VB app nolonger works with XP SP2

[Jason Dravet]

Some time ago I wrote an application that controls the projectors in our
classrooms(turn on, turn off, and volume control). This application is
written in VB.net 2003. It was working perfectly until XP SP2 was installed
on the PCs. Now when the power on or power off button is pressed the
following message is displayed:

An unhandled exception has occurred in your application. If you click
Continue, the application will ignore this error and attempt to continue.
If you click Quit, the application will be shut down immediately.

Request for the permission of type
System.Security.Permissions.SecurityPermission, mscorlib,
Version-1.0.5000.0, Culture=neutral,
PublicKeyToken=b77a5c561934e089 failed.

The application is a standalone exe that is on each PCs hard drive. The
application is not run from a network share. I did a little research before
posting and I found that running a VB application from a network share seems
to cause alot of people this problem. The application uses the serial port
to talk to the projector. I found the rs232.vb code some time ago that
allowed me to ditch the mscomm32.dll I was using.

I have tried messing with the .Net Framework configuration and wizards admin
tools, but I don't know what to do. The other strange thing is when the
messageboxes are triggered all I get is a blank box with an OK. I do not
see the text I programmed.

What is going on between my app and XP SP2?

Thank you for your time,

Jason

'FORM1.vb
'Imports System.Security
Imports System.Security.Permissions

Public Class Form1
Inherits System.Windows.Forms.Form
Private msCommPort As New Rs232
Dim setmute As Boolean = True
Dim volumelevel As Integer = 24
Dim compermission As FileIOPermission
#Region " Windows Form Designer generated code "

Public Sub New()
MyBase.New()

'This call is required by the Windows Form Designer.
InitializeComponent()

'Add any initialization after the InitializeComponent() call

End Sub

'Form overrides dispose to clean up the component list.
Protected Overloads Overrides Sub Dispose(ByVal disposing As Boolean)
If disposing Then
If Not (components Is Nothing) Then
components.Dispose()
End If
End If
MyBase.Dispose(disposing)
End Sub

'Required by the Windows Form Designer
Private components As System.ComponentModel.IContainer

'NOTE: The following procedure is required by the Windows Form Designer
'It can be modified using the Windows Form Designer.
'Do not modify it using the code editor.
Friend WithEvents Button1 As System.Windows.Forms.Button
Friend WithEvents Button2 As System.Windows.Forms.Button
Friend WithEvents Button3 As System.Windows.Forms.Button
Friend WithEvents Button4 As System.Windows.Forms.Button
Friend WithEvents Button5 As System.Windows.Forms.Button
<System.Diagnostics.DebuggerStepThrough()> Private Sub
InitializeComponent()
Me.Button1 = New System.Windows.Forms.Button
Me.Button2 = New System.Windows.Forms.Button
Me.Button3 = New System.Windows.Forms.Button
Me.Button4 = New System.Windows.Forms.Button
Me.Button5 = New System.Windows.Forms.Button
Me.SuspendLayout()
'
'Button1
'
Me.Button1.Location = New System.Drawing.Point(8, 8)
Me.Button1.Name = "Button1"
Me.Button1.Size = New System.Drawing.Size(75, 75)
Me.Button1.TabIndex = 6
Me.Button1.Text = "Power ON"
'
'Button2
'
Me.Button2.Location = New System.Drawing.Point(8, 96)
Me.Button2.Name = "Button2"
Me.Button2.Size = New System.Drawing.Size(75, 75)
Me.Button2.TabIndex = 7
Me.Button2.Text = "Power OFF"
'
'Button3
'
Me.Button3.Location = New System.Drawing.Point(96, 8)
Me.Button3.Name = "Button3"
Me.Button3.Size = New System.Drawing.Size(75, 45)
Me.Button3.TabIndex = 8
Me.Button3.Text = "Volume UP"
'
'Button4
'
Me.Button4.BackColor = System.Drawing.SystemColors.Control
Me.Button4.Location = New System.Drawing.Point(96, 64)
Me.Button4.Name = "Button4"
Me.Button4.Size = New System.Drawing.Size(75, 48)
Me.Button4.TabIndex = 9
Me.Button4.Text = "Mute"
'
'Button5
'
Me.Button5.Location = New System.Drawing.Point(96, 126)
Me.Button5.Name = "Button5"
Me.Button5.Size = New System.Drawing.Size(75, 45)
Me.Button5.TabIndex = 10
Me.Button5.Text = "Volume Down"
'
'Form1
'
Me.AutoScaleBaseSize = New System.Drawing.Size(5, 13)
Me.BackColor = System.Drawing.SystemColors.Control
Me.ClientSize = New System.Drawing.Size(184, 180)
Me.Controls.Add(Me.Button5)
Me.Controls.Add(Me.Button4)
Me.Controls.Add(Me.Button3)
Me.Controls.Add(Me.Button2)
Me.Controls.Add(Me.Button1)
Me.MaximizeBox = False
Me.MinimizeBox = False
Me.Name = "Form1"
Me.Text = "Projector Controls"
Me.ResumeLayout(False)

End Sub

#End Region

Private Sub Button1_Click(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As
System.EventArgs) Handles Button1.Click
compermission = New FileIOPermission(PermissionState.Unrestricted)
compermission.PermitOnly()
msCommPort.Open(1, 9600, 8, Rs232.DataParity.Parity_None,
Rs232.DataStopBit.StopBit_1, 4096)
msCommPort.Write("PON")
System.Threading.Thread.Sleep(5000)
msCommPort.Write("AVL:000")
msCommPort.Close()
End Sub

Private Sub Button2_Click(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As
System.EventArgs) Handles Button2.Click
msCommPort.Open(1, 9600, 8, Rs232.DataParity.Parity_None,
Rs232.DataStopBit.StopBit_1, 4096)
msCommPort.Write("POF")
msCommPort.Close()
Button4.FlatStyle = Windows.Forms.FlatStyle.Flat
Button4.BackColor = Color.Gray
Button4.Text = "Muted"
End Sub

Private Sub Button3_Click(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As
System.EventArgs) Handles Button3.Click
If volumelevel < 64 Then
volumelevel = volumelevel + 1
msCommPort.Open(1, 9600, 8, Rs232.DataParity.Parity_None,
Rs232.DataStopBit.StopBit_1, 4096)
msCommPort.Write("AVL:" + volumelevel.ToString() + "")
msCommPort.Close()
setmute = False
Button4.FlatStyle = Windows.Forms.FlatStyle.Standard
Button4.BackColor = Color.Empty
Button4.Text = "Mute"
Button4.Text = "Mute Volume Level " + volumelevel.ToString()
Else
MessageBox.Show("You have reached maximum volume", "Error",
MessageBoxButtons.OK)
End If
End Sub

Private Sub Button4_Click(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As
System.EventArgs) Handles Button4.Click
If setmute = True Then
msCommPort.Open(1, 9600, 8, Rs232.DataParity.Parity_None,
Rs232.DataStopBit.StopBit_1, 4096)
msCommPort.Write("AVL:024")
volumelevel = 24
msCommPort.Close()
setmute = False
Button4.FlatStyle = Windows.Forms.FlatStyle.Standard
Button4.BackColor = Color.Empty
Button4.Text = "Mute"
Else
msCommPort.Open(1, 9600, 8, Rs232.DataParity.Parity_None,
Rs232.DataStopBit.StopBit_1, 4096)
msCommPort.Write("AVL:000")
volumelevel = 24
msCommPort.Close()
setmute = True
Button4.FlatStyle = Windows.Forms.FlatStyle.Flat
Button4.BackColor = Color.Gray
Button4.Text = "Muted"
End If
End Sub

Private Sub Button5_Click(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As
System.EventArgs) Handles Button5.Click
If volumelevel < 1 Then
MessageBox.Show("You have reached zero volume", "Error",
MessageBoxButtons.OK)
Else
volumelevel = volumelevel - 1
msCommPort.Open(1, 9600, 8, Rs232.DataParity.Parity_None,
Rs232.DataStopBit.StopBit_1, 4096)
msCommPort.Write("AVL:" + volumelevel.ToString() + "")
msCommPort.Close()
setmute = False
Button4.FlatStyle = Windows.Forms.FlatStyle.Standard
Button4.BackColor = Color.Empty
Button4.Text = "Mute Volume Level " + volumelevel.ToString()
End If
End Sub

Private Sub Form1_Load(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As
System.EventArgs) Handles MyBase.Load
Button4.FlatStyle = Windows.Forms.FlatStyle.Flat
Button4.BackColor = Color.Gray
Button4.Text = "Muted"
End Sub
End Class

'RS232.VB
Option Strict On

Imports System.Runtime.InteropServices
Imports System.Text
Imports System.Threading

' This class provides all the necessary support for communicating
' with the Comm Port (otherwise known as the Serial Port, or
' RS232 port).
Public Class Rs232
' Declare the necessary class variables, and their initial values.
Private mhRS As Integer = -1 ' Handle to Com Port
Private miPort As Integer = 1 ' Default is COM1
Private miTimeout As Integer = 70 ' Timeout in ms
Private miBaudRate As Integer = 9600
Private meParity As DataParity = 0
Private meStopBit As DataStopBit = 0
Private miDataBit As Integer = 8
Private miBufferSize As Integer = 512 ' Buffers size default to 512
bytes
Private mabtRxBuf As Byte() ' Receive buffer
Private meMode As Mode ' Class working mode
Private mbWaitOnRead As Boolean
Private mbWaitOnWrite As Boolean
Private mbWriteErr As Boolean
Private muOverlapped As OVERLAPPED
Private muOverlappedW As OVERLAPPED
Private muOverlappedE As OVERLAPPED
Private mabtTmpTxBuf As Byte() ' Temporary buffer used by Async Tx
Private moThreadTx As Thread
Private moThreadRx As Thread
Private miTmpBytes2Read As Integer
Private meMask As EventMasks

#Region "Enums"

' This enumeration provides Data Parity values.
Public Enum DataParity
Parity_None = 0
Pariti_Odd
Parity_Even
Parity_Mark
End Enum

' This enumeration provides Data Stop Bit values.
' It is set to begin with a one, so that the enumeration values
' match the actual values.
Public Enum DataStopBit
StopBit_1 = 1
StopBit_2
End Enum

' This enumeration contains values used to purge the various buffers.
Private Enum PurgeBuffers
RXAbort = &H2
RXClear = &H8
TxAbort = &H1
TxClear = &H4
End Enum

' This enumeration provides values for the lines sent to the Comm Port
Private Enum Lines
SetRts = 3
ClearRts = 4
SetDtr = 5
ClearDtr = 6
ResetDev = 7 ' Reset device if possible
SetBreak = 8 ' Set the device break line.
ClearBreak = 9 ' Clear the device break line.
End Enum
' This enumeration provides values for the Modem Status, since
' we'll be communicating primarily with a modem.
' Note that the Flags() attribute is set to allow for a bitwise
' combination of values.
<Flags()> Public Enum ModemStatusBits
ClearToSendOn = &H10
DataSetReadyOn = &H20
RingIndicatorOn = &H40
CarrierDetect = &H80
End Enum

' This enumeration provides values for the Working mode
Public Enum Mode
NonOverlapped
Overlapped
End Enum

' This enumeration provides values for the Comm Masks used.
' Note that the Flags() attribute is set to allow for a bitwise
' combination of values.
<Flags()> Public Enum EventMasks
RxChar = &H1
RXFlag = &H2
TxBufferEmpty = &H4
ClearToSend = &H8
DataSetReady = &H10
ReceiveLine = &H20
Break = &H40
StatusError = &H80
Ring = &H100
End Enum
#End Region

#Region "Structures"
' This is the DCB structure used by the calls to the Windows API.
<StructLayout(LayoutKind.Sequential, Pack:=1)> Private Structure DCB
Public DCBlength As Integer
Public BaudRate As Integer
Public Bits1 As Integer
Public wReserved As Int16
Public XonLim As Int16
Public XoffLim As Int16
Public ByteSize As Byte
Public Parity As Byte
Public StopBits As Byte
Public XonChar As Byte
Public XoffChar As Byte
Public ErrorChar As Byte
Public EofChar As Byte
Public EvtChar As Byte
Public wReserved2 As Int16
End Structure

' This is the CommTimeOuts structure used by the calls to the Windows
API.
<StructLayout(LayoutKind.Sequential, Pack:=1)> Private Structure
COMMTIMEOUTS
Public ReadIntervalTimeout As Integer
Public ReadTotalTimeoutMultiplier As Integer
Public ReadTotalTimeoutConstant As Integer
Public WriteTotalTimeoutMultiplier As Integer
Public WriteTotalTimeoutConstant As Integer
End Structure

' This is the CommConfig structure used by the calls to the Windows API.
<StructLayout(LayoutKind.Sequential, Pack:=1)> Private Structure
COMMCONFIG
Public dwSize As Integer
Public wVersion As Int16
Public wReserved As Int16
Public dcbx As DCB
Public dwProviderSubType As Integer
Public dwProviderOffset As Integer
Public dwProviderSize As Integer
Public wcProviderData As Byte
End Structure

' This is the OverLapped structure used by the calls to the Windows API.
<StructLayout(LayoutKind.Sequential, Pack:=1)> Public Structure
OVERLAPPED
Public Internal As Integer
Public InternalHigh As Integer
Public Offset As Integer
Public OffsetHigh As Integer
Public hEvent As Integer
End Structure
#End Region

#Region "Exceptions"

' This class defines a customized channel exception. This exception is
' raised when a NACK is raised.
Public Class CIOChannelException : Inherits ApplicationException
Sub New(ByVal Message As String)
MyBase.New(Message)
End Sub
Sub New(ByVal Message As String, ByVal InnerException As Exception)
MyBase.New(Message, InnerException)
End Sub
End Class

' This class defines a customized timeout exception.
Public Class IOTimeoutException : Inherits CIOChannelException
Sub New(ByVal Message As String)
MyBase.New(Message)
End Sub
Sub New(ByVal Message As String, ByVal InnerException As Exception)
MyBase.New(Message, InnerException)
End Sub
End Class

#End Region

#Region "Events"
' These events allow the program using this class to react to Comm Port
' events.
Public Event DataReceived(ByVal Source As Rs232, ByVal DataBuffer() As
Byte)
Public Event TxCompleted(ByVal Source As Rs232)
Public Event CommEvent(ByVal Source As Rs232, ByVal Mask As EventMasks)
#End Region

#Region "Constants"
' These constants are used to make the code clearer.
Private Const PURGE_RXABORT As Integer = &H2
Private Const PURGE_RXCLEAR As Integer = &H8
Private Const PURGE_TXABORT As Integer = &H1
Private Const PURGE_TXCLEAR As Integer = &H4
Private Const GENERIC_READ As Integer = &H80000000
Private Const GENERIC_WRITE As Integer = &H40000000
Private Const OPEN_EXISTING As Integer = 3
Private Const INVALID_HANDLE_VALUE As Integer = -1
Private Const IO_BUFFER_SIZE As Integer = 1024
Private Const FILE_FLAG_OVERLAPPED As Integer = &H40000000
Private Const ERROR_IO_PENDING As Integer = 997
Private Const WAIT_OBJECT_0 As Integer = 0
Private Const ERROR_IO_INCOMPLETE As Integer = 996
Private Const WAIT_TIMEOUT As Integer = &H102&
Private Const INFINITE As Integer = &HFFFFFFFF


#End Region

#Region "Properties"

' This property gets or sets the BaudRate
Public Property BaudRate() As Integer
Get
Return miBaudRate
End Get
Set(ByVal Value As Integer)
miBaudRate = Value
End Set
End Property

' This property gets or sets the BufferSize
Public Property BufferSize() As Integer
Get
Return miBufferSize
End Get
Set(ByVal Value As Integer)
miBufferSize = Value
End Set
End Property

' This property gets or sets the DataBit.
Public Property DataBit() As Integer
Get
Return miDataBit
End Get
Set(ByVal Value As Integer)
miDataBit = Value
End Set
End Property

' This write-only property sets or resets the DTR line.
Public WriteOnly Property Dtr() As Boolean
Set(ByVal Value As Boolean)
If Not mhRS = -1 Then
If Value Then
EscapeCommFunction(mhRS, Lines.SetDtr)
Else
EscapeCommFunction(mhRS, Lines.ClearDtr)
End If
End If
End Set
End Property

' This read-only property returns an array of bytes that represents
' the input coming into the Comm Port.
Overridable ReadOnly Property InputStream() As Byte()
Get
Return mabtRxBuf
End Get
End Property

' This read-only property returns a string that represents
' the data coming into to the Comm Port.
Overridable ReadOnly Property InputStreamString() As String
Get
Dim oEncoder As New System.Text.ASCIIEncoding()
Return oEncoder.GetString(Me.InputStream)
End Get
End Property

' This property returns the open status of the Comm Port.
ReadOnly Property IsOpen() As Boolean
Get
Return CBool(mhRS <> -1)
End Get
End Property

' This read-only property returns the status of the modem.
Public ReadOnly Property ModemStatus() As ModemStatusBits
Get
If mhRS = -1 Then
Throw New ApplicationException("Please initialize and open "
+ _
"port before using this method")
Else
' Retrieve modem status
Dim lpModemStatus As Integer
If Not GetCommModemStatus(mhRS, lpModemStatus) Then
Throw New ApplicationException("Unable to get modem
status")
Else
Return CType(lpModemStatus, ModemStatusBits)
End If
End If
End Get
End Property

' This property gets or sets the Parity
Public Property Parity() As DataParity
Get
Return meParity
End Get
Set(ByVal Value As DataParity)
meParity = Value
End Set
End Property

' This property gets or sets the Port
Public Property Port() As Integer
Get
Return miPort
End Get
Set(ByVal Value As Integer)
miPort = Value
End Set
End Property

' This write-only property sets or resets the RTS line.
Public WriteOnly Property Rts() As Boolean
Set(ByVal Value As Boolean)
If Not mhRS = -1 Then
If Value Then
EscapeCommFunction(mhRS, Lines.SetRts)
Else
EscapeCommFunction(mhRS, Lines.ClearRts)
End If
End If
End Set
End Property

' This property gets or sets the StopBit
Public Property StopBit() As DataStopBit
Get
Return meStopBit
End Get
Set(ByVal Value As DataStopBit)
meStopBit = Value
End Set
End Property

' This property gets or sets the Timeout
Public Overridable Property Timeout() As Integer
Get
Return miTimeout
End Get
Set(ByVal Value As Integer)
miTimeout = CInt(IIf(Value = 0, 500, Value))
' If Port is open updates it on the fly
pSetTimeout()
End Set
End Property

' This property gets or sets the working mode to overlapped
' or non-overlapped.
Public Property WorkingMode() As Mode
Get
Return meMode
End Get
Set(ByVal Value As Mode)
meMode = Value
End Set
End Property

#End Region


#Region "Win32API"
' The following functions are the required Win32 functions needed to
' make communication with the Comm Port possible.

<DllImport("kernel32.dll")> Private Shared Function BuildCommDCB( _
ByVal lpDef As String, ByRef lpDCB As DCB) As Integer
End Function

<DllImport("kernel32.dll")> Private Shared Function ClearCommError( _
ByVal hFile As Integer, ByVal lpErrors As Integer, _
ByVal l As Integer) As Integer
End Function

<DllImport("kernel32.dll")> Private Shared Function CloseHandle( _
ByVal hObject As Integer) As Integer
End Function

<DllImport("kernel32.dll")> Private Shared Function CreateEvent( _
ByVal lpEventAttributes As Integer, ByVal bManualReset As Integer, _
ByVal bInitialState As Integer, _
<MarshalAs(UnmanagedType.LPStr)> ByVal lpName As String) As Integer
End Function

<DllImport("kernel32.dll")> Private Shared Function CreateFile( _
<MarshalAs(UnmanagedType.LPStr)> ByVal lpFileName As String, _
ByVal dwDesiredAccess As Integer, ByVal dwShareMode As Integer, _
ByVal lpSecurityAttributes As Integer, _
ByVal dwCreationDisposition As Integer, _
ByVal dwFlagsAndAttributes As Integer, _
ByVal hTemplateFile As Integer) As Integer
End Function

<DllImport("kernel32.dll")> Private Shared Function
EscapeCommFunction( _
ByVal hFile As Integer, ByVal ifunc As Long) As Boolean
End Function

<DllImport("kernel32.dll")> Private Shared Function FormatMessage( _
ByVal dwFlags As Integer, ByVal lpSource As Integer, _
ByVal dwMessageId As Integer, ByVal dwLanguageId As Integer, _
<MarshalAs(UnmanagedType.LPStr)> ByVal lpBuffer As String, _
ByVal nSize As Integer, ByVal Arguments As Integer) As Integer
End Function

Private Declare Function FormatMessage Lib "kernel32" Alias _
"FormatMessageA" (ByVal dwFlags As Integer, ByVal lpSource As Integer,
_
ByVal dwMessageId As Integer, ByVal dwLanguageId As Integer, _
ByVal lpBuffer As StringBuilder, ByVal nSize As Integer, _
ByVal Arguments As Integer) As Integer

<DllImport("kernel32.dll")> Public Shared Function GetCommModemStatus( _
ByVal hFile As Integer, ByRef lpModemStatus As Integer) As Boolean
End Function

<DllImport("kernel32.dll")> Private Shared Function GetCommState( _
ByVal hCommDev As Integer, ByRef lpDCB As DCB) As Integer
End Function

<DllImport("kernel32.dll")> Private Shared Function GetCommTimeouts( _
ByVal hFile As Integer, ByRef lpCommTimeouts As COMMTIMEOUTS) As
Integer
End Function

<DllImport("kernel32.dll")> Private Shared Function GetLastError() As
Integer
End Function

<DllImport("kernel32.dll")> Private Shared Function
GetOverlappedResult( _
ByVal hFile As Integer, ByRef lpOverlapped As OVERLAPPED, _
ByRef lpNumberOfBytesTransferred As Integer, _
ByVal bWait As Integer) As Integer
End Function

<DllImport("kernel32.dll")> Private Shared Function PurgeComm( _
ByVal hFile As Integer, ByVal dwFlags As Integer) As Integer
End Function

<DllImport("kernel32.dll")> Private Shared Function ReadFile( _
ByVal hFile As Integer, ByVal Buffer As Byte(), _
ByVal nNumberOfBytesToRead As Integer, _
ByRef lpNumberOfBytesRead As Integer, _
ByRef lpOverlapped As OVERLAPPED) As Integer
End Function

<DllImport("kernel32.dll")> Private Shared Function SetCommTimeouts( _
ByVal hFile As Integer, ByRef lpCommTimeouts As COMMTIMEOUTS) As
Integer
End Function

<DllImport("kernel32.dll")> Private Shared Function SetCommState( _
ByVal hCommDev As Integer, ByRef lpDCB As DCB) As Integer
End Function

<DllImport("kernel32.dll")> Private Shared Function SetupComm( _
ByVal hFile As Integer, ByVal dwInQueue As Integer, _
ByVal dwOutQueue As Integer) As Integer
End Function

<DllImport("kernel32.dll")> Private Shared Function SetCommMask( _
ByVal hFile As Integer, ByVal lpEvtMask As Integer) As Integer
End Function

<DllImport("kernel32.dll")> Private Shared Function WaitCommEvent( _
ByVal hFile As Integer, ByRef Mask As EventMasks, _
ByRef lpOverlap As OVERLAPPED) As Integer
End Function

<DllImport("kernel32.dll")> Private Shared Function
WaitForSingleObject( _
ByVal hHandle As Integer, ByVal dwMilliseconds As Integer) As
Integer
End Function

<DllImport("kernel32.dll")> Private Shared Function WriteFile( _
ByVal hFile As Integer, ByVal Buffer As Byte(), _
ByVal nNumberOfBytesToWrite As Integer, _
ByRef lpNumberOfBytesWritten As Integer, _
ByRef lpOverlapped As OVERLAPPED) As Integer
End Function

#End Region

#Region "Methods"

' This subroutine invokes a thread to perform an asynchronous read.
' This routine should not be called directly, but is used
' by the class.
Public Sub _R()
Dim iRet As Integer = Read(miTmpBytes2Read)
End Sub

' This subroutine invokes a thread to perform an asynchronous write.
' This routine should not be called directly, but is used
' by the class.
Public Sub _W()
Write(mabtTmpTxBuf)
End Sub

' This subroutine uses another thread to read from the Comm Port. It
' raises RxCompleted when done. It reads an integer.
Public Overloads Sub AsyncRead(ByVal Bytes2Read As Integer)
If meMode <> Mode.Overlapped Then Throw New ApplicationException( _
"Async Methods allowed only when WorkingMode=Overlapped")
miTmpBytes2Read = Bytes2Read
moThreadTx = New Thread(AddressOf _R)
moThreadTx.Start()
End Sub

' This subroutine uses another thread to write to the Comm Port. It
' raises TxCompleted when done. It writes an array of bytes.
Public Overloads Sub AsyncWrite(ByVal Buffer() As Byte)
If meMode <> Mode.Overlapped Then Throw New ApplicationException( _
"Async Methods allowed only when WorkingMode=Overlapped")
If mbWaitOnWrite = True Then Throw New ApplicationException( _
"Unable to send message because of pending transmission.")
mabtTmpTxBuf = Buffer
moThreadTx = New Thread(AddressOf _W)
moThreadTx.Start()
End Sub

' This subroutine uses another thread to write to the Comm Port. It
' raises TxCompleted when done. It writes a string.
Public Overloads Sub AsyncWrite(ByVal Buffer As String)
Dim oEncoder As New System.Text.ASCIIEncoding()
Dim aByte() As Byte = oEncoder.GetBytes(Buffer)
Me.AsyncWrite(aByte)
End Sub

' This function takes the ModemStatusBits and returns a boolean value
' signifying whether the Modem is active.
Public Function CheckLineStatus(ByVal Line As ModemStatusBits) As
Boolean
Return Convert.ToBoolean(ModemStatus And Line)
End Function

' This subroutine clears the input buffer.
Public Sub ClearInputBuffer()
If Not mhRS = -1 Then
PurgeComm(mhRS, PURGE_RXCLEAR)
End If
End Sub

' This subroutine closes the Comm Port.
Public Sub Close()
If mhRS <> -1 Then
CloseHandle(mhRS)
mhRS = -1
End If
End Sub

' This subroutine opens and initializes the Comm Port
Public Overloads Sub Open()
' Get Dcb block,Update with current data
Dim uDcb As DCB, iRc As Integer
' Set working mode
Dim iMode As Integer = Convert.ToInt32(IIf(meMode = Mode.Overlapped,
_
FILE_FLAG_OVERLAPPED, 0))
' Initializes Com Port
If miPort > 0 Then
Try
' Creates a COM Port stream handle
mhRS = CreateFile("COM" & miPort.ToString, _
GENERIC_READ Or GENERIC_WRITE, 0, 0, _
OPEN_EXISTING, iMode, 0)
If mhRS <> -1 Then
' Clear all comunication errors
Dim lpErrCode As Integer
iRc = ClearCommError(mhRS, lpErrCode, 0&)
' Clears I/O buffers
iRc = PurgeComm(mhRS, PurgeBuffers.RXClear Or _
PurgeBuffers.TxClear)
' Gets COM Settings
iRc = GetCommState(mhRS, uDcb)
' Updates COM Settings
Dim sParity As String = "NOEM"
sParity = sParity.Substring(meParity, 1)
' Set DCB State
Dim sDCBState As String = String.Format( _
"baud={0} parity={1} data={2} stop={3}", _
miBaudRate, sParity, miDataBit, CInt(meStopBit))
iRc = BuildCommDCB(sDCBState, uDcb)
iRc = SetCommState(mhRS, uDcb)
If iRc = 0 Then
Dim sErrTxt As String = pErr2Text(GetLastError())
Throw New CIOChannelException( _
"Unable to set COM state0" & sErrTxt)
End If
' Setup Buffers (Rx,Tx)
iRc = SetupComm(mhRS, miBufferSize, miBufferSize)
' Set Timeouts
pSetTimeout()
Else
' Raise Initialization problems
Throw New CIOChannelException( _
"Unable to open COM" & miPort.ToString)
End If
Catch Ex As Exception
' Generica error
Throw New CIOChannelException(Ex.Message, Ex)
End Try
Else
' Port not defined, cannot open
Throw New ApplicationException("COM Port not defined, " + _
"use Port property to set it before invoking InitPort")
End If
End Sub

' This subroutine opens and initializes the Comm Port (overloaded
' to support parameters).
Public Overloads Sub Open(ByVal Port As Integer, _
ByVal BaudRate As Integer, ByVal DataBit As Integer, _
ByVal Parity As DataParity, ByVal StopBit As DataStopBit, _
ByVal BufferSize As Integer)

Me.Port = Port
Me.BaudRate = BaudRate
Me.DataBit = DataBit
Me.Parity = Parity
Me.StopBit = StopBit
Me.BufferSize = BufferSize
Open()
End Sub

' This function translates an API error code to text.
Private Function pErr2Text(ByVal lCode As Integer) As String
Dim sRtrnCode As New StringBuilder(256)
Dim lRet As Integer

lRet = FormatMessage(&H1000, 0, lCode, 0, sRtrnCode, 256, 0)
If lRet > 0 Then
Return sRtrnCode.ToString
Else
Return "Error not found."
End If

End Function

' This subroutine handles overlapped reads.
Private Sub pHandleOverlappedRead(ByVal Bytes2Read As Integer)
Dim iReadChars, iRc, iRes, iLastErr As Integer
muOverlapped.hEvent = CreateEvent(Nothing, 1, 0, Nothing)
If muOverlapped.hEvent = 0 Then
' Can't create event
Throw New ApplicationException( _
"Error creating event for overlapped read.")
Else
' Ovellaped reading
If mbWaitOnRead = False Then
ReDim mabtRxBuf(Bytes2Read - 1)
iRc = ReadFile(mhRS, mabtRxBuf, Bytes2Read, _
iReadChars, muOverlapped)
If iRc = 0 Then
iLastErr = GetLastError()
If iLastErr <> ERROR_IO_PENDING Then
Throw New ArgumentException("Overlapped Read Error:
" & _
pErr2Text(iLastErr))
Else
' Set Flag
mbWaitOnRead = True
End If
Else
' Read completed successfully
RaiseEvent DataReceived(Me, mabtRxBuf)
End If
End If
End If
' Wait for operation to be completed
If mbWaitOnRead Then
iRes = WaitForSingleObject(muOverlapped.hEvent, miTimeout)
Select Case iRes
Case WAIT_OBJECT_0
' Object signaled,operation completed
If GetOverlappedResult(mhRS, muOverlapped, _
iReadChars, 0) = 0 Then

' Operation error
iLastErr = GetLastError()
If iLastErr = ERROR_IO_INCOMPLETE Then
Throw New ApplicationException( _
"Read operation incomplete")
Else
Throw New ApplicationException( _
"Read operation error " & iLastErr.ToString)
End If
Else
' Operation completed
RaiseEvent DataReceived(Me, mabtRxBuf)
mbWaitOnRead = False
End If
Case WAIT_TIMEOUT
Throw New IOTimeoutException("Timeout error")
Case Else
Throw New ApplicationException("Overlapped read error")
End Select
End If
End Sub

' This subroutine handles overlapped writes.
Private Function pHandleOverlappedWrite(ByVal Buffer() As Byte) As
Boolean
Dim iBytesWritten, iRc, iLastErr, iRes As Integer, bErr As Boolean
muOverlappedW.hEvent = CreateEvent(Nothing, 1, 0, Nothing)
If muOverlappedW.hEvent = 0 Then
' Can't create event
Throw New ApplicationException( _
"Error creating event for overlapped write.")
Else
' Overllaped write
PurgeComm(mhRS, PURGE_RXCLEAR Or PURGE_TXCLEAR)
mbWaitOnRead = True
iRc = WriteFile(mhRS, Buffer, Buffer.Length, _
iBytesWritten, muOverlappedW)
If iRc = 0 Then
iLastErr = GetLastError()
If iLastErr <> ERROR_IO_PENDING Then
Throw New ArgumentException("Overlapped Read Error: " &
_
pErr2Text(iLastErr))
Else
' Write is pending
iRes = WaitForSingleObject(muOverlappedW.hEvent,
INFINITE)
Select Case iRes
Case WAIT_OBJECT_0
' Object signaled,operation completed
If GetOverlappedResult(mhRS, muOverlappedW, _
iBytesWritten, 0) = 0 Then

bErr = True
Else
' Notifies Async tx completion,stops thread
mbWaitOnRead = False
RaiseEvent TxCompleted(Me)
End If
End Select
End If
Else
' Wait operation completed immediatly
bErr = False
End If
End If
CloseHandle(muOverlappedW.hEvent)
Return bErr
End Function

' This subroutine sets the Comm Port timeouts.
Private Sub pSetTimeout()
Dim uCtm As COMMTIMEOUTS
' Set ComTimeout
If mhRS = -1 Then
Exit Sub
Else
' Changes setup on the fly
With uCtm
.ReadIntervalTimeout = 0
.ReadTotalTimeoutMultiplier = 0
.ReadTotalTimeoutConstant = miTimeout
.WriteTotalTimeoutMultiplier = 10
.WriteTotalTimeoutConstant = 100
End With
SetCommTimeouts(mhRS, uCtm)
End If
End Sub

' This function returns an integer specifying the number of bytes
' read from the Comm Port. It accepts a parameter specifying the
number
' of desired bytes to read.
Public Function Read(ByVal Bytes2Read As Integer) As Integer
Dim iReadChars, iRc As Integer

' If Bytes2Read not specified uses Buffersize
If Bytes2Read = 0 Then Bytes2Read = miBufferSize
If mhRS = -1 Then
Throw New ApplicationException( _
"Please initialize and open port before using this method")
Else
' Get bytes from port
Try
' Purge buffers
'PurgeComm(mhRS, PURGE_RXCLEAR Or PURGE_TXCLEAR)
' Creates an event for overlapped operations
If meMode = Mode.Overlapped Then
pHandleOverlappedRead(Bytes2Read)
Else
' Non overlapped mode
ReDim mabtRxBuf(Bytes2Read - 1)
iRc = ReadFile(mhRS, mabtRxBuf, Bytes2Read, iReadChars,
Nothing)
If iRc = 0 Then
' Read Error
Throw New ApplicationException( _
"ReadFile error " & iRc.ToString)
Else
' Handles timeout or returns input chars
If iReadChars < Bytes2Read Then
Throw New IOTimeoutException("Timeout error")
Else
mbWaitOnRead = True
Return (iReadChars)
End If
End If
End If
Catch Ex As Exception
' Others generic erroes
Throw New ApplicationException("Read Error: " & Ex.Message,
Ex)
End Try
End If
End Function

' This subroutine writes the passed array of bytes to the
' Comm Port to be written.
Public Overloads Sub Write(ByVal Buffer As Byte())
Dim iBytesWritten, iRc As Integer

If mhRS = -1 Then
Throw New ApplicationException( _
"Please initialize and open port before using this method")
Else
' Transmit data to COM Port
Try
If meMode = Mode.Overlapped Then
' Overlapped write
If pHandleOverlappedWrite(Buffer) Then
Throw New ApplicationException( _
"Error in overllapped write")
End If
Else
' Clears IO buffers
PurgeComm(mhRS, PURGE_RXCLEAR Or PURGE_TXCLEAR)
iRc = WriteFile(mhRS, Buffer, Buffer.Length, _
iBytesWritten, Nothing)
If iRc = 0 Then
Throw New ApplicationException( _
"Write Error - Bytes Written " & _
iBytesWritten.ToString & " of " & _
Buffer.Length.ToString)
End If
End If
Catch Ex As Exception
Throw
End Try
End If
End Sub

' This subroutine writes the passed string to the
' Comm Port to be written.
Public Overloads Sub Write(ByVal Buffer As String)
Dim oEncoder As New System.Text.ASCIIEncoding()
Dim aByte() As Byte = oEncoder.GetBytes(Buffer)
Me.Write(aByte)
End Sub

#End Region

End Class

 

[Herfried K. Wagner [MVP]]

Jason,

I have tried messing with the .Net Framework configuration and wizards admin
tools, but I don't know what to do. The other strange thing is when the
messageboxes are triggered all I get is a blank box with an OK. I do not
see the text I programmed.

(I am too tired to take a look at your code, it's late in the night in
Austria.)

In the German .NET groups somebody reported a similar problem with
Windows XP SP2: Text in message boxes was invisible. The reason for
this was not SP2 (although SP2 was installed on the machine), but it was
McAfee Antivirus 8i. After uninstalling this program text in the
message boxes was visible again. Are you running this virus scanner?

 

[Michael Turner]

Hi Guys

Search microsofts site, Microsoft have released a document showing what
needs to be done to fix this cant remember the article number but basicly
when you install SP2 it add loads of security stuff which can stop programs
from working, it might be worthing seeing if you can find it.

Mike.

 

[Jason Dravet]

I am running McAfee Antivirus 8i. This seems very strange to me. How can
McAfee Antivirus cause this problem? I know McAfee 8i contains some new
things like buffer overflow protection, prevention of launching unwanted
programs, and prevention of software communicating over certain ports (not a
replacement for a firewall). I turned off all of these features, but the
blank message box remains. I will delay the rollout of 8i until a fix is
available.

Thanks for the information,

Jason

 

[Herfried K. Wagner [MVP]]

I am running McAfee Antivirus 8i. This seems very strange to me. How can
McAfee Antivirus cause this problem? I know McAfee 8i contains some new
things like buffer overflow protection, prevention of launching unwanted
programs, and prevention of software communicating over certain ports (not a
replacement for a firewall). I turned off all of these features, but the
blank message box remains. I will delay the rollout of 8i until a fix is
available.

I am very unsure about the reason why this program is in conflict with
the .NET Framework too. The guy who posted the problem to the German
group uninstalled the virus scanner and the problem went away. I know
that this is not always an option, but I would at least test the
application on a Windows XP SP2 machine that doesn't have McAfee
Antivirus 8i installed.

 

[Jason Dravet]

The text box is filled with the text I programmed, but I still get the

Request for the permission of type
System.Security.Permissions.SecurityPermission, mscorlib,
Version-1.0.5000.0, Culture=neutral,
PublicKeyToken=b77a5c561934e089 failed.

error with the application. There was no McAfee anti-virus software
installed at the time of the test.

Jason

 

[Greg Burns]

Jason, did you see my post on your thread?

You are not reporting the full error. When I ran your code this is what I
got:

"System.Security.SecurityException: Request for the permission of type
System.Security.Permissions.SecurityPermission, mscorlib,
Version=1.0.5000.0, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=b77a5c561934e089 failed.
at
System.Security.SecurityRuntime.FrameDescHelper(FrameSecurityDescriptor
secDesc, IPermission demand, PermissionToken permToken)
at WindowsApplication9.Rs232.CreateFile(String lpFileName, Int32
dwDesiredAccess, Int32 dwShareMode, Int32 lpSecurityAttributes, Int32
dwCreationDisposition, Int32 dwFlagsAndAttributes, Int32 hTemplateFile)
at WindowsApplication9.Rs232.Open() in C:\Documents and Settings\Greg\My
Documents\Visual Studio Projects\WindowsApplication9\Class1.vb:line 559"

Which I assume is failing on this API call:

<DllImport("kernel32.dll")> Private Shared Function CreateFile( _
<MarshalAs(UnmanagedType.LPStr)> ByVal lpFileName As String, _
ByVal dwDesiredAccess As Integer, ByVal dwShareMode As Integer, _
ByVal lpSecurityAttributes As Integer, _
ByVal dwCreationDisposition As Integer, _
ByVal dwFlagsAndAttributes As Integer, _
ByVal hTemplateFile As Integer) As Integer
End Function

You need to be looking at what changed in this API functionl with SP2...

Greg

The text box is filled with the text I programmed, but I still get the

Request for the permission of type
System.Security.Permissions.SecurityPermission, mscorlib,
Version-1.0.5000.0, Culture=neutral,
PublicKeyToken=b77a5c561934e089 failed.

error with the application. There was no McAfee anti-virus software
installed at the time of the test.

Jason

 

[Jason Dravet]

You are correct I did not post the full error. My mistake. Yes I did see
your eariler post, but I don't know how to go about what you suggest. I am
not a programmer. The reason I wrote this is because there was an immediate
need for the exe. So I hopped on the web and found the rs232.vb code. It
worked great until SP2. I was hoping someone from microsoft could point to
the document mentioned in one of the other replies about how to fix these
kind of SP2 related errors. I could not find it on there website.

Thanks,

Jason

Jason, did you see my post on your thread?

You are not reporting the full error. When I ran your code this is what I
got:

"System.Security.SecurityException: Request for the permission of type
System.Security.Permissions.SecurityPermission, mscorlib,
Version=1.0.5000.0, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=b77a5c561934e089
failed.
at
System.Security.SecurityRuntime.FrameDescHelper(FrameSecurityDescriptor
secDesc, IPermission demand, PermissionToken permToken)
at WindowsApplication9.Rs232.CreateFile(String lpFileName, Int32
dwDesiredAccess, Int32 dwShareMode, Int32 lpSecurityAttributes, Int32
dwCreationDisposition, Int32 dwFlagsAndAttributes, Int32 hTemplateFile)
at WindowsApplication9.Rs232.Open() in C:\Documents and Settings\Greg\My
Documents\Visual Studio Projects\WindowsApplication9\Class1.vb:line 559"

Which I assume is failing on this API call:

<DllImport("kernel32.dll")> Private Shared Function CreateFile( _
<MarshalAs(UnmanagedType.LPStr)> ByVal lpFileName As String, _
ByVal dwDesiredAccess As Integer, ByVal dwShareMode As Integer, _
ByVal lpSecurityAttributes As Integer, _
ByVal dwCreationDisposition As Integer, _
ByVal dwFlagsAndAttributes As Integer, _
ByVal hTemplateFile As Integer) As Integer
End Function

You need to be looking at what changed in this API functionl with SP2...

Greg

 

[Greg Burns]

Might be time to rewrite this little thing:

It is possible to use the MSCOMM32.OCX in VB.NET (I've done it before).

VB.NET will create a wrapper around the COM object to use in .NET code.

The problem is finding a copy of the file & the licensing issues (it isn't
even on my home Windows XP Pro system).

I would suggest going with a third party control like...

http://www.sax.net/dotnet/communications/

Greg

 

[Jason Dravet]

I used the MSCOMM32.OCX for the first version of the application (power on
and power off) that I wrote a couple of years ago in VB6. VS 2003 came out
and the department switched to that, then about 6 months after the switch I
needed to add volume control. This was when I switched from MSCOMM32 to the
RS232.vb code. The goal was to update the app so it did volume control and
did not rely on a ocx. The thinking at the time was once the app was
updated we could just put it on a server and have the people access it from
there. No fuss about regsrv32 mscomm32.dll on the PCs. The problem when we
tried this was the .NET framework gave similar type errors about security
exceptions. We had to copy the app to the c: drive and then it worked. The
intention was to go back later and figure out how to run the app from the
network, but like most good intentions it never happened. I would rather
not go back to using an ocx because then I have two files to worry (the app
and the ocx). The ocx complicates matters. Currently after we image the
PCs all we have to do is put the app on the c: drive, create a shortcut, and
we are done. If we use the ocx, then I have to copy the app and ocx, login
as an admin to register the ocx, create the shortcut. A few more steps, not
difficult, but just more stuff to worry. This was the beauty the rs232
code, no fuss no muss. I will probably have to go back to the ocx method,
but I will do it kicking and screaming at Microsoft. Why oh Why can't
Mircosoft document these problems and make the solutions easy to find.

Jason

 

[Greg Burns]

I agree about how complicated it is to deploy projects with legacy .ocx
files that need registered and such.

As far as running a .NET exe from a network share, that is pretty easy to
fix. Run the .NET Config Wizard in control panel. Bump up the local
intranet zone to full trust. That will allow ALL .exes to run from local
shares. There are of course more fine grain methods, but they involve some
work. If you try to just allow a certain assembly, everytime you recompile,
you have to re-allow it on every pc. PITA! There are ways to fix that too
I've read, but not worth the effort in my book.

That 3rd part control I saw was not cheap. That is a shame, but might be
worth the cost to your company.

Serial port communication is not well support natively with .NET. I wonder
what VS 2005 will bring?

Greg

 

[DraguVaso]

That 3rd part control I saw was not cheap. That is a shame, but might be
worth the cost to your company.

Download the VB.NET resource kit:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/vbasic/vbrkit/

That control is in it, totally for free! It's a minor version, but I guess
it will be good enough...

hope this can help,

Pieter

 

[Greg Burns]

And so it is! It was on my machine all the time.

C:\Program Files\Visual Basic .NET Resource Kit\Application\Content\Third
Party Components\FREE .NET Controls\SAX.NET

Greg

 

[Greg Burns]

This "RS232 code", is that from here? The same link Terry Olsen posted
today?

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...ca-e4f1-4846-912c-b4ed37a1578b&DisplayLang=en

If this is code from MS, I would think they would support it on XP SP2.

My .02
Greg

 

[DraguVaso]

Hehe, I also kind of accidently found it on my machione, waaaay after I
tested several other applications
although, I didn't use it yet, and I don't know if it works fine or not...

 

[Jason Dravet]

Yes, the RS-232 code is from there.

Jason

This "RS232 code", is that from here? The same link Terry Olsen posted
today?

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...ca-e4f1-4846-912c-b4ed37a1578b&DisplayLang=en

If this is code from MS, I would think they would support it on XP SP2.

My .02
Greg

 

[Jason Dravet]

I removed all of the security stuff from program, compiled, put the exe on a
network share, ran the .NET Config wizard like you said and it works! Can
the .NET Config settings be put into a group policy so I don't have to run
to each PC and make the change?

I wish MS would make things easier. They knew about this whole .NET
framework security thing, but I have been unable to find any clear document
on how to use the security functions in VB. What makes MS think people will
use these new controls if they are so difficult to use?

Thank you,

Jason

 

[Greg Burns]

Take a look at this thread. It talks about making an .msi package that can
be depoloyed using group policy.

http://tinyurl.com/53zce

Giving a computer full trust to the intranet zone is probably not a good
idea. Ken Tucker in that same thread talks about creating a strong name for
your assembly and granting trust to that. That way recompiling will not
force you to do it again. That is probably a much smarter solution.

Do as I say not as I do. :^)

Greg