Can I Reassign My USB to Serial Converter to COM 4 or Less on Windows XP?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the issue of reassigning a USB to Serial Converter from COM 6 to COM 4 or lower on a Windows XP system. Participants explore various methods and troubleshooting steps related to device management and port enumeration.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their situation with a Prolific USB Serial Converter assigned to COM 6 and seeks guidance on reassigning it to COM 4 or less.
  • Another participant suggests a link to a resource that may assist with the reassignment process.
  • A different participant warns that resetting COM port enumeration requires registry modification and provides a link to a forum post detailing this method.
  • One participant raises a new issue regarding identifying what is using COM ports 1 to 5, which are reported as in use.
  • Another participant advises checking the Device Manager to see the auto-detection of the USB-serial converter and suggests refreshing the view if necessary.
  • One participant inquires whether upgrading to Windows XP Service Pack 3 might resolve the issue.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present various methods and suggestions, but there is no consensus on a single solution. Multiple approaches are discussed, and some participants express uncertainty about the effectiveness of certain methods.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the clarity of what is using the COM ports and the potential risks associated with registry modifications. The discussion does not resolve these issues.

Who May Find This Useful

Users experiencing similar issues with USB to Serial Converters on Windows XP, particularly those needing to manage COM port assignments.

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I have a Prolific USB Serial Convertor which has been assigned COM 6. When connected to a device that allows 6 serial ports it works fine. I'm now trying to communicate with a device that only allows up to COM 4, how do I reassign the USB converter to COM 4 or less?
I'm running WINDOWS XP 2002 on a DELL laptop.
 
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If you're like me and you had COM ports being enumerated starting in the double digits, the following can be used to reset the enumeration (WARNING: requires registry modification):
http://www.bisque.com/sc/forums/p/446/430.aspx

Or you can just manually do it, as per the post above me.
 
Thanks guys I now have an additional problem, the ports 1 to 5 are all described as being used, how do I identify what is using the port so that I can decide which one to change?
 
If you open up the Device Manager (accessible through the Control Panel), expand the Ports section (click on the '+' sign), and then plug in your USB-serial converter, you should be able to see it get auto-detected (you may have to hit refresh).
 
Have you upgrade windows xp to service pack 3 ?. It may be solve your problem.
 

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