USB to Serial Converter/Windows XP

I'm running XP and got a USB-Serial Adapter made by IO Gear for $32. It didn't come with an XP driver but I called them and they quickly put up a driver on their site for Win2000 which was compatible. www.iogear.com It has been working just fine. Only drawback is that it is only a single port. I bought it from CDW and
with shipping it was under $40 The model number is G-UC232A

http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/default.asp?EDC=261218


Originally posted 17 Dec 2001 by Dirk Gouwens
dirk@dreamscape.com

Socket tech support says that if you have an older version of their card Vers G or older, that in the future the new drivers will not support that card. The provided drivers in XP will run a single serial port on any of the older cards (=means only 1 on a dual card). Version H and above cards (w/in the last year of production) will have XP drivers around the end of Jan 2002. Hope this helps in the latest MS screws you wars!


Originally posted 17 Dec 2001 by Jim Karnes
timingguys@aol.com

I buy them @ www.pcconnection.com

I would recommend that you purchase the "ruggedized" version, which does not have a removable "dongle". This feature (a) prevents you from losing the dongle, and (b) negates the issue of breaking or damaging the dongle, which I have done many times.

The Socket DUAL I/O card is also wonderful, because it provides TWO additional serial ports, however I caution you that the DUAL will be more difficult to configure because many modern laptops do not have two interrupts to spare.

When configuring either card, if you have problems finding an available interrupt, go into Windows Device Manager (aka Device Mangler) and make sure your infrared port is disabled, which will free up an interrupt. DO NOT REMOVE the infrared driver, because the next time you reboot, Windows' Prug-and-Pray Manager will simply re-install and re-enable it. Just DISABLE it, reboot, and try installing the Socket drivers again.

99.9% of laptop users don't use the infrared, although the infrared can come in handy occasionally if you need to Hotsync a Palm OS device and you forgot your Hotsync cable or cradle.


Originally posted 17 Dec 2001 by James Broder
james@skunkware.tv

http://www.synchrotech.com

I'm sure many people carry the cards, but this is where we purchase ours. Socket cards seem to be the best and come with 1,2 and 4 serial port options.


Originally posted 17 Dec 2001 by Jim Karnes