Windows 10: COM ports always "in use" in Windows 10 64bit

I have two programs that make use of the serial ports on my Windows 10 64bit machine. It is running build 19041.508.

This PC has a serial port on the mainboard, two more serial ports on a PCIe expansion card, and a COM port provided by a USB adapter.

One program, known as "RespeQT", is using the USB adapter to connect to an old Atari system on COM5. About 75% of the time, when I try to make a connection, I am told that "access is denied" and the connection does not work. Sometimes the connection does work.

The other program, known as "ADTPro" is a java program. This program ALWAYS tells me that the port "is in use", regardless of which of the 5 COM ports I select.

No other software should be using the COM ports. I even used Process Explorer to try and identify if the PCIESA64 (for the expansion card) service was running, which it was not.

Why won't Windows allow the serial ports to be selected and used?

:)

 

Windows 10 Tweaks

Pressing “Windows+Pause Break” (it’s up there next to scroll lock) opens the “System” Window.

Windows 10: In the new version of Windows, Explorer has a section called Quick Access. This includes your frequent folders and recent files. Explorer defaults to opening this page when you open a new window. If you’d rather open the usual This PC, with links to your drives and library folders, follow these steps:

• Open a new Explorer window.
• Click View in the ribbon.
• Click Options.
• Under General, next to “Open File Explorer to:” choose “This PC.”
• Click OK

credit to Lifehacker.

 

Windows 10 lost COM ports

Hi John,

The issue that you’ve encountered regarding the missing ports on your Windows 10 computer may be caused by some configuration or files mismatched. To sort out your concern, we’d like to know the following information:

• What are the troubleshooting steps you've done so far?
• Which devices are using the COM port on your computer?

Additionally, we suggest that you follow the steps provided in this article on how to perform the
Advanced startup options (including safe mode).
Once you’re on the page, you may proceed with the steps and complete the process. After completing the steps, you may check if you’re able to install the port on your PC properly.

We’re looking forward to your response.

 

Windows 10 upgrade problem, no input accepted

I really hate having to come here and ask for help, but I really am stumped. It hurts my geek pride. I have a PC with fairly modern hardware in it. It has a p8p67 pro in it. I have tried upgrading windows 10 on it twice now. Both times I have had the same result.

After windows finishes upgrading it goes to the log in/set up screen. I can't do anything. No keyboard or mouse input is accepted.

I will list some, or hopefully all, of the troubleshooting steps I have tried:

• Move keyboard and mouse to different USB ports.
• Try different keyboard or mouse.
• Restart computer, repeatedly.
• Google for related issues.
• Update Bios, because why not.
• Create boot media and revert to windows 7.

The windows 10 system restore boot media works fine with keyboard and mouse. All USB ports work in windows 7. I don't know what is wrong. I suspect that windows 10 is lacking a driver of some sort, but since the computer accepts no input I have no way of checking for which driver let alone installing it.

Please help me figure this out. If I have to revert back to windows 7 again, I am not going to get it upgraded to windows 10. Thank you in advanced.