Windows Vista: USB/Serial Adapter Setup

[David Carlson]

Generally, the USB/Serial Adapter included in the iPack Programming and Voice Call Kit (pn 3368) should work using the accompanying 'Cables To Go' installation disc.

Do not plug in the USB/Serial adapter until the drivers have been installed! (if you have done this, don't worry, there's a work around listed below)

Using the Disc:

1. 
   
   Insert the disc, and wait for the Autorun program to launch.  If it doesn't automatically, navigate to your CD drive from Windows Explorer, and double-click Autorun.exe
   
   
2. 
   
   Click the first option "USB to db9 Serial Adapter - 26886"


3. 
   
   Select the 4th option: "Install Driver - Windows Vista (32-bit or 64-bit)"


4. 
   
   Follow the instructions on the screen


5. 
   
   Clicking Finish will signify that the installation is complete

Once this is done, plug in the USB/Serial adapter.  It will probably default to port COM7, so you will need to change this from the Device Manager window.

To change the comm port for the adapter:

1. 
   
   Go to the control panel > system > Device Manager
   
   
2. 
   
   Click the '+' next to Ports (COM & LPT)


3. 
   
   Double-click on the Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port to view the properties


4. 
   
   Click the Port Settings tab


5. 
   
   Click the Advanced... button


6. 
   
   Choose one of ports 1 through 4 from the dropdown list.


7. 
   
   Click OK to accept changes.


8. 
   
   Unplug the adaptor for about 10 seconds


9. 
   
   Plug the adaptor back in.  You computer should now retain the comm port settings you have selected.

Still having trouble?

If the adapter was plugged in before installing the software, Vista will have installed what it thinks to be the correct driver for the device: Version 3.0.1.0.  However, this version has been ineffective in testing here at NRG.  We have also seen a few cases where the included driver on the CD-ROM does not work with Vista properly.  In either of these cases, an alternative driver is available at the Cables To Go Website.

www.cablestogo.com > Click RESOURCES > Drivers and Manuals > 26886 USB to Serial DB9 Adapter Driver > 26886-Win7(v1210).zip

NOTE: This driver package now works for all builds of Windows (98, ME, XP, Vista, 7, etc.).

When running the executable file within this zip file, note that it may uninstall the older version of the driver that was previously installed.  If this is the case, the installer should be run again, as it will NOT install over another version.

[waverlyj]

The drivers for Windows XP can be found at the following address:

http://server.iad.liveperson.net/hc/s-21882319/cmd/kbresource/kb-1359664148171043333/view_document!PAGETYPE?sc=2659&sf=101133&documentid=157459&action=view

[waverlyj]

 Windows 7 Drivers are now available at the above link.

[Johnson]

I have been using a usb to serial adapter that appears to be easier to install that the above. All I did was to plug-in the adapter and point the Windows  hardware installer to the folder with the drivers (Windows 7 32-bit) and the drivers are automatically installed. Drivers for 64-bit are also available for download.The adapter has a FTDI chipset which seems to be easier to deal with than other chipsets/drivers.