INSTEON HouseLinc Manual - Manual (Page 26)

Page 26 of 28 HouseLinc - Rev: 2/14/2013 5:03 PM
BE CAREFUL: Many file names may be similar. Be sure you are saving the correct one.
On the new computer:
4) Be sure HouseLinc is properly installed, but not running. Open HouseLinc and then manually exit
(go to File
 Exit) to be sure HouseLinc is not running.
5) Go to Start
 Programs  HouseLinc  View Data Folder
6) Open the Settings folder
7) Place the HouseLinc.settings.xml file you saved from your old computer into the Settings folder
Your computer will ask if you want to replace the existing file with the new one
8) Overwrite/replace the existing HouseLinc.settings.xml file
9) Open HouseLinc
HouseLinc will display all the devices and configurations from the old computer
Releasing COM Ports in Windows Operating Systems
Windows operating systems will assign COM ports to devices that have been attached to the computer.
This most commonly happens with “virtual COM port drivers” that are actually USB products, but appear
to be COM ports to the computer (such as a PowerLinc Modem).
When the PowerLinc Modem is first connected to the computer, the operating system automatically
assigns a COM port number. This COM port number might be high, such as COM 11. A problem can
arise if the software only allows a limited range of COM ports, for example COM 1 through 8. Additionally,
each PowerLinc Modem contains a unique serial number burned into the USB interface chip by the IC
manufacturer. If different PowerLinc Modems are connected to a computer, each one attached will cause
a new COM port to be reserved by Windows.
Try the following steps to release Windows-reserved COM ports from previously released hardware that
is no longer in use:
1) Go to Start
 Programs  Accessories  Command Prompt
2) At Command Prompt, type the command “set devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=1” and hit Enter
3) Type “start devmgmt.msc” and hit Enter
4) Once Device Manager opens, go to View
 Show hidden devices
This will display devices that are not connected to the computer but still have space reserved for them
by Windows.
5) Expand the Ports (COM & LPT) section
6) Remove all devices in the list of ports that are grayed out but have a specific COM port number
assigned to them. Right-click on the grayed-out device, choose Uninstall and then click OK in the
dialog box.
7) When you are finished removing the devices, close Device Manager
8) At Command Prompt, type “exit” and hit Enter