No Longer able to use Com Port on any computers

  • Thread starter Thread starter Robert Goeres
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R

Robert Goeres

I am using a Windows 2000 SBS server with six Windows 2000
clients

I am no longer able to use any Com port on any computer of
our network. (I messed somewhere around) Except for one
computer where I can still use the comport as long as I am
login as Administrator (Network) Once upon a time I think
I blocked the computers to be able to use modem ?? but I
can not remember wher when and how?
Has anyone a clue how to enable the use of Com Ports
(phys. & vitual) by all useres on all computer?

Regards
Robert Goeres
 
Maybe check the Com Port registry settings for sufficient access?

Also maybe try to run gpedit.msc and look for polices that you may have
enabled to lock down the modem usage.

Buz Brodin
MCSE NT4 / Win2K
Microsoft Enterprise Domain Support

Get Secure! - www.microsoft.com/security

This posting is provided "as is" with no warranties and confers no rights.

Please do not send e-mail directly to this alias. This alias is for
newsgroup purposes only.
 
checked the polices and could not find any enabled or
locked down settings as well on the Server as on the local
computers.
where shal I look for the Com Port registry settings?
 
Based on this: "(I messed around somewhere)"

You need to look around whereever a change was done.

Did you do something in policy?
Registry settings or permissions?
File Permissions?
Was this a local change of some sort made on each box via a script?
Did you change group membership?

This could be a ton of things. How about if you make them power users? Does
it work then?
What exactly happens when they try to use a com port or modem or whatever it
is they are trying to use? Do you get an error of some sort?

Buz Brodin
MCSE NT4 / Win2K
Microsoft Enterprise Domain Support

Get Secure! - www.microsoft.com/security

This posting is provided "as is" with no warranties and confers no rights.

Please do not send e-mail directly to this alias. This alias is for
newsgroup purposes only.
 
I can even not use the Com port as Admin. so it must be on
the computer level. I get the message that the comport is
already in use and can not be used. Even any virtual
comport. I have been a long time ago working on RAS that
no computer could connect to a modem.
 
Perhaps you can use MSCONFIG to disable third party programs and services
that may have an open connection on the comport? (Active Sync type of
software, FAX stuff, VOIP apps, etc..)

Also I would check device manager, Ports and verify the ports are showing up
here and are enabled.

If the ports are not showing up perhaps boot to safe mode and see if they
show up there, if so remove them and let Windows redetect and reinstall.

Here is the MSCONFIG process:

We want to implement the Cleanboot process using MSCONFIG to rule out 3rd
party software as the cause of this issue. MSCONFIG.exe can be copied to the
Windows 2000 C:\Winnt\System directory from XP and be used on a Windows
2000 Pro or Server client.

Go to Start\Run type in Msconfig and press OK.
Go to the Startup tab.
Click on "Disable All"
Go to the Services Tab
Click on "Hide all Microsoft Services"
Uncheck the 3rd party services that are left
Press OK twice to reboot.

Once your computer is restarted see if the issue still occurs. if it still
does go to Msconfig and select Enable All on the startup tab.
If the issue does not occur go to the Startup tab and select items 4 at a
time or so with reboots in between to narrow down the exact item causing
your problem.

310353 How to Perform a Clean Boot in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=310353

Buz Brodin
MCSE NT4 / Win2K
Microsoft Enterprise Domain Support

"Please do not send e-mail directly to this alias. This alias is for
newsgroup purposes only."
 
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