Making COM Ports Settings Compatible with Report Grabber
QUESTION
I want to use the Report Grabber software but it only recognizes COM ports 1-4. Can I change the COM port assignments on my computer so that it will work with Report Grabber?
ANSWER
Yes. You will need to use a USB to Serial adaptor and re-assign your COM ports to use ports 3 or 4 by changing your Windows operating system settings.
CAUTIONS:
- The following procedure should only be carried out by a technical support person.
- Changing your Windows operating system settings may adversely affect the operation of your computer. Commtest Instruments Ltd accepts no responsibility for any problems that may occur.
- Avoid assigning your USB to Serial adaptor to COM ports 1 and 2 as laptops often assign these ports to internal and essential devices such as the touch pad.
PROCEDURE
The following procedure describes how to reassign COM ports using Windows XP. If you are using a different version of Windows your settings may differ slightly from those described here.
Note: Do NOT attach any serial device to the adaptor before installing it on your computer.
- Install the USB to Serial adaptor following the manufacturer's instructions. You now need to verify that the device is properly installed and determine the COM port assignment.
- From the Windows task bar click Start>Settings>Control Panel> then click System.
- In the System Properties window select the Hardware tab and click Device Manager.
- Double-click Ports (COM & LPT1). You should see 'USB to Serial Comm Port (COM X), where 'X' is the COM port number that Windows has assigned to the adaptor.
- To reassign the COM port to another port number double-click this item to view its properties then click the 'Port Settings' tab.
- Click Advanced and use the drop-down box to select a different COM port number then click OK. Close any other windows to finish.
You should now be able to use the Report Grabber software successfully.
FAQ ID: 17651 Last Reviewed: 13 September 2006