ComCFG v1.0
Serial Port Configuration Utility
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Copyright 1995 Andrea Battaglia. All Rights Reserved.
ComCFG is the simplest way to ensure that your PC's com ports are configured
correctly. In fact, it should be standard equipment for every PC.
All PC's are succeptible to a problem known as Com Port Packing. When this
happens, the affected com ports typically become inaccessible to DOS and
Windows applications. ComCFG remedies this problem by un-packing the
affected ports each time you boot your computer.
Installing and setting up serial devices, such as serial cards and internal
modems, can be a confusing exercise. ComCFG won't solve all the problems
you'll encounter, but it does fix the most basic, yet the most elusive
problem. ComCFG ensures that the com port numbers you select on your
hardware (ie; through jumpers, switches, etc) are the same numbers that
your computer uses for your software. This seems obvious, but because
of Com Port Packing, this is not always the case.
When you install ComCFG, you can be assured that you've eliminated the
largest single obstacle to successfully using your com ports.
WHAT ARE COM PORTS?
===================
The terms 'com port' and 'serial port' both refer to the same type of
connection on your computer. Your computer usually has two or more of
these. They are referred to as COM1, COM2, etc. The most common devices
you might connect to a com port include: a serial mouse, your modem, a
graphics tablet, or a null modem cable connecting your PC to another
computer.
SHIPPING LIST
=============
You should have received the following files with ComCFG:
COMCFG.EXE The executable file.
COMCFG.TXT The file you're reading now.
REGFORM.TXT Registration form.
FILE_ID.DIZ File description file.
INSTALLING COMCFG
=================
ComCFG should be run as the very first command in your autoexec.bat file.
To install ComCFG:
1) Decide what directory you will put the ComCFG files into.
For example, c:\util\comcfg is a good place.
2) Create the directory using the Windows File Manager or the DOS mkdir
command.
3) Copy all the files that came with ComCFG into this new directory.
4) Using Windows Notepad or the DOS Edit command, edit your AUTOEXEC.BAT
file and insert a call to COMCFG.EXE at the very beginning of the file:
C:\UTIL\COMCFG\COMCFG.EXE
5) Save the file, then restart your computer to complete the installation.
THE FACTS
=========
Install ComCFG and you could save yourself hours of aggravation and wasted
time trying to figure out why your Windows application can't find your
serial port or modem, or why your head to head DOOM game won't connect.
ComCFG will check for and fix Com Port Packing at the source, each time
you start your computer.
ALL ABOUT COM PORT PACKING
==========================
If you need to know all the gory details about Com Port Packing, then read
on! Otherwise, you can safely skip to the section entitled REGISTRATION,
and rest assured you'll never have a problem with Com Port Packing again!
COM PORT PACKING in DOS
=======================
Every PC compatible computer is susceptible to a problem called Com Port
Packing. Com Port Packing occurs when you leave 'gaps' in your com ports.
For instance, when you have com1, com2, and com4 physically installed in
your computer, there is a gap between com2 and com4.
COM1 installed
COM2 installed
COM3 not installed - gap!
COM4 installed
When you turn on your computer, your computer's BIOS builds a list of what
com ports are installed. However, any gaps in com port numbers will be
skipped and the list of your com ports will look like this:
1st com port COM1
2nd com port COM2
3rd com port COM4
4th com port not installed
When you examine your com ports using any DOS utility (MSD for example),
you'll find that the com ports are reported based on their place in this
list. The 1st com port becomes com1, the second becomes com2, the third
becomes com3. So now the third com port in your system (com4) is being
called com3. This is Com Port Packing.
Your PC now thinks you have the following com ports:
COM1 Correct.
COM2 Correct.
COM3 Wrong - should be N/A.
N/A Wrong - should be COM4.
DOS programs may still be able to communicate with the third com port
(ie; COM4) because most DOS programs circumvent the list of com ports and
refer to them by their actual port address in hardware, not by their
assigned name. This assumes that you remember that the third com port is
actually COM4, not COM3 as reported by your PC.
Where you'll have problems in DOS is if you look at the list of the com
ports in your system, and mistakenly try to use COM3 when in fact it's
COM4 that you have installed. You'll waste a lot of time trying to set
up your DOOM serial game with the -COM3 option, when you should be using
the -COM4 option instead.
COM PORT PACKING in WINDOWS
===========================
Problems associated with Com Port Packing become more evident when using
applications in Windows.
You are more likely to experience the problems associated with Com Port
Packing when using Windows applications. Windows uses the list generated
by your BIOS to determine what com ports are installed in your system.
When this list is incorrect, then applications running in Windows will be
unable to find any com ports that have shifted.
Using the current example, Windows will tell you that COM4 is not installed.
You will be able to select COM3, since Windows thinks it is installed,
however, you won't be able to get any response from the device attached to
the com port.
REGISTRATION
============
This is an unregistered, evaluation version of ComCFG.
When you register you'll receive the current version of ComCFG, and of
course, good karma.
The registered version of ComCFG includes a -q option to bypass those
'Press Any Key' prompts. This allows your PC to start up without any need
for someone to be at the keyboard.
TO REGISTER
===========
You can register ComCFG through CompuServe, GO SWREG #8283.
To register by mail, fill out and return the completed registration form
you'll find in REGFORM.TXT, along with your payment of $15 US per copy of
ComCFG to the address listed below.
If registering by mail, email a copy of the registration form to me so I
know to expect your registration.
SUPPORT
=======
Support for ComCFG can be obtained via email through internet or
compuserve, or by writing to the address below. Support is limited to
ComCFG and its' correct operation. Support for configuring any of your
hardware CAN NOT be provided.
CompuServe: 103126,1150
Internet: andreab@interlog.com
Snail Mail: Andrea Battaglia
279 Gowan Avenue
Toronto, Ontario
Canada
M4J 2K7
DISCLAIMER - AGREEMENT
======================
Users of ComCFG must accept this disclaimer of warranty:
"ComCFG is supplied as is. The author disclaims all warranties, expressed
or implied, including, without limitation, the warranties of merchantability
and of fitness for any purpose. The author assumes no liability for
damages, direct or consequential, which may result from the use of ComCFG."
ComCFG is a "shareware program" and is provided at no charge to the user for
evaluation. Feel free to share it with your friends, but please do not give
it away altered or as part of another system.
If you find this program useful and find that you are using ComCFG and
continue to use ComCFG after a reasonable trial period, you must make a
registration payment of $15 US to Andrea Battaglia. The $15 US registration
fee will license one copy for use on any one computer.
Commercial users of ComCFG must register and pay for their copies of ComCFG
within 30 days of first use or their license is withdrawn. Site-License
arrangements may be made by contacting Andrea Battaglia.
Anyone wishing to distribute ComCFG for any kind of remuneration must first
contact Andrea Battaglia for authorization at the address in the previous
section.
You are encouraged to pass a copy of ComCFG along to your friends for
evaluation. Please encourage them to register their copy if they find that
they can use it. Upon registration users will receive the latest version
of ComCFG.
(end)