Article: Q131976
Product(s): Microsoft Windows NT
Version(s): WinNT:3.1,3.5,3.51,4.0
Operating System(s):
Keyword(s): kbusage
Last Modified: 08-AUG-2001
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The information in this article applies to:
- Microsoft Windows NT Server version 3.1
- Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 3.1
- Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server, version 3.1
- Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5, 3.51, 4.0
- Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5, 3.51, 4.0
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SUMMARY
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This article explains how to modify the Boot.ini file to disable the detection
of devices on COM ports.
When you start Windows NT, NTDETECT searches for the pointing device (usually a
mouse). In the course of this process, data is sent to the serial (COM) ports.
If a serial mouse is detected, Windows NT disables the port so a device driver
for the mouse can load instead. If a device is not detected, Windows NT disables
the port. A disabled COM port does not display any information in Control Panel
Ports.
MORE INFORMATION
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To disable the detection of devices on COM ports in Windows NT:
1. Make a backup copy of the Boot.ini file.
2. Remove the hidden, system, and read-only attributes from the Boot.ini file.
3. Using a text editor (such as Notepad) open the Boot.ini file.
4. Add the /NoSerialMice option to the end of each entry in the [operating
systems] section of Boot.ini. See the example below for more information.
5. Save Boot.ini and quit Notepad.
6. Restore the hidden, system, and read-only attributes to the Boot.ini file.
7. Shutdown and restart Windows NT.
The following is a sample of the Boot.ini file:
[boot loader]
timeout=3
default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINNT35
[operating systems]
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINNT35="Windows NT Workstation
Version 3.51" /NoSerialMice
multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINNT35="Windows NT Workstation
Version 3.51 [VGA mode]" /basevideo /sos /NoSerialMice
NoSerialMice Syntax
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/NoSerialMice - Disables the detection of serial mice on
all COM ports.
/NoSerialMice:COMx - Disables the detection of serial mice on
COM x, where x is the number of the port.
/NoSerialMice:COMx,y,z - Disables the detection of serial mice on
COM x, y and z.
NOTE: The /NoSerialMice option is not case sensitive.
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Keywords : kbusage
Technology : kbWinNTsearch kbWinNTWsearch kbWinNTW400 kbWinNTW400search kbWinNT351search kbWinNT350search kbWinNT400search kbWinNTW350 kbWinNTW350search kbWinNTW351search kbWinNTW351 kbWinNTW310 kbWinNTSsearch kbWinNTS400search kbWinNTS400 kbWinNTS351 kbWinNTS350 kbWinNTS310 kbWinNTAdvSerSearch kbWinNTAdvServ310 kbWinNTS351search kbWinNTS350search kbWinNTS310search kbWinNT310Search kbWinNTW310Search
Version : WinNT:3.1,3.5,3.51,4.0
Issue type : kbhowto
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