Direct Cable Connection Wizard Does Not Exclude Used Communications Ports (228299)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional

This article was previously published under Q228299

SYMPTOMS

When you install and configure Direct Cable Connection (DCC) networking functionality on your Windows 2000-based computer, serial ports with external devices attached are listed as available for DCC connection. If you try to select the communications port with the attached device, the port is disabled and cannot be used for DCC networking, even though the device functions normally. If a modem is installed on the serial port, that port is correctly removed from the list of available DCC ports. Examples of external devices include:
  • Infrared communications ports.
  • SmartCard readers.
  • Other plug-and-play devices.

CAUSE

This issue occurs because the Windows 2000 DCC Configuration Wizard automatically displays a list of all communication ports that support DCC regardless of the external devices that may be connected to the port.

RESOLUTION

To work around this issue, choose a communications port that does not have any devices connected to it.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/13/2003
Keywords:kbHardware kbnetwork kbprb KB228299