Using Works 3.0 Communications Under Windows NT 3.5 (124650)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Works 3.0
  • Microsoft Works 3.0a
  • Microsoft Works 3.0b
  • the operating system: Microsoft Windows NT 3.5
This article was previously published under Q124650

SYMPTOMS

After you use the Microsoft Works 3.0 Communications module on a computer running version 3.5 of Microsoft Windows NT, you may experience the following:

  • You are unable to access the COM ports in Works, and you receive the following error message when you attempt to connect
    COM<n> communications settings not valid
    where <n> is the COM port number.
  • After you run Works, other applications are unable to access the COM ports. For example, in Windows Terminal, you may receive the message:
    The selected COM port is either not supported or is being used by another device. Select another port.
  • Works does not initialize the modem. When you try to connect, Works counts down from 5 seconds, but does not dial or connect.
  • After you choose Modem from the Settings menu, all ports show the international No symbol (a circle with a backslash).
  • After you choose Communication from the Settings menu, all ports are marked as "Not Present."

CAUSE

This problem will occur when you do any one of the following:

  • Choose Modem from the Settings menu. This can occur with or without running the Modem Test.

    NOTE: the first time you start Works, the Modem Settings dialog box is automatically displayed. This automatic display causes the problem. -or-

  • Choose Communications from the Settings menu. -or-

  • (Works 3.0 only) Choose Options from the Tools menu.

RESOLUTION

To work around this problem, upgrade to Works for Windows version 3.0a or later and modify the MSWORKS3.INI file to disable port checking, using the following steps:

  1. Open the MSWORKS3.INI file (in the Windows NT directory) in a text editor.

    For more information about how to perform this task in Windows, see your Windows printed documentation or online Help.
  2. Search for the following:

    [Communications]

  3. If the [Communications] section exists, add the following line to it:

    DisablePortChecking=1

    If [Communications] does not exist, add the following lines to the file:

    [Communications]
    DisablePortChecking=1

  4. Save MSWORKS3.INI and quit the text editor.
  5. Exit Windows NT and restart the workstation.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/6/2003
Keywords:KB124650
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.