Hope this is the right venue for this subject.

System crashed. Had to reinstall XP pro. Was then unable to HotSync pda.
error message says: "COM 1 unavailable. HotSync manager will connect when it becomes available."

I have no idea how COM 1 became unavailable. To best of my knowledge I changed nothing when I reinstalled OS.

Used MS suggestions on "help" to find out whats wrong, how to fix, but they are so complicated Im not sure I did them CORRECTLY, but I did them several times with no results.

Asus P4P800 SE MB with only 1 com port so I cant change to another port.

If anyone can help I'll appreciate it. PDA unusable since 3/22, would like to get it running again.

Thanks in advance.



Yep.. sounds like a software problem. Check your device manager for Com 1, then ensure there are no modems installed on com 1. Sometimes you have to add com 1 back so you can use it. Also check your com settings under Hotsync manager.Thanks for the suggestions. I'll try them today. Also tried another message to tech support at Asus. They didn't respond the last TIME. I'll POST their reply (if I get one). Also will post the results of your suggestions.Sorry to say those ideas didn't do anything. Got an answer from ASUS, who "thinks" the COM ! serial port failed on the motherboard, and seemed to shrug, suggesting I get another mb; if i wanted to try adding an aftermarket PCI serial card, and eliminated the on board one (no directions how) that might work.

I'm disappointed that they seemingly accept a 1 1/2 year or so life on the mother board and think I should as well. I doubt that my next mb will be from ASUS if that is their atititude.

But thanks for TRYING to help. Not sure what I'll do next.