Multiple Instances of Same Port in Add New Hardware Wizard (182088)
The information in this article applies to:
- Microsoft Windows 95
- Microsoft Windows 98
This article was previously published under Q182088 If this article does not describe your hardware-related issue, please see the following Microsoft Web site to view more articles about hardware:
IMPORTANT: This article contains information about editing the registry.
Before you edit the registry, make sure you understand how to restore it
if a problem occurs. For information about how to do this, view the
"Restoring the Registry" Help topic in Regedit.exe or the "Restoring a
Registry Key" Help topic in Regedt32.exe.
SYMPTOMS
When you are manually installing new hardware (such as a modem) using the
Add New Hardware wizard, multiple instances of COM or LPT ports may appear
as options in the port selection box.
CAUSE
This behavior can occur if there are duplicate entries for a COM or LPT
port in the registry. Duplicate entries can occur if the computer does not
contain a Plug and Play BIOS.
RESOLUTION
WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that
may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot
guarantee that problems resulting from the incorrect use of Registry
Editor can be solved. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.
For information about how to edit the registry, view the "Changing Keys
And Values" Help topic in Registry Editor (Regedit.exe) or the "Add and
Delete Information in the Registry" and "Edit Registry Data" Help topics
in Regedt32.exe. Note that you should back up the registry before you edit it.
To resolve this issue, follow these steps:
- In Registry Editor, export the appropriate registry key (for backup purposes):
HKEY_LOCAL_Machine\Enum\Bios\*PNP0400 (or *PNP0401) for duplicate LPT ports
HKEY_LOCAL_Machine\Enum\Bios\*PNP0500 (or *PNP0501) for duplicate COM ports
- Delete the appropriate registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_Machine\Enum\Bios\*PNP0400 (or *PNP0401) for duplicate LPT ports
HKEY_LOCAL_Machine\Enum\Bios\*PNP0500 (or *PNP0501) for duplicate COM ports
- Quit Registry Editor.
- Shut down and restart your computer.
- Click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-
click Add New Hardware.
- Click Next, click Yes, and then click Next. Windows automatically
locates the installed ports and re-creates the correct entries in the
registry without duplicates.
MORE INFORMATION
Note that the procedure described in this article should be used only for
removing duplicate ports in the Add New Hardware wizard. Do not use this
procedure to attempt to correct other issues related to Device Manager.
Modification Type: | Major | Last Reviewed: | 8/8/2006 |
---|
Keywords: | kbenv kbHardware kbprb KB182088 |
---|
|