Serial Port Not working

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G

Guest

I can't use my modem to connect to the internet anymore. My modem seems fine
as I can query it no probs. In the event viewer I get this error message

"The Parallel port driver service failed to start due to the following error:
The service cannot be started, either because it is disabled or because it
has no enabled devices associated with it. "

I'm guessing the COM3 port which my modem is attcahed to is no longer there.
Has anyone any ideas how to get it back or what the problem my be?

Thanks

James
 
Check the Bios to ensure it is enabled and assigned and IRQ.
Or, download Everest Home Edition and check under devices. It will show the
IRQ #, the device (Comm3), and whether it is exclusive or shared.

If it is disabled, it can be enabled in the BIOS.

Fitz
 
Thanks,

I can't find anything in the bios relating to ports.
I downloaded Everest and under device resources it shows lots of irqs and
ports, some exclusive and some shared. I'm not quite sure which one to look
at though.

James
 
In Everest, under Devices, open Device Resources. Adjacent to each IRQ will
be the status and next to that the Device Description. It should list
"Communications Port (Comm#). If Comm 3 is working, it should be assigned an
IRQ and mine are listed as "Exclusive". So, look down the last row (Device
Resources) until you find Comm3. If it's not listed, it's not enabled.

Fitz
 
Unfortunately, BIOS setting need not exist or may be over
ridden by the OS. When having trouble, first go to and then
list here basic information. What does Windows Device Manager
report? What does the event (system) log report? You could
also execute comprehensive hardware diagnostics (that all
responsible computer manufacturers provide free).
Standard port addresses for serial ports are 3F8, 2F8, 3E8,
and 2E8. Standard port addresses for parallel ports are 3BC,
378, and 278. If you don't understand information provided,
then post everything discovered for these addresses.

But warning symbols in Device Manager should make all this
work unnecessary. Use device manager (properties) to obtain
address and IRQ numbers for those same ports. IOW post what
the OS has assigned to hardware; not just what BIOS originally
intended.

Furthermore, parallel port (should have) has no relation to
serial port.
 
Using msinfo32.exe

I found that the following is stopped but I can't find anywhere in the bios
where I can enable it.

parport Parallel port driver c:\windows\system32\drivers\parport.sys
Kernel Driver No Manual Stopped

James
 
w_tom's approach is better. Go to Device Manager (Control
Panel>System>Hardware>DeviceManager) and see if there are any warning icons
(exclamation point in a yellow circle). Open that, and you should be able to
"enable this device" or reinstall driver. Post back if you have problems.

Fitz
 
When I look at Device Manager, there are no Ports listed. I think this maybe
a Dell specific thing as it appears the same on my colleague's but their
modem works.
I have tried a dell modem diagnostic and it says the modem is fine.
The event viewer gives me an error of

"The Parallel port driver service failed to start due to the following error:
The service cannot be started, either because it is disabled or because it
has no enabled devices associated with it. "

Whenever I go to dial a get a single beep and then nothing and the
connection fails.

I'm really puzzled.

Thanks
 
If he has a modem, then serial port must exist in Device
Manager. No way around that. Especially true if it is a
Dell. No hardware can be accessed if hardware is not listed
in Device Manager. If you don't see ports listed, then
discover what is listed.

In Device Manger, list (View) everything in "Resources by
type". Previously posted were seven addresses. Anything and
everything that has one of those seven addresses - 3BC, 3F8,
etc - list them here.

Any device that does not exist in Device Manager cannot be
accessed. If the parallel port driver is defective, then you
are also listing important information (Properties) for that
device. Parallel port hardware does exist. That error
message says so. Parallel port also appears in Device
Manager. We need details provided by Device Manager's
Properties for that parallel port.

BTW I had posted assuming you knew standard procedures. On
any and every device, 'right click' on that device. A menu of
important facts appears - Port Settings, Driver, Details, and
Resources. This is the information you - and WE - need.
Without this information, responses will only be speculation.

Parallel and serial (modem) ports are two completely
different devices. Modem should have no relation to parallel
port. A problem with each simultaneously is suspicious. All
information for both Devices must be provided. And yes, if
the error message complained about a parallel port, then a
parallel port is also listed in Device Manager in a same
category with the serial ports.

In the meantime, have you obtained manufacturer's
comprehensive diagnostics. Provide were a number of tasks.
They are not options. Do them all - so we don't spend
inordinate time posting back and forth.
 
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