Windows XP Does Not Allow Applications to Use Virtual Serial (COM) Ports

Question

Where should I post my query..?

Operating System: Windows XP Professional version 2002 with Service Pack 3
 
I want to use some applications to control virtual serial (COM) ports on a PERLE IOLAN STS8 D/TruePort device in Windows XP Professional SP3. When I configure the IOLAN/TruePort I can see the COM ports in Windows Device Manager and I am able to configure my applications to use the ports.  However, when my applications attempt to open the serial ports I get an error saying that the port is already in use or does not exist.

I have tried various work-arounds to delete/re-add the "in use" ports in Windows before configuring IOLAN/TruePort and my applications. This does (sometimes) allow me to use the ports but if the PC is subsequently powered down and restarted the problem re-appears.

Is there a way to reliably create and use virtual COM ports in Windows XP?
 
Perle IOLAN/TruePort versions are:
Device Manager v4.3
TruePort firmware 6.4

Answer 1

Try asking your question in the General Windows Desktop Development Issues Forum at the following address

http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/en-us/windowsgeneraldevelopmentissues/threads

Bye.

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Luigi Bruno

Answer 2

Thank you Luigi, I will try that...