KnowledgeBase Archive

An Archive of Early Microsoft KnowledgeBase Articles

View on GitHub

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

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

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.