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Question: I am receiving a "COM PORT is in use by another application" error message, what do I do?

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Answer:

Disconnect every possible device from your computer, reboot, and see if the conflict is still there.

Otherwise, have you installed any communications software, or done significant upgrades to any communication software?

It can happen that a software install or update 'reserved' a virtual Serial Port on startup, and that blocks other software from getting resources later on demand.

First try disconnecting all possible hardware, then try disabling any software that might use the
Serial Port (such as UPS, communication software, etc.)

Also, try different virtual COM ports and the 'Test GPS' button. The port may have 'moved' because of other software installs/upgrades.
Products: TOPO! State, Weekend Explorer, National Parks Explorer, Trails Illustrated Explorer, Backroads Explorer 3D, Backroads Explorer, Regional/Wildflower TOPO!, Complete Trails Smart, GPS USA
Platforms: Windows Vista, Windows XP or earlier

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