps.org/

Suggested posting do's/don'ts: http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
How to ask a question: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375

 

[Guest]

After pressing F2 at startup I get to BIOS setup utility, but there is
nothing referring to COM ports or serial communication...

Now I realize I didn't tell in the first post: I reinstalled the system last
April and upgraded it to SP2. Before reinstalling I was already with SP2, and
the com ports worked properly.

Summing up in chronological order:
Original system (XP feb 2004)
upgraded to SP2
COM ports working
reinstalled system in april 2006
upgraded to SP2
COM ports absent
can't see anything about COM ports in BIOS setup (so can't enable)
WHAT CAN I DO?

 

[Jonny]

Not needed for an internal modem as noted for install by the OP.
Most internal modem install software will use Com 1 or 2 designation if not
present as serial port hardware.

 

[Guest]

Thanks to all for the replies!
The point is that there is no COM 1 or 2 or any number available on the
Device Manager. Actually there isn't any device or group of devices named
"serial (COM & LPT)" as there should be!
I should arrange this device to "exist" before I attempt to use it with any
HW (such as the modem), so I think the point is:
How do I get the "COM 1 port" onto the list in Device Manager, since it is
not there?

 

[HeyBub]

Thanks to all for the replies!
The point is that there is no COM 1 or 2 or any number available on
the Device Manager. Actually there isn't any device or group of
devices named "serial (COM & LPT)" as there should be!
I should arrange this device to "exist" before I attempt to use it
with any HW (such as the modem), so I think the point is:
How do I get the "COM 1 port" onto the list in Device Manager, since
it is not there?

"Jonny" wrote:

To answer your last question, to get a com port available in Device Manager,
you'll have to install a com port. On a desktop, you can get plug-in cards.
For your laptop, you'll need a docking station with the ability to accept
these external cards.

You have an internal modem. The modem uses interrupts and IRQs normally
reserved for communication ports. To use the modem, you don't NEED a
separate com port.

 

[Jonny]

Have you visited your bios setup to be sure these onboard serial port(s) and
parallel/printer port are enabled?
Apparently, you're not using them if its now just coming to your attention.
I don't advise enabling such in the bios setup if so.
Most internal modems will take the com1 or 2 address if such is not enabled
on the motherboard when installing the modem driver software. This is not a
point of hardware, just the address and irq normally used by an onboard com
port. The "com port" used by the internal modem will not list as hardware.
But will list under control panel, the modem installed as using the
particular com port.

 

[Guest]

Thanks Johnny.

The BIOS does not show anything about the ports, AS IF they did'n exist.

The problem is comin up just now because it's the first time I need to use a
COM port AFTER reinstalling the OS.
Before reinstalling the ports existed and i used them several times (hence
it's not a HW issue at all)

In fact I don't have the ports listed on the dev mgr, which is what puzzles
me!

Any other idea? (Maybe reinstalling the OS could solve the issue - is there
anything less cumbersome?)

Thanks

 

[Bob I]

Did you re-install the motherboard drivers when you re-installed Windows?

 

[Guest]

Ordan

I've had this problem with my lap top since I got it and only today managed
to over come it.

like you i couldn't find the com ports in the DM and can't enable them in
the Bios either. But after reading what Jonny wrote I looked in the DM for
the Modem checked the details and changed it from COM3 to COM2 (which was
free and COM1 was in use) and hey presto - I can now connect using my
internal 56K modem.

OK i still cant see my com ports in the DM but I can now use the modem -
hope you have the same luck...!!!

Stuart