xp doesn't recognize Usb-serial Cable driver, why??

[meatmeatof]

hi. when i first install the usb-serial cable, the drive works for xp and vista. It works in the first installation

today, i unplug the usb-serial cable for some reason and re-plug in it and it said doesn't recognize the driver.

i check hardware manager and i find it's "unknown device".

i try to reinstall the driver in many different ways, but it just doesn't work for my laptop.

i need it to connect to router console.

the only possible way to fix it for me is to format the computer and do the first installation
but that's NOT a technician should do. the cable comes with driver. i also download different one on the web. but it's basically the same. the driver name is "PL2303 USB-Serial Driver"

i also try it in other PC and it's the same(unknown device).

do you have any suggestion?

if i fix can it, i will NEVER unplug it again. >.<

 

[meatmeatof]

oh. it's PL2303 usb-serial cable.
do you have any driver file such as *.inf or system file that is for the driver?

 

[ATLMatt]

First of all, (and this will sound really stupid) is the adapter plugged in to the same exact USB port it was in when you first installed it? This shouldn't make a difference, but I have had several cases where it did /boggle.

Who is the manufacturer?

The following (in this exact sequence) is what fixes a couple of the ones I have, it might work for you to.

1. Download the latest version of the driver.

2. Delete the unknown device in device manager.

3. Disconnect the adapter and reboot.

4. After fully booting/logging in, plug the adapter back in, Windows should pick it up, ask you about drivers. Point Windows to the directory you stuck the downloaded driver in.

 

[meatmeatof]

ATLMatt, i tried those steps, but steps have problems. It doesn't go that.
i read their manual that when the cable is plugged into usb ports, the windows should pick up and ask for driver.

Here's the problem: the windows doesn't ask for driver after i plug in the usb-serial cable. It only pop up a small text messages in the right bottom corner said "windows doesn't recognize the device." that's it.. =.=""

the cable comes with driver and manual in CD. the problem is the windows doesn't ask for driver. what does it means to my usb port? is my laptop usb port obsolete? do i need to update my usb port?

 

[meatmeatof]

manufacturer is prolific.

 

[meatmeatof]

i checked my usb port is 2.0 in device manager

 

[meatmeatof]

i also go to property of the unknown device and click update driver to try it , but it doesn't work.-.-

 

[HalComps]

Is the mobo drivers installed at all? shouldnt make much difference but sometimes does, update the drivers and make sure the usb drivers r there as well.

 

[meatmeatof]

what is mobo driver? i don't understand.

 

[HalComps]

motherboard, sorry

 

[wahnula]

Have you tried System Restore with the drive connected?

Start->Programs->Accessories->System Tools->System Restore->Restore My Computer to an earlier time

 

[meatmeatof]

i did using "restore" to early working driver days. they don't work. my laptop also install ghost 2003 and i have a ghost image. i restore it to the early clean copy with all the drivers installed stages. it doesn't work too.

Then i format my pc and install a fresh copy of xp and vista. and i try install both on xp and vista. it doesn't work.

i also do alot of research on the google about this driver, but i couldn't find solution. i download many different driver. none of them is working for me.

i still have the cable box and the cd. The stupid box said support 98,me,2k, xp , mac os and linux. and it said suitable of PDA and modem. =.="""

according to the research on the web forum in internet, alot of ppl have problem with a "usb-serial cable". i am not sure which vendor/manufacturer they mention.

the cable box has a vendor name "imax" USB-RS232,
i remember when it was first installed successfully, the exact driver name is "prolific usb-to-serial comm port".

some ppl said they install this cable driver automatically through the internet. That's also how i installed it in the first try. i want to try it again, but it doesn't work this time.

should i write an email to prolific about this?

 

[wahnula]

Sounds like broken hardware to me...sometimes things just break...

 

[meatmeatof]

wahnula, i think you are right. i bought a new cable on ebay and it's all good. ^0^