hotsync com port issues

[StraightSix]

Hi,

I'm trying to set up a IIIc on a Windows 98 machine. The IIIc is running PalmOS 3.5 and I am using Palm Desktop 3.1. I have COM1 and COM2 installed, but neither of them are in use as far as I can tell. Whenever I go into HotSync local setup, I get an error saying that the COM port selected (COM1) is not available. However neither of the ports even show up in the list to pick from in local setup tab.

Any ideas?

Thanks

J

[JohnKes]

You should scope around Win98 to check settings for COM1 and COM2, esp the IRQ settings. Your modem may be using IRQ4, which is usually assigned to COM1. Or your mouse could be using the same IRQ as COM1. You should also check your BIOS to ensure COM ports are activated. Thank you Bill Gates!

[StraightSix]

Aren't the ports still supposed to show up in the list to be picked from?

I don't have a modem in this machine, but I'll check the mouse. Since I have two COM ports and only the one item that could be using them, I doubt that will be the trouble but I'll check. I'll check the BIOS as well - although device manager says the ports are working properly so I can't see that being the problem.

Thanks

J

[JohnKes]

I seem to remember having the same problem many years ago when I had a serial mouse. I had to map out all IRQs in my computer, then switch some items around.

Maybe Palm Desktop 4.1 will work better:
http://www.palm.com/software/desktop/

[StraightSix]

Isn't the Hotsync program independent of the Palm Desktop program? Because I have the latest hotsync program for the IIIc , v. 3.1.1.

J

[JohnKes]

Don't know what to say :confused: . Sounds like a Win98 issue, but what to re-install?
1) un-install then re-install Palm Desktop and HotSync Manager?
2) un-install then re-install the COM port driver in Win98?

You might have to call Palm or scope out their web site:
http://www.palm.com/support/helpnotes/desktop/comports.html

[DrMud]

I think JohnKes is on the right road with uninstalling the Desktop and also using the newest version from Palm. Follow the uninstall directions below.
THe COM Ports can be a paiin. Palm likes COM 1.
Doc

Palm Desktop Uninstall (http://205.141.210.148/SRVS/CGI-BIN/WEBCGI.EXE/,/?%20%20St=12,E=0000000000146484133,K=6403,Sxi=6,Ca se=o<br%20/>bj(<br%20/>10109))

[StraightSix]

Well the trouble turned out to be that the serial ports were in fact disabled in BIOS. How come Windoze says that they were working properly is a mystery to me.

Thanks for the help!

J

[JohnKes]

Maybe Win98 assumes COM ports are enabled when the BIOS indicates their presence. "When you ASSUME, you make an A** out of U and ME." Windoze is not that smart.