solution to laptop w/o serial port

I'm using my desktop to the console port now. My neat 8.9" laptop has no serial port but usb. Can I manage to use it to the console port? Do those rs232 to usb cable on ebay work?

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Comments

TheShadow

only some. You want to specifically look for one that says it supports the break key. A few vendors specifically guarantee that they will support all Cisco required functions. I don't remember a brand or vendor at the moment; such is the nature of ebay.

EricO

It's not going to be much help since I don't remember the brand, but the one I set up the other day worked like a champ. I think we got it from radioshack.

supertechCETma

usb to serial adapter.

Be cafeful on ebay. sometimes the gear is crap. Try this:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/category_slc.asp?CatId=464

bmauro

I use a usb to serial cable at work everyday - I can't remember the manuf. but I can get that info on Monday.

the_return_of_the_Ring

thanx guys! but how do you configure "hyper terminal", set the port # to com1 or com2? or whatever?

supertechCETma

My IBM ThinkPad has an internal modem which shows up as COM1. When I plug my usb to serial adapter in, it comes up as COM2. no problems. Configure hyperterminal as you normally would.

TheShadow

madonion wrote:

thanx guys! but how do you configure "hyper terminal", set the port # to com1 or com2? or whatever?

Curious question. Are you just asking what supertech told you, internal com ports always come first everything else is an add on, or are you asking how to actually do it? I thought you were using a desktop now so it should be the same. I'm sorry if I am misunderstanding. Well others reading may not know if all they use is a simulator so here goes.

First the hyperterminal that comes with winXP and earlier has display bugs in the scrolling section and a couple others that I don't remember. You will eventually run across them if you use it a lot until you discover it is not you. That is one of the reasons that some do not use it. You will want to go to hilgraeve the maker and get the free private edition update which has the bugs fixed. They also have an enhanced pay for version but that is not really necessary.

Each connection allows you to set the com port number. Basically you go to file new connection which lets you pick a icon, com port number and speed 9600bps as you go through its crude wizard. You will end up with a file with the connection name that you picked that ends in .ht such as router.ht or cisco.ht etc. On private edition each new connection shows up in a folder off of the start menu for hyperterm so you don't have to start it first. You can right click drag a copy out to the desktop or the quick launch menu and you are set to go. You will also find that the scroll back buffer actually works correctly between executions on the updated version.