XP Pro ?

Started by Duck · 7 posts · 1,092 views

  1. #1
    Comm ports - specifically serial ports RS232 (yah people still use them....)

    Is there a way to determine what application has captured the com port?
    Occasionally I have a customer that can not start our communications driver because of the Windows XP Pro message - another application is using the com port. or the com port is already in use.

    Is there a way to finding what application has captured the port?
    I've had them try the System Properties/Hardware/Device Manager but thy only list the ports - not what is active on the port.

    Any ideas?
  2. #2
    Obviously the ports are sometimes turned off in the BIOS by the manufacturers now adays, but if the port is on, I thought all software had access to it always. Of course I know nothing about the "legacy" ports since DOS.
  3. #3
    No, if one communication device has the COM port then nothing else will be able to access it...

    Like when we used to use modems... If you were on the line and tried to use another communications software it would tell you "What are you crazy?!?! That COM port is in use! OMG Man!" [at least that's what my software would say ;p ]

    Look at whatever programs are running, they could be holding on to the COM port.
  4. #4
    I'll ask my boss about that. He's got all sorts of obscure M$ knowledge floating around in his head.

    I know there is a process explorer program that will let you see what programs are accessing what processes. I believe it would show you what DLL's are being accessed as well. It shouldn't be too hard to figure out which windows DLL is used by the comport, then trace it back using the process explorer. If my boss doesn't have any ideas, I'll dig up the process explorer program. It's a M$ tool no less.


  5. #5
    Cool - Thanks
  6. #6
    Atomm wrote:I'll dig up the process explorer program. It's a M$ tool no less.

    They make some pretty cool tools they dont' include with the OS but are free.