Q254019: "Unable to Create Symbolic Link" Error When Installing Modem

Article: Q254019
Product(s): Microsoft Windows NT
Version(s): winnt:4.0
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): kberrmsg kbtool
Last Modified: 06-AUG-2002

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0 
- Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SYMPTOMS
========

After you install a modem on a COM port, you may receive the following error
message in Event Viewer:

  Unable to create symbolic link for COM<x>

This problem can occur with any COM port listing.

CAUSE
=====

This behavior can occur if you are using an incorrect I/O address or IRQ.

RESOLUTION
==========

To resolve this issue, use the appropriate method.

Method 1: Remove the COM Port and Let Windows NT Redetect the Port
------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Start the Ports tool in Control Panel.

2. Click the COM port listing, and then click Delete.

3. Click OK, and then click Close.

4. Restart Windows NT.

Method 2: Change the I/O Address or IRQ of the COM Port
-------------------------------------------------------

1. Start the Ports tool in Control Panel.

2. Click the COM port listed in the error message.

3. Click Setting.

4. In the "Inside Setting for COM<x>" section, click Advanced.

5. Change the BASE I/O Port Address to a location that you are not using.

NOTE: You can refer to Windows NT diagnostics to find out which I/O port
addresses are in use. By default, COM1 uses 03F8-03FE, and COM2 uses 02F8-02FE.

Method 3: Change the IRQ
------------------------

1. Start the Ports tool in Control Panel.

2. Click the COM port listed in the error message.

3. Click Setting.

4. In the "Inside Setting for COM<x>" section, click Advanced.

5. Change the COM port to an IRQ that you are not using.

NOTE: You can refer to Windows NT diagnostics to find out which I/O port
addresses are in use. By default, COM1 uses IRQ 4, and COM2 uses IRQ 3.


Additional query words:

======================================================================
Keywords          : kberrmsg kbtool 
Technology        : kbWinNTsearch kbWinNTWsearch kbWinNTW400 kbWinNTW400search kbWinNT400search kbWinNTSsearch kbWinNTS400search kbWinNTS400
Version           : winnt:4.0
Issue type        : kbprb

=============================================================================