This solution will stop the occasional issue of the visualplanet's touchfoil™ controller being assigned to your computer as a "Serial Device". (Serial Ball Mouse)
Microsoft states that this problem can occur because most of the devices that are detected as serial mice are types of device constantly sending data to the serial port which causes the detection code to incorrectly identify the device as a serial mouse.
Microsoft have a tool that disables COMPORTS and in this case COM x is the port that requires disabling. (x is the port your touchfoil is connected to)
NOTE: This DOES NOT FULLY DISABLE the COM port, it only Disables the code that cause the port to incorrectly reassign itself because of the "Plug & Play" function within WINDOWS.
To download and install the COMDisable tool visit the following Microsoft Website:
comdisable.msi
Recommended Installation Procedure:
Microsoft states that this problem can occur because most of the devices that are detected as serial mice are types of device constantly sending data to the serial port which causes the detection code to incorrectly identify the device as a serial mouse.
Microsoft have a tool that disables COMPORTS and in this case COM x is the port that requires disabling. (x is the port your touchfoil is connected to)
NOTE: This DOES NOT FULLY DISABLE the COM port, it only Disables the code that cause the port to incorrectly reassign itself because of the "Plug & Play" function within WINDOWS.
To download and install the COMDisable tool visit the following Microsoft Website:
comdisable.msi
Recommended Installation Procedure:
- Backup Registry by creating a system restore point - All Programs > Accessories > System > Tools > System Restore
- Create Backup and give a suitable name
- Install "COMDisable.exe"
- Install with defaults
To check COM PORT ID - All Programs > Accessories > Run > devmgmt.msc
Then expand ports (COM & LPT)
Or identify using "MA7 Control GUI"
Then expand ports (COM & LPT)
Or identify using "MA7 Control GUI"
Open a Dos Command Window
To open a Dos command prompt type CMD.exe in the search tool.
Navigate to the folder where the Comdisable tool exists by typing the following in the Dos command prompt:
CD\Program Files\Microsoft COMDisable
Now disable the COM port by typing the following:
comdisable /disable COMx (x is the port assigned to the touchfoil)
comdisable /list (This will show port status)
Now reboot if ALL looks satisfactory
The visualplanet touchfoil RS-232 Serial Device will now fully function without being reassigned by WINDOWS
Windows 7 Serial Ball Mouse Fix
i. Click on start
ii. In the search box, type in regedit
iii. Registry editor window opens
iv. Navigate to the following location:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Sermouse
v. On the right hand side you should find start
vi. Modify the value to: 00000004
vii. Restart the computer
If you do not find the start key please follow these steps:
i. Right click on the blank space
ii. Select 'New'
iii. Click on dword 32-bit value
iv. Rename it to start
v. Right click on the key and select modify
vi. Feed in the value: 00000004
vii. Restart the computer
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