com1 port not available when starting laplink

i hv bn trying to connect my ibm thinkpad to an older 486 ast using laplink plus to update its software.

i hv connected the two computers with a null modem serial cable and advised both machines to use com1.

when i start up laplink on the ibm (win xp pro) i get a message that com1 is unavailable. if i ignore this and open anyway, the computers do not c each other.

the device manager says com1 on the ibm is connected and running correctly.

since the error message appears only on the ibm i am relatively sure the ast (win 3.1) is not causing the problem.

any thoughts on how to proceed?

thanks for your hel[p !! emlsr

 

This article might offer you some insight although it is discussing parallel rather than serial issues. Very possible that your laplink version won't work with XP at one end.

Any particular reason you want to use laplink to network the two machines rather than just going with DCC (direct cable connection) from the OS?

 

re:unavailable port

hi-

thanks for the prompt and informative response.

i am trying to use laplink, because i do not c networking software on the ast (win 3.1).

i think the 3.1 may be corrupted because downloads r so slow.

i wanted to install win 95 which i hv on cd. that's why i need the connection in the first place.

mayb i shud install some dial up software and try to dial up an isp other than aol. i don't c any on 3.1.

any ideas? thanks, emlsr

 

Oops - my bad. Native networking was introduced with 3.11 (windows for workgroups). Been a while and I had forgotten that.

I'm guessing that at least one or two folks on here will still have an old copy of WFWG and since it would be legal for you to use if they don't have it loaded anywhere, they might be willing to let you have it. It would certainly make your situation easier since with it installed, you could just go with a DCC connection.

 

reort unavailable

hi-

thanks for the further clarification.

if any kind soul wanted to send the disks to me, i would, of course, b plsd to send a reimbursement check for any cost involved.

meanwhile i am already checking the internet for other available disks.

thanks again, emlsr

 

do i really need to buy a network card to make a direct connection

hi-

after a long delay i finally got a win 3.11 wfw program at ebay. i hv installed it, but it looks like i still can't use a direct connection until i put in a network card.

in other words the setup will not do a network installation without detecting a network card. is there a workaround for this - or am i now in the market for a pcmcia network adapter.

during setup, the installer advised it cudn't access vnetsup.386-- any idea what that problem mite b??

thanks for listening. emlsr