Re: Inspiron 531 serial port

and as far as spliting one of the usb ports,
yes... you need to get a usb hub... that will split into any number of ports. make sure it is powered.


tim fm ct wrote:
Jay, thanks for that kick in the pants to read the manual. I'd rather have a printed manual - - - I do read those.
I don't see any small black slot, however. I found the slots on the bottom of the back of the tower. The top and bottom are used and the two middle ones are blank.
With so many 9 pin connecters still around from older computer accessories, I wish Dell had provided a serial port for that.
I wanted to use a USB to RS232 adapter but I can not find one. Even Belkin site did not have any. That why I started looking for other options. Problem is, I'm using all four of the USB ports in the back of the tower. I do have one in the front that I use for photo flash drives.
Can I "split" one of the USB ports in the back of the tower? If so I wouldn't mind using a USB to RS232 adapter - - - If I can find one.
Thanks Jay, I'm usually better at this stuff but going to vista is really throwing me off and then dealing with a new computer ugh!!
Tim fm CT






"Jay B" <jayB@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:4j71j.354$352.250@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
start with the owners manual here.
you should read it and get familiar with your computer.

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/inspd531/en/OM/index.htm

the pci-e 1x is the small black slot in your computer.


tim fm ct wrote:
Jay B,
Thanks for your rapid reply. I am not familiar with what I'm doing.
What is a pci-e 1x slot in my box?
Is there a beginner Dell site? <VBG>
Tim fm CT


"Jay B" <jayB@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:k951j.324$352.198@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
i would add a serial pci-express card.
your chance of getting it recognized by vista is much greater,
and you'd get something that could use that otherwise useless pci-e 1x slot in your box.
shouldn't be too hard to find on line.
i ran in to a bunch of them the other day while looking for sata controllers.

check out startech.com
http://www.startech.com/Product/ItemList.aspx?MLID=7&WCLID=242&WCID=213&c=US

call them if you have to find the right one for vista.
once you find the right model, then search on google/ebay, etc

havnt come across any readily available for vista
but i'm sure you are not the first person to come into this problem,
and you won't be the last.




tim fm ct wrote:
Hi,
I've recently purchased a Dell Inspiron 531 and I like it. However, it uses MS vista and it doesn't have serial ports. I use X10 Activehome to control lights in our home and the computer interface uses a 9 pin connector. The USB to RS232 adapter cable, I purchased, will not work because Vista can not find a driver for it. I contacted Bilkin, and they do not have 9 pin adapter cable right now.
I called Dell to see about adding a serial port. I'm sad to say the support was not so good.
All they had was an adapter for $75 that would take up one of the USB ports. I've found serial ports on Dell site for less than $40. Problem is, I don't know if they will be appropriate for the 531 and I really don't want to deal with the Dell support system.
Can anyone advise me about this?
Thanks in advance,
Tim fm CT



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