Communication issue with serial port

[videobruce]

I have two identical MB's both using XP Pro w/sp2
They are the Foxconn N570SM2AA.

I also have two serial devices (a FTA receiver and a RF signal level meter) that I have to first disable the serial port, then re-enable it to be able to communicate with either. If I don't get a error message.

The previous MB had a nForce2 chipset and used 2k. I had no issue with two different FTA receivers and the serial port.

I have another piece of test equipment which uses a serial port, but there is a different problem with the software locking up after 5 seconds after hitting the 'start' button to try to connect with the device. I believe this is another issue as there was no issue with the previous MB and O/S.

Any ideas about why I have to disable, then re-enable the port everytime?
BTW; no conflicts in DM and it is the stock Windows driver that is loaded.

[glc]

Check your serial port settings - baud rate, bits, parity, flow control.

[videobruce]

I have, but say they were wrong, why would disabling and re-enabling the port temporarily fix the problem?

[glc]

Your guess is as good as mine. It was just a suggestion because the defaults are not necessarily the correct parameters for your devices. Another thought - check all your power management settings, something may be turning the ports off.

[videobruce]

If that was so, wouldn't that show in DM?
I never heard of power saving for just a serial port.