Com Port 1 persistently in use

[bantams]

we have a Proliant DL380 G4 server configured with Windows Server 2003.

we have tried to install a Multitech MT5656ZDX Modem onto Com Port 1, but as soon as we connect the modem to the serial Port on the back of the server, the TD and RD lights on the modem light up and when we try to detect the modem, Windows fails to detect it.

in the end we had to use a Serial to USB connector and create Com Port 4 to connect the modem which worked.

We have Faxmaker 12 installed which uses the modem on Com 4 fine, however, we want to add another fax line onto the server which of course requires another modem which we have, and this is the same as the one above, and we would like to install it on the serial port, however we are having the same issues as before.

when trying to get Faxmaker to install the modem, it says that Com Port 1 is in use and so cannot be scanned for a modem.

to our knowledge, nothing is using Com Port 1, i.e. nothing connected to the serial port on the back of the server, no other communication software running on the server, so how can it be in use?

any ideas on finding out what the culprit is?

thanks

[Rob Leadbeater]

Hi,

Try checking whether the UPS service is running. (Control Panel -> Power Options -> UPS).

That may be attempting to look for a UPS on COM1...

Cheers,

Rob

[bantams]

just checked UPS settings and the UPS Service is not started and startup setting is set to manual.

checked power options in Control Panel for the UPS Settings and it confirms that UPS is turned off.

thanks

[Rob Leadbeater]

Hi,

You could try disabling Com1 from Windows Device manager and see whether anything complains...

Cheers,

Rob

[bantams]

we have previously removed com port 1 from windows and left it for a few days expecting something to complain about it, but nothing did, so we added it back and as soon as it was added, something grabbed it, stopping us from adding anything to that serial port.

thanks

[Rob Leadbeater]

Hi again,

Maybe the BIOS Serial Console is enabled...?

Cheers,

Rob