It keeps giving an error. Tells me that another application is using the port and that I should identify the application and exit it.

Well, I don't think anything else is using the port. The only port that is being used is Port 3, by my BT keyboard/mouse. I have tried using pretty much all the other ports up to Port 8, but it gives the same error.

Any ideas?

Happens to me all the time for no apparent reason. Sometimes I just reinsert the cable and it works. other times I need to reboot. A real pain. I wonder if there is a simple solution we dont know of.

Assumiing you are running XP, use msconfig, Startup tab, Disable All button. Restart and try again. If you have success, then you'll have to use msconfig again and uncheck the startup components one by one until you find the conflicting program.

For other troubleshooting techniques see this

I just run through each Com Port until it hits. Its under Communications then Settings.
Good luck, and it happens to me once a week

Mark

Check the "system tray" - the icons by the clock. If you have HotSync, Laplink, or any other synchronization software running, simply right click it and close it. Let me know if that helps.



Thank you,
Damon DG
= = = = =
http://www.ProRemotes.com - Authorized Dealer & Remote Programming Services

Thanks everyone!

The msconfig trick did it! I was able to load the configuration to the remote, I'll have to figure out what is causing the com error. I had installed and Axim 51 recently (attempting to use it as universal remote, but it was very unreliable). Maybe some of its sync software is still hiding somewhere.

The MX-850/ MRF-300 combo is amazing! It flawlessly controls a Dish 942 HD-DVR, a Denon 3801, an MCE 2005, a Pany plasma and a JVC VCR. All but the TV are in another room, in an enclosed cabinet.

I have been fighting the MCE box for 2 years: nothing would control it reliably. Was using a hardwired "plasma-proof" remote installation. The MX-850 handles 100% reliably!

I just finished setting it up, made the main page as three "activity" macros: Watch TV, Media Centr, Watch VCR. The IR database is great, I used the Dish 921 configuration for my 942 (didn't find a 942 listed), and the Denon 3802 for my 3801 (the 3801 didn't have discrete on/off). It all works perfectly!

Sorry for the ecstatic rant:-) Wow!

I found that my wireless mouse was "using" the port even though it was connected via USB cable. I switched to another computer and had no issues.

Glad you found the source of the problem.

Hiker,

Great tip! I will have to keep that in mind.



Thank you,
Damon DG
= = = = =
http://www.ProRemotes.com - Authorized Dealer & Remote Programming Services