• Investment World
• eWorld
• Catalyst
• Mentor
• Life
• Canvas
• Praxis
• Urban Pulse
• Brand Quest

I have a PC with the following configuration: 1.6 Ghz, 128 MB RAM, and 40 GB HDD with Windows 98. When I try to open SuperVoice (fax client), it tells me that the communication port cannot be opened.

Also, VSNL Auto Dialer tells me that the modem is not responding. However, when I restart my computer, I can use SuperVoice and also connect to the Net without any hassle.

Please let me know what a communication port is and in what way I can rectify this problem. I also want to know if repeated restarts can damage one's computer.

Mayank P. Shah

The communication port is the port to which we usually connect an external modem or a serial mouse. The problem is that only one device can use this port at a time.

When a program tries to open the port when another program is already using it, will result in an error message similar to what is described above.

You will have to see that no other program is using that port. Please check the programs that are running in the background that may be using the port. Try closing such programs and then connect to the Net or use your SuperVoice software.

As for your other query, repeated restarts will in no way damage your system. In fact, Windows will welcome that, though it is quite annoying.

When Windows requests a restart in many scenarios, you can have a host of problems solved by just restarting. Windows has been programmed that way.

Solutions by G. Rajah

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail
Comment on this article to BLFeedback@thehindu.co.in

Stories in this Section
In the cross-hair

Copyright © 2002, The Hindu Business Line. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu Business Line