Well, I had some arduinos that I don't have anymore... How can I delete the com ports so I can use them again?
Any ideas?
windows right?
does the old ones show up in the device manager?
if not look at the view menu there is an option for show hidden devices
if that does not make them show so you can uninstall them
Vista, yes. And I can't figure out which one it is...
What would it be called?
Com something, delete them all
if you have a physical port on your pc windows will auto detect it and reinstall on next boot
the others will re appear when you plug something in
What if I delete say the built in webcam? Or the built in keyboard (I have a laptop)? Will I even be able to boot? Although I don't think the trackad or keyboard are usb... But some look pretty important...
Your keyboard/mouse should be autodetected pre-OS so you'll always be able to boot, even if you delete their com ports. Windows probably doesn't register them as com ports, because looking at my device manager there is a group of HID devices separately listed, which probably include my keyboard and mouse. So yeah, its safe to delete all com ports, they'll just be auto re-registered if anything.
How can I delete the com ports so I can use them again?
I am intrigued as to why they have stayed...
My arduino COM ports just disappear as soon as I unplug the arduino.
Mowcius
But I mean if I install a new one, it will skip that com port...
But I mean if I install a new one, it will skip that com port...
Oh I see yes. It remembers your COM port preferences.
You can change the COM port of a new arduino when you plug it in by changing the preferences in Device Manager. Then you can change it to a serial port that used to be used for a board you don't have/use anymore.
I'll try it and tell you if I need more info. Thanks!
Ok, it enver gave me a choice. It is "USB Serial Converter" in my Device Manager. How do I change the port?
-Right click - Properties
-Port Settings
-Advanced
Then you can change the COM port number...
Mowcius
There's only some stupid vcp thing...
Right, explain to me exactly what you did...
plug in arduino
start - control panel - device manager - Universal Serial Bus controllers - USB Serial Converter - Advanced
Ahh, should be:
start - control panel - device manager - Ports (COM & LPT) - USB Serial Port (COM ...)
then:
right click, properties, port settings, advanced - COM Port Number
Mowcius
What are com ports 1 and 2 for? The ones that I use for my Arduinos (4 - 7, not inculding my two new ones) are labeled "COM# (in use)"... I have no idea what 1 and 2 are for. Also, what about com 3?
1 & 2 are reserved for hardware serial ports on your computer. If you don't have hardware serial ports then it doesn't matter, they're still reserved!
No idea about 3. Something computer specific probably.
If it tells you they are in use then just ignore it and change it anyway. I presume you don't have the other arduino boards plugged in at the same time.
Webcam, maybe? Idk... Does an iPhone take up a port? Because it doesn't really show up...