Lost ports

[merlinsmate]

None of the ports on my pc seem to be working and when I start it up I get a message about it finding new hardware as if they are not being recognised. When I have tried to use the hardware wizard it wants the software, but as I was given the pc I don't have the disk.The system is Windows XP Professional. Is there anything I can do please?

[AlBags]

What does Device Manager show (with the 'show hidden devices' ticked?) What devices are being re-installed?
Remove anything with yellow entry .. or 'Unknown'

[merlinsmate]

HI AlBags, Under the Ports (Com and LPT) it showed Com 34 and 5, plus 2 unknowns, all with yellow exclaimations. I have removed the unknowns. I don't know what devices are being re-installed.

[Buenchico]

It sounds like a major registry failure to me. Try running System Restore (from Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools) to take your registry back to a date before the problem occurred.

Chris

[AlBags]

Registry failure? lol

Remove all unknown and yellow entries. Reboot.
Install Device Drivers from Motherboard disc. If you do not have it, you need to find make/model of motherboard (one way to do this is to remove the case side panel and read the make/model and "Rev." if shown off. It is usually marked around the PCi or Express card slots.and download them from the manufacturers website. ..
If you reboot, add the drivers, reboot again, and there are old yellow or unknown device, try uninstalling those again after you have installed the drivers, then rebooting again.
TBH, this is looking like a Motherboard hardware problem at this stage.

[AlBags]

(You cannot restore Mobo/hardware device drivers)

[AlBags]

Thinking more .. If you do not use the COM or LPT port for printer .. see if you can disable it (and midi/game if not needed) in Bios on boot up.

[merlinsmate]

Thanks to both of you. I haven't had a chance to get back to it again in the last few days, but will have another go. Your answers are starting to get too technical for me though, so it may be getting to time for me to seek help. Thanks for all your advice though.