Microsoft KB Archive/192100

= PRB: Unable to open device \\.\Ppshell =

Article ID: 192100

Article Last Modified on 10/24/2003

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows CE Embedded Toolkit for Visual C++ 5.0
 * Microsoft Windows CE 2.10 Enhancement Pack for Windows CE Embedded Toolkit for Visual C++ 5.0

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This article was previously published under Q192100



SYMPTOMS
When you attempt to use the PPSH or CESH utilities, the following or similar message box appears:

Unable to open device \\.\Ppshell

Unable to create file on device \\.\Ppshell



CAUSE
The PPSH or CESH utility is not able to communicate with the appropriate port for parallel or serial communications.



RESOLUTION
Look for the following possible causes of this problem:

If You Use Parallel Port Communications
 The following device drivers must not be started: Parallel, Parport, ParVdm.

You can check the status of devices on Windows NT 4.0 by pointing to Settings on the Start menu, choosing Control Panel, and selecting Devices. The PPSHell device driver must be started.  The following registry keys must correctly match your parallel port hardware configuration:      HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\ppsh: Interrupt Vector Interrupt Level Port Address  Ensure that the hardware parallel port I/O address and interrupt request line (IRQ) do not conflict with any other hardware devices on the system. A second process, such as another instance of PPSH, may already have the device open. Only one process can access the PPSHell device at a time.</ul>

If You Use Serial Port Communications

 * A second process, such as the mouse driver, Windows CE Services, or another instance of CESH, may already have the device open. Only one process can access a given COM port at a time.
 * The Serial device driver must be started.

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STATUS
This behavior is by design.

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