Microsoft KB Archive/894625

= You may see a device that is named &quot;Serial&quot; in Device Manager on a legacy-free computer that is running Windows XP or Windows Server 2003 =

Article ID: 894625

Article Last Modified on 3/2/2005

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition (32-bit x86)
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition (32-bit x86)
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Web Edition
 * Microsoft Windows XP Professional
 * Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

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SYMPTOMS
On a legacy-free computer that is running Microsoft Windows XP or Microsoft Windows Server 2003, you may see a device that is named &quot;Serial&quot; in Device Manager. This device may appear with a yellow exclamation point. When the yellow exclamation point is present, the following text appears in Device Manager:

The device is not present, is not working properly, or does not have all its drivers installed. (Code 24)



CAUSE
This behavior occurs because the following registry subkey is added when Windows is installed:

After this subkey is added, Windows tests to see if a serial port exists. If Windows does not detect a serial port, a device that is named &quot;Serial&quot; appears in Device Manager. If Windows or a user tries to start this device, the device appears with both a yellow exclamation mark and a Code 24 message (CM_PROB_DEVICE_NOT_THERE).



MORE INFORMATION
No action is required to resolve this behavior. The Code 24 message only provides information. It does not indicate that your computer has a problem.

For additional information about legacy-free computers that are compatible with the Microsoft operating systems, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/archive/Lf.mspx

Additional query words: exclamation mark

Keywords: kberrmsg kbtshoot KB894625

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