My Computer is not recognizing my GPS unit...?

Question

I have a Garmin GPS unit that connects to my computer thru COM Port. As far as I can tell I only have one COM Port (the 9 pin plug). When I first bought the unit I followed the manual and it worked fine...pretty much set itself up...(I am running XP) and I was able to tranfer map data between my computer and the GPS. I have not used it in a month or so and now when I plug it in, the program (MapSource) and the computer fail to see the attached device?
I ran the troubleshooter and it tells me that COM Port 1 is working properly although it does not mention anything about the GPS device using it. I tried reinstalling the mapping software since this is where the drivers come from.
Any help would be appreciated. And I am a computer dummy... so don't think I'll be offended by details... the more the better.

Oh.. and I have already tried contacting the manufacturer, they have no idea. They tell me it is a computer issue not a GPS issue. Lots of help they were..

Answer 1

There are virtual com ports, perhaps the default in com2, check the docs.
http://www.garmin.com/support/faqs/

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Answer 2

I connect my Garmin with the USB port, so I don't have direct experience with a serial connection.

Unfortunately you have several variables: the GPS, the cable, the computer, and the software. You've reinstalled the software, so that makes it less likely to be the culprit.

To isolate the problem, I suggest you "borrow" another computer and install MapSource on it to see if the GPS / cable work with another computer. Or if you have another serial device (an old modem, perhaps), you could connect that to your PC and see if Windows XP recognizes it. I think you'll have to experiment some to see where the trouble is.