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[wrenninger3]

Running Windows 7 and BU-353S4.  Uploaded latest Drivers and tried Drivers on mini CD that came with BU-353S4.

No matter what, no program will sense the GPS. Even SiRFDemo comes back with "Comm port not available or in use by other program."

Have tried removing drivers and reinstalling.  Can not get BU-353S4 or any other USB GPS to work.  Any ideas?

[GS_TECH01]

Perhaps, the device is being used by another program since SiRFDemo comes back with that error message. Apparently, you can't use two programs at the same time. You would have to close the other program first before using the device with another program.

First, to make sure you have the latest drivers installed, please follow the instructions below:
Please unplug the BU-353S4 and uninstall the driver. You can do this by going to Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program > select PL 2303 USB-to-Serial. Turn off your computer and wait for a few minutes. Power up your computer and download this driver: (http://www.usglobalsat.com/store/download/62/windows_pl2303_usb_driver.zip). Make sure to extract the file and install the exe file.

Plug in the device and check the Device Manager. You can do this by right-clicking on Computer > Manage > Computer Management > System Tools > Device Manager > Ports (COM & LPT) > Prolific to USB Serial Comm Port (COMXX). Take note of that com port.

Install this program: (http://www.usglobalsat.com/store/downloads/GPSInfo.zip). Open it up and extract it. Bring your computer outside where there is clear access to the sky and no tall buildings or trees.

Click on the GPSInfo program, select the correct com port, and choose the appropriate baud rate. Press 'Start GPS'. You should see some scrolling data below. Also, check if the red light is blinking.

Let me know how it goes.

[wrenninger3]

Many thanks but have tried that and tried it again.  It has to be something in my computer that occupies the port (any port) I put a Serial to USB adapter in.  It is not a program using it since nothing is running in Task Manager.  Device Manager says the USB adapter is working properly.  I have tried my old BU-353, the new S4, a Garmin 18 USB GPS, and even a Serial to USB adapter from Best Buy hooked up to Garmin 76 GPS.  All have the same problem.  Any way you know to see what application/program is using a port?

[GS_TECH01]

Alright, thanks for the update. So, it was not an issue with the device. Just to confirm, have you tried the BU-353S4 with another computer to see if it's working fine?

Just additional questions:
Have you tried restarting the computer and try plugging in the BU-353S4 directly to the USB port (instead of hooking it up to the Garmin 76 GPS)? Make sure it's not plugged in to any USB Hub or Docking Station.
Also, do you have an antivirus program on your computer? Have you tried disabling it?

[wrenninger3]

Finally found the problem.  Microsoft's Blue Tooth Support Service was the problem.  To disable it, Go to Start,  Type in MSCONFIG and run MSCONFIG.  Go to Services, and unclick Microsoft Blue Tooth Support Service and restart the computer.  Hopefully that is a common problem.  You will have to restart the computer but that cured the problem of port busy or inuse by other program.

[GS_TECH01]

Hello wrenninger3,

Alright, thanks for the update. Good to hear that you got the device to use the com port.

Also, thanks for sharing you troubleshooting procedures. Again, thanks.