You may see a device that is named "Serial" in Device Manager on a legacy-free computer that is running Windows XP or Windows Server 2003 (894625)

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition
Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition
Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Web Edition
Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

SYMPTOMS

On a legacy-free computer that is running Microsoft Windows XP or Microsoft Windows Server 2003, you may see a device that is named "Serial" in Device Manager. This device may appear with a yellow exclamation point. When the yellow exclamation point is present, the following text appears in Device Manager: The device is not present, is not working properly, or does not have all its drivers installed. (Code 24)

CAUSE

This behavior occurs because the following registry subkey is added when Windows is installed:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\Root\LEGACY_SERIAL

After this subkey is added, Windows tests to see if a serial port exists. If Windows does not detect a serial port, a device that is named "Serial" appears in Device Manager. If Windows or a user tries to start this device, the device appears with both a yellow exclamation mark and a Code 24 message (CM_PROB_DEVICE_NOT_THERE).

MORE INFORMATION

No action is required to resolve this behavior. The Code 24 message only provides information. It does not indicate that your computer has a problem.

For additional information about legacy-free computers that are compatible with the Microsoft operating systems, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/archive/Lf.mspx

Modification Type:	Major	Last Reviewed:	3/2/2005
Keywords:	kbtshoot kberrmsg KB894625 kbAudEndUser