Error – “Error 7 The COM port is either invalid or currently in use” When Polling a RS 232

KB0047: Error – “Error 7 The COM port is either invalid or currently in use” When Polling a RS 232

Solution:

This error indicates that you have the wrong PORT selected in the CLOCK LIST (Time Clock Screen) or you have another piece of hardware or software blocking access to the serial port.

If you are using a USB to Serial Adapter with your original RS232 serial cable, check the following:

1. Click on your Windows Start button and select Control Panel.
2. In Control Panel, make sure you are in Classic View.
3. Select the “System” icon in Control Panel.
4. Select the Hardware tab in the System Properties window.
5. Select Device Manager.
6. Double-click on the Ports Icon in Device Manager. There should be a USB to Serial port listed. For example: USB-to-Serial(COM8)
7. Go to the Clock List or Time Clock Screen in TimeSource or TimeVue, respectively, and make sure the correct COM port is assigned to the clock and poll again after making the correct changes.
8. If a USB-to-Serial port does not show up in Device Manager, you need to install the communication drivers for your USB adapter. This should be on a small CD that came with your USB adapter. Follow the instructions that came with your adapter to install the drivers properly.

If you are not using a USB adapter and your RS232 serial cable is plugged directly to the back of your computer, check the following:

1. Click on your Windows Start button and select Control Panel.
2. In Control Panel, make sure you are in Classic View.
3. Select the “System” icon in Control Panel.
4. Select the Hardware tab in the System Properties window.
5. Select Device Manager.
6. Double-click on the Ports Icon in Device Manager.
7. There should be a serial port listed. For example: Communications Port(COM1).
8. Go to the Clock List or Time Clock Screen in TimeSource or TimeVue, respectively, and make sure the correct COM port is assigned. Do a communication test for the clock.

NOTE: If the error persists, there may be another program installed on your computer blocking access to the communication port. For example, Hot Sink, Active Sink, QuickBooks PDF Converter, and Peachtree may cause port conflicts. If these products are assigned to COM1, remove them from this port.