O/T Com port problem (W98SE)

[Podie]

Question for the PH IT collective...

I need to reassign the Com port on a Dell laptop to Com port 1 (it's currently Com port 5)... (the thing it's connected to only recognises Com port 1...!

It's on a Dell Laptop, running Windows 98 second edition... has a USB, IRDA port (potential problem) and a modem (on board, not PCMCIA) and some software modems...

... suggestions on a postcard please, before I throw the damn thing out of the window!

Cheer.

[Podie]

Little help...

[neil_cardiff]

Podie,

I think you have to change the IRDA IRQ assignment, which hopefully may then allow the laptop to see it.

I have had this problem on W2k, that although it says there are no conflicts - there actually is. Change the IRDA to the next available IRQ and then see if the Modem recognises itself in the Hardware Settings after a refresh. Mail me if you have problems.

Neil

[ninja_eli]

I had this problem before on a pc. Change the BIOS settings to recognise the port as com port 1, rather than auto assignment as most BIOS settings are. Everything within windows should do so too after that.

[Podie]

Right... I've been through the BIOS and put in the appropriate settings... but Windows throws a wobbler.

Only way I've got round it, is to disable the IRDA port completely within the BIOS, and then Com port 1 appears... however, if I then enable the IRDA on the BIOS... it goes back to Com Port 5...!

aaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrgggggggggghhhhhhhhhhh!

[neil_cardiff]

Podie said: Right... I've been through the BIOS and put in the appropriate settings... but Windows throws a wobbler.

Only way I've got round it, is to disable the IRDA port completely within the BIOS, and then Com port 1 appears... however, if I then enable the IRDA on the BIOS... it goes back to Com Port 5...!

aaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrgggggggggghhhhhhhhhhh!

Did you change the IRQ assignment like I said?

[Podie]

Neil - yep tried that... but Windows (in it's infinite wisdom) changes them back again!

[neil_cardiff]

Podie said: Neil - yep tried that... but Windows (in it's infinite wisdom) changes them back again!

Nuts. No way of fixing it then?

Or can't you upgrade the laptop? (thats always my first idea)

[Podie]

Hmm... disable the IRDA in the short term... but will need it again.

As for the upgrade... er this IS the upgrade..!

[neil_cardiff]

Podie said: Hmm... disable the IRDA in the short term... but will need it again.

As for the upgrade... er this IS the upgrade..!

Lets hope they want IRDA for transfering contacts etc, and not for using a mobile for a modem.

Hmm, 9.6kps... nice...

[Podie]

IRDA for synching the PDA...!

[neil_cardiff]

Podie said: IRDA for synching the PDA...!

No serial cable or usb cradle?

[Podie]

Trying to reduce the number of cables... and the fact that PDA's don't get on with some othe rUSB stuff we use... and the serial port is needed for something else

[duntonsr]

Sorted - I think known BIOS problem on the Dell Latitudes - in case anyones intersted !

[Podie]

duntonsr said: Sorted - I think known BIOS problem on the Dell Latitudes - in case anyones intersted !

All very well... but it was an Inspiron!

Old BIOS... V.A05... current / latest is V.A14

[tuffer]

Just throw it out the window podie......that way you get a new laptop on the insurance and relieve all that pent up anger!!!