KB124650 - Using Works 3.0 Communications Under Windows NT 3.5

SYMPTOMS

After you use the Microsoft Works 3.0 Communications module on a computer running version 3.5 of Microsoft Windows NT, you may experience the following:

You are unable to access the COM ports in Works, and you receive the following error message when you attempt to connect
COM<n> communications settings not valid
where <n> is the COM port number.
After you run Works, other applications are unable to access the COM ports. For example, in Windows Terminal, you may receive the message:
The selected COM port is either not supported or is being used by another device. Select another port.
Works does not initialize the modem. When you try to connect, Works counts down from 5 seconds, but does not dial or connect.
After you choose Modem from the Settings menu, all ports show the international No symbol (a circle with a backslash).
After you choose Communication from the Settings menu, all ports are marked as "Not Present."

CAUSE

Choose Modem from the Settings menu. This can occur with or without running the Modem Test.

NOTE: the first time you start Works, the Modem Settings dialog box is automatically displayed. This automatic display causes the problem. -or-

Choose Communications from the Settings menu. -or-

(Works 3.0 only) Choose Options from the Tools menu.

RESOLUTION

Open the MSWORKS3.INI file (in the Windows NT directory) in a text editor.

For more information about how to perform this task in Windows, see your Windows printed documentation or online Help.

Search for the following:

[Communications]

If the [Communications] section exists, add the following line to it:

DisablePortChecking=1

If [Communications] does not exist, add the following lines to the file:

[Communications] DisablePortChecking=1

Save MSWORKS3.INI and quit the text editor.

Exit Windows NT and restart the workstation.