Re: Help running X10 ActiveHome on a Windows XP PC

[Charles Sullivan <cwsulliv@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Do you have any other X-10 software on your system?

Several of their USB products use a driver which screws up the
regular RS232 ports.  Look for a process named x10net in the
task list and kill it.


On Sat, 05 Aug 2006 15:29:51 -0700, Kevin_Picard wrote:

> I Have the X10 ActiveHome kit (the older serial port interface one, not
> the USB one).  For the lif of me I can't the software to communicate
> with the CM11A (the computer interface unit)
> I have all the most recent software - have tried it on com ports 1 and
> 2,  never works.
>
> I saw an article on the X10- page they guy apparently had the same
> problem I did
>
> I recently purchased ActiveHome Computer Interface & Software. I
> followed the Installation instructions to install the software on
> mycomputer. I have windows XP. The computer would not recognize the
> com-port, also the computer locked up.I had to push the button to shut
> down the computer. Disconnect the cablefrom the Serial port and push
> the button to start up the computer again.
>
> If you installed the software from the CD rom, uninstall it, as it is
> an older version. Download the most recent version from our web site
> http://www.smarthome.com/1140.HTML by clicking the link for "Single
> Download Ver 1.42D" under "Software Downloads" to the right of the
> product picture. You also need to download the "Drivers for Windows
> XP". Restart your machine in Safe Mode and install the drivers and
> software, and then restart the machine normally. This should resolve
> the problem.
>
> I tried doing this on the Administrator account and on my (the main and
> only other account) and it still doesn't work -- I am never able to get
> cpmmunication between the CM11A module and my XP PC.
>
> My guess is that XP is reserving/hiding  the com ports (1 & 2) from the
> X10 software.  The com ports are fully functional, and will work just
> fine with other serial devices.
>
> I've tried searching the web and X10 site with no luck.
>
> Any help you gurus  could offer would be very much appreciated -- my
> brother George suggested that look for help here -- some of you may
> know home, he works for the Electronics house family of publications.
> He's the dude who manages their trade show.  I'd be sure to put a good
> word in with him for any help offered.
>
> Thanks much
>
> Kevin K.