COM ports numbers

[IzabelaB]

Trying to connect 4 pieces of hardware. 2 are visible in the device manager window, the other 2 switch off the original two and get error messages : code 42
Checked in advanced port settings- it shows at least 20 COM port numbers in use which is not true. Perhaps this causes the two pieces of hardware not loading? How do I clear the port numbers please?

 

[Mark RM]

You need to completely describe what hardware and what models of stuff you are attaching and to what kind of computer and OS before we can be of much use to you.

 

[IzabelaB]

You need to completely describe what hardware and what models of stuff you are attaching and to what kind of computer and OS before we can be of much use to you.

Thank you for responding. I’m attaching generators by Silicon Labs CP210
Computer is a Vaio Sony desktop, windows XP version 2002

 

[Mark RM]

I have a decent understanding of what's happening and why.

As I said, could I have the model number of your computer please.

Also, with a photo or description, tell me/show me which USB ports you are plugging the UART bridges into.

 

[IzabelaB]

I have a decent understanding of what's happening and why.

As I said, could I have the model number of your computer please.

Also, with a photo or description, tell me/show me which USB ports you are plugging the UART bridges into.

Sony model PCV-1146
I’d love to attach a photo but there seem to be no such option (using iPad) here... there are 4 USB inputs at the back of the desktop and 3 in front. Tried to use them all, in all combinations but the result is always the same.

Thank you for trying to help!
I.

 

[Mark RM]

The basic problem is how the USB hub adapters are mapped into ROM and what external ports are actually attached to the individual ports. I can't get enough detail on the motherboard to map out what is doing what or even what USB chips are in use.

Basically it's installing the same UART bridge over top of the existing one thinking it's the same part connected to the same USB BUS.

My thinking
Since two bridges are working on the existing hubs, I would test this theory using two other PCI to USB2 cards adds in the expansion slots. It's inexpensive, they use different chips than the motherboard USB hub and map into different memory spots.

Normally we pick cards like this that have KNOWN support for Windows XP/XP Embedded however you can choose any card with Windows XP support.
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA6RA5449872

This is my advice, however without knowing more about the motherboard and it's USB layout, I can guarantee exactly nothing, but I'm thinking this is the best approach if it's going to move forward.

 

[IzabelaB]

The basic problem is how the USB hub adapters are mapped into ROM and what external ports are actually attached to the individual ports. I can't get enough detail on the motherboard to map out what is doing what or even what USB chips are in use.

Basically it's installing the same UART bridge over top of the existing one thinking it's the same part connected to the same USB BUS.

My thinking
Since two bridges are working on the existing hubs, I would test this theory using two other PCI to USB2 cards adds in the expansion slots. It's inexpensive, they use different chips than the motherboard USB hub and map into different memory spots.

Normally we pick cards like this that have KNOWN support for Windows XP/XP Embedded however you can choose any card with Windows XP support.
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA6RA5449872

This is my advice, however without knowing more about the motherboard and it's USB layout, I can guarantee exactly nothing, but I'm thinking this is the best approach if it's going to move forward.

Thank you Mark.i wonder what corrupted the card in the first place as I don’t use it for anything else but these generators...
anyhow, I will research the new usb cards against getting a newer computer - perhaps the latter makes more sense in the context of your solution

 

[Mark RM]

You can actually find cards as cheap as five bucks, you just have to make sure the chipset the cards use are XP compatible even if it's not listed in the cards sale page.

Really most PCI USB cards are XP compatible.

 

[IzabelaB]

You can actually find cards as cheap as five bucks, you just have to make sure the chipset the cards use are XP compatible even if it's not listed in the cards sale page.

Really most PCI USB cards are XP compatible.

Thank you Mark! You’ve been really helpful!
On the UK site I found this:
Ideapro 4-Port PCI-E to USB 3.0 PCI Express Expansion Card PCIe Card Super Speed Up to 5Gbps, No extra Power Connector for Desktops Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10 (4 Ports)
Not a 5 bucks purchase though... is this one the right choice?

 

[Mark RM]

The card you linked is a PCIe card , you computer has no PCIe connectors. the UK you say?

Two of these at 7.85 UK pounds - they are built with NEC interface chips and have drivers for Windows XP. Windows XP SP3 should just install them upon detection - if they don't drivers are there for XP.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/CSL-Controller-interface-internal-compatible/dp/B00ST18KMW

From the manual - https://www.manualslib.com/manual/250384/Sony-Pcv-Rs402.html?page=37#manual
Using your VAIO computer Expansion capabilities
There are four expansion slots at the rear of your VAIO computer, as follows:
Top slot: AGP slot containing the graphics card.
Second slot: Empty PCI slot.
Third slot : this is an empty PCI slot.
Bottom slot: CNR slot containing the modem card