"No COM Ports Available" Error on IBM PS/2 Computer

 Last reviewed: November 23, 1994
Article ID: Q82049
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows operating system versions 3.0, 3.0a, 3.1, 3.11

SYMPTOMS

The following error message may appear when you start the Microsoft Windows Terminal application on an IBM PS/2 machines: 

   No Com ports available; release one of the com ports and try
   again

CAUSE

This error message can occur on PS/2 computers if the serial port(s) on the machine have been disabled in the system setup.

WORKAROUND

Follow these steps to determine the status of the serial ports and adjust them as necessary:

  1. Use the IBM Reference Disk to start your system.

  2. When the IBM Logo Screen appears, press ENTER.

  3. From the Main menu, choose option 2 for Set Configuration.

  4. From the Set Configuration menu, choose option 2 for Change Configuration.

  5. From the Change Configuration menu, choose Serial Port by pressing the DOWN ARROW key. To view and modify the Serial Port status, press the F6 key to select the appropriate port.

  6. Press the F10 key to save the configuration.

  7. Press the F3 key to exit the Set Configuration menu. Press the F3 key again to exit the Main menu.

  8. Press ENTER to restart your system.

KBCategory: kbtool kb3rdparty kbenv kberrmsg
KBSubcategory: Win30 Win31 WinComm
Additional reference words: 3.0 3.00 3.0a 3.00a 3.1 3.10 3.11 ps2

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Last reviewed: November 23, 1994
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