How do I install the drivers necessary to use my usb to rj45 console connector?

ghost2q

I'm trying to access my switch and I only have USB port on my computer so I bought a usb to serial connector and another serial to rj 45 connector so I can connect to the console. The first cable is a usb end and a serial (male) end and the other cable is a serial (female) and rj45 end. When I plug it in a windows update pops up and try to install "Prolific+USB-to-Serial+Comm+Port+(COM3)" but then it says "failed". I can' seem to install the drivers. Can someone please help?

thanks!

Roguetadhg

Mine came with drivers (Win7). I installed them. Plugged it in. Bam!

Linux didn't have any issues finding it though.

TehToG

Google for "vista-prolific-chip-driver-for-serial-adapters.zip" That's the prolific driver for windows 7 that works. The ones on windows update only works for a handful of adaptors.

Windows 8 uses class drivers for it and therefore needs no drivers you'll be happy to know.

veritas_libertas

Interesting that Windows 8 works better with them. I had nothing but trouble with USB Serial for Windows 7. I finally just bought a PCI card for my desktop and that was that.

TehToG

Class drivers are used for most things now in windows 8. Windows 7 uses them for mice etc. A class driver is a generic driver that works on multiple devices. It didn't help that windows 7 'improved security' for serial. Most devices that have serial don't meet the proper specs for serial and don't work.

ghost2q

just tried the "vista-prolific-chip-driver-for-serial-adapters.zip" and it didn't work. I've try unplugging the USB and plugging it again and now it says "USB 2.0 to COM" failed. Okay... so how do I access my switch when I'm using Windows 7? I only got USB ports on my computer

Carl_S_901

Try looking at the drivers here:

PL-2303H/2303HX/2303HXD Drivers

directly from Prolific.
[h=2][/h]

veritas_libertas

TehToG wrote: »

Class drivers are used for most things now in windows 8. Windows 7 uses them for mice etc. A class driver is a generic driver that works on multiple devices. It didn't help that windows 7 'improved security' for serial. Most devices that have serial don't meet the proper specs for serial and don't work.

Interesting fact. Thank you.

ghost2q

The drivers doesn't work... I really need to access the terminal I only got USB. What are my options here?

mikeybikes

Options are:

A) Get the drivers to work
Get a different USB adapter that uses a different chip
C) If you have a desktop, get a serial PCI card
D) Install Linux

TehToG

D) If they don't work well in windows, why would they work well in linux?

Contact whoever you got the usb-serial off and bug them for drivers. The prolific ones are a mix and match drivers wise. Just try different ones and you'll get one that works.

NOTE: DO NOT ALLOW WINDOWS UPDATE SEARCH FOR DRIVERS. They NEVER work for these.

veritas_libertas wrote: »

Interesting fact. Thank you.

Another note is that the class driver system for mobile broadband means the dongles/adaptors actually work well unlike windows 7/Vista/XP

lantech

TehToG wrote: »

D) If they don't work well in windows, why would they work well in linux?

Because Linux is a different operating system that works better than Windows.

When I installed by USB to serial adapter Windows found the drivers just like it is supposed to and the cable worked.

Another issue that you might run into is if the serial to RJ-45 cable is an actual Cisco Console Cable or not. If it's not a Cisco Console Cable then it might now work.

neotesla

My Win7 (64 bit) refused to work with the prolific adapter. No chance. However, it worked "out of the box" (not that it came in a box) with Ubuntu 12.04.

MAC_Addy

ghost2q wrote: »

The drivers doesn't work... I really need to access the terminal I only got USB. What are my options here?

What brand USB-to-Serial cable do you have?

Roguetadhg

Im using Win7, 64-bit.

This is what I ordered. I have no issues with it:

I needed to install the drivers that came with the disc though.

Amazon.com: Plugable USB to RS-232 DB9 Serial Adapter (Prolific PL2303HX Chipset): Computers & Accessories

I use it with a USB Hub, and a USB extension cable to boot.

Look in your device manager to see what com ports are used.

lantech

Are you sure that COM3 isn't already being used? Maybe try having it install on another COM port. That may be the original problem.

That is using the software and drivers that originally came with it of course.

mikeybikes

TehToG wrote: »

D) If they don't work well in windows, why would they work well in linux?

Linux uses different drivers. You will note that Rogue previously stated Linux picked up the adapter without issues.

MAC_Addy

My windows machine automatically installs the drivers. Though, each time I connect it I have to look in Device Manager to see which COM port it's using.

Carl_S_901

If you want to end all the headaches and get the best USB to Serial Adapter go to Amazon and buy the Keyspan one.

Keyspan by Tripp Lite USA-19HS Hi-Speed USB Serial Adapter, PC, MAC, supports Cisco Break Sequence

Well supported. Now owned by TrippLite ( the power people )

Product Info from TrippLite

If you are going to be in networking you really should have the gold standard adapter. I have a Prolific I use for some things but when it matters I use my KeySpan. As the description states, it supports the Cisco Break Sequence needed to password recover routers and such. My generic Prolific adapter does not work for that purpose. (your mileage may vary)

bigdogz

I had the same problem some time ago and I had to update the drivers from device manager using the media that came with the product and then download and install them again to get it to work.