NOTE: You, the customer, are solely responsible for data security. WinBook strongly recommends that you perform a backup of all personal data contained on your system prior to performing this procedure. Warning: WinBook will NOT be held responsible for any data loss incurred during this process.

There are many different situations that can prevent your external serial device from working correctly in Windows 98/98 SE. This Tech Article covers some basic troubleshooting steps to enable your external serial device to work correctly. This information is provided as a courtesy by WinBook. This information assumes you have followed the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer of your device. Any further questions specific to your serial device should be directed to the manufacturer of that device.

NOTE: Unless directed to reboot by the computer answer no to all questions about restarting the computer

Remove All Peripherals

The first step to try in troubleshooting any external serial device problem is to remove any external peripherals such as PCMCIA cards, printers, scanners, digital cameras, etc. If the device does not work after removing all devices, continue to the next step. If the device works after removing these devices please contact the manufacturer of the device causing the conflict for further information.

Disable SerialKey Device Support

1. Click on the Start Menu, go to Settings, then click on Control Panel.
2. Double click on the Accessibility Options icon. 
3. Click on the General Tab and un-check Support for SerialKey Devices.
4. Click Apply then OK.
5. Test your external serial device.

Adjusting Settings Using MSCONFIG

1. Click on Start, go to Run, in the box type "msconfig" and click OK.
2. The System Configuration Utility will open, click on the tab that reads system.ini. 
3. In this window click on the plus sign (+) beside the folder named 386Enh.
4. One of the items listed will not have an icon and will be named device=*enable.
5. If this line is checked uncheck it, if it is not checked or is not there ignore this step.
6. Select the Startup tab at the top right. 
7. Only leave checks in the following boxes:
   • Scan Registry
   • System Tray
   • Task Monitor
   • Both LoadPowerProfiles
   • Wincool if present on your model of WinBook computer
   These are the only items needed to run windows efficiently. All other programs will continue to function when the applications are started. This will free up the available resources that Windows needs to operate. The only exception to external software loading in the Startup group would be files associated with Anti Virus programs. But for troubleshooting purposes eliminate those files by unchecking their boxes as well. The items will not disappear and can be rechecked later.
8. After removing the extra programs in the Startup window, click on Apply then OK.
9. Windows will ask you if you would like to restart. Click No.
10. Click Start, then Shutdown, and shutdown all the way at this point to power off the system.

Adjusting Settings In the BIOS

NOTE: Not all BIOS revisions look exactly the same. If you experience problems entering setup on your model then refer to your users manual.

1. Power on your system, rapidly and repeatedly tap the DEL key (XL, XL2, XL3) or the F2 key (XLi, Si, Si2).
2. Continue tapping the above key until the system Setup Utility opens.
3. Go to the Peripheral section using the arrow keys on the keyboard.
4. Hit the Enter key to enter the section. Verify the following settings:
   • Com1 3F8
   • Com2 (Modem) 2F8
   • Com3 (IR) Disabled

   (In some cases Com2 will not be listed or will be N/A that is normal for those systems.)

5. Hit the Esc key to go back to the main menu and hit F10 to save settings and exit. Your system will now restart into Windows.
6. Test your Device Now

Advanced Troubleshooting Options

If your computer has an ESS modem, the following steps may help to solve further problems using external serial devices

1. Click on the Start Menu, go to Settings, click on Control Panel.
2. Double click on the System Icon, and click on the Device Manager Tab.
3. Click on the plus sign (+) beside Modems, highlight the ESS modem, and remove it.
4. Click on the plus sign (+) beside Ports COM & LPT, double click on Com1 to open the properties window.
5. Click on the Resources tab.
6. Uncheck the box that is labeled"Use automatic settings."
7. Change the basic configuration to Basic configuration 0002.
8. Click on the OK button to close this window.
9. Restart the computer by going to the Start Menu, Shutdown, Restart.
10. If prompted for a file ending .CAT click Skip.
11. Click on the Start Menu, go to Settings, click on Control Panel.
12. Double click on the System icon and go to the Device Manager tab.
13. Click on the plus sign (+) beside Ports COM & LPT, click once on Com3 and click Remove.
14. Click the Refresh button and Com1 will reinstall itself in the ports section.
15. Test your Device Now.

Other Options

After trying these troubleshooting options it may be necessary to uninstall and reinstall the software used with your external serial device. Make sure that the device is configured to use Com1. Also it may help to contact the manufacturer of your device for specific troubleshooting of your hardware.

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Disclaimer: This information is being provided to you as a service from the Technical Support Department of WinBook Computers. It is intended to assist you in the resolution of your technical problems or questions. If you feel uncomfortable implementing any of the information or suggestions contained herein then you should e-mail the WinBook Technical Support Department. WinBook will not be held responsible for any loss of information, data or programming as a result of the use of this TechNote.