Inspiron 531 serial port

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

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/Item...&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

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" wrote in message
...
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/Item...&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

start with the owners manual here.
you should read it and get familiar with your computer.

http://support.dell.com/support/edoc...n/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" wrote in message
...
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/Item...&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

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" wrote in message
...
start with the owners manual here.
you should read it and get familiar with your computer.

http://support.dell.com/support/edoc...n/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" wrote in message
...
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/Item...&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

Tim,
i think you're confused.
the lots we are talking about pci or pci-e
are inside the computer. you have to take the cover off.
we are not talking about slots on the back of the computer where you
plug things in... that would be way too easy.


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" wrote in message
...
start with the owners manual here.
you should read it and get familiar with your computer.

http://support.dell.com/support/edoc...n/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" wrote in message
...
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/Item...&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

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" wrote in message
...
start with the owners manual here.
you should read it and get familiar with your computer.

http://support.dell.com/support/edoc...n/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" wrote in message
...
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/Item...&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

Or even a PCI serial card. But the OP needs to be absolutely sure that there is
a Vista driver for it... Ben Myers

On Wed, 21 Nov 2007 20:43:44 -0500, Jay B wrote:

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/Item...&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

you can reload this system with windows xp. if you are interested in doing
so i can point you in the right direction to get drivers that dell does not
make available on their site.

or get this $11 adapter that fits into an internal pci slot and comes with a
vista driver.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16815166003

"tim fm ct" wrote in message
...
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

HI Christopher,
Wow, that sounds simple enough. OOps. I did check
the link and it seems to just indicate xp and a dimension dell. Will I have
to modify things for my inspiron with vista?
Tim fm CT

"Christopher Muto" wrote in message
...
you can reload this system with windows xp. if you are interested in
doing so i can point you in the right direction to get drivers that dell
does not make available on their site.

or get this $11 adapter that fits into an internal pci slot and comes with
a vista driver.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16815166003

"tim fm ct" wrote in message
...
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