COM Port Error

[TeK-FX]

I am currently running Windows XP SP2 and running an Athlon64 3000+, Abit KV8-Pro, 512 Corsair.

I am trying to run an M-Pad (the device used to scroll orders in McD's and various other restaurants) and it connects through a serial port.

My problem started by not communicating with the device so I tried safe mode, so no drivers or anything unwanted would take over the COM1 port, no luck...

I restarted my computer into regular mode and now Windows and tried again, no luck, this is the error I receive

------------------------------------------------------------------

Microsoft Windows XP [Version 5.1.2600]
(C) Copyright 1985-2001 Microsoft Corp.

C:\Documents and Settings\State Diner>mode com1
Device COM1 is not currently available.

------------------------------------------------------------------

How do I find out what may be using the port?
I checked under device manager and it says the device is working properly and there are no conflicts.

I have tried MODE and COPY CON:COM1: under the DOS window and they I get the above error when useing MODE but when I use COPY CON:COM1: type in some text, then CTRL Z from it, it says information was sent.


I also have setup a Posflex Jiva 5815 Point-Of-Sale machine which I tried hooking a Epson TM-U220 serial printer to and I had many problems there and hopefully someone can help me figure out, does Windows XP have a problem with using COM ports? I am sure if I can figure one out I can get them both working. Someone please help.

I am sorry if the above provided information seems broken up but I am trying to write this before I have to go back to work.

 

[jpmkm]

What software are you using to drive the device? If you are writing your own software then you'll have to jump through some hoops to access the serial port. Windows XP won't let userspace code directly access IO ports. You essentially have to install a device driver which will talk to the serial port, and then you talk to the driver. Driverlinx has something like that: http://www.driverlinx.com/DownLoad/DlPortIO.htm. Booting into safe mode or dos mode won't help since accessing the IO ports is still a privileged operation.

 

[Dngrsone]

Check your BIOS and make sure the COM port is enabled.

 

[TeK-FX]

I am using a commercial piece of software called NextPOS, recently bought by the Aldelo company which is stated to work with the piece of hardware purchased.

I couldnt find the option to turn COM ports on and OFF, checking the BIOS had crossed my mind too.

Any other suggestions?