How to Change M220 Mobile Reader COM Port Assignment Behavior in Windows
How to Change M220 Mobile Reader COM Port Assignment Behavior in Windows
Every RF Code M220 Reader has a serial number which uniquely identifies it when plugged into the USB port. The default behavior in Windows is that the serial number for each M220 Reader that has been connected via USB is remembered by Windows so that each reader can have a specific and consistent COM port assignment regardless of which USB port the reader is connected to.
However, it is possible to have the COM port assignment determined by which USB port the M220 Reader is connected to. In this way, whenever a reader is connected to a specific USB port on the PC, the reader will be assigned the same COM port regardless of which M220 Reader it is. If the reader is moved to a different USB port, it will be assigned a different COM port.
To change the COM port assignment behavior, perform the following steps:
Notice: If you use the Windows Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Use the Windows Registry Editor at your own risk and strongly considering creating a Windows Restore Point and/or performing a system backup prior to making changes in the Registry.
You can now disconnect and reconnect the USB cable(s) on your M220 reader(s). The “Found New Hardware” wizard will only appear the first time an M220 Reader is connected to each USB port. You must repeat the installation wizard for each USB port you wish to use.
However, it is possible to have the COM port assignment determined by which USB port the M220 Reader is connected to. In this way, whenever a reader is connected to a specific USB port on the PC, the reader will be assigned the same COM port regardless of which M220 Reader it is. If the reader is moved to a different USB port, it will be assigned a different COM port.
To change the COM port assignment behavior, perform the following steps:
Notice: If you use the Windows Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Use the Windows Registry Editor at your own risk and strongly considering creating a Windows Restore Point and/or performing a system backup prior to making changes in the Registry.
- Start the Registry Editor by clicking Start > Run, then typing regeditin the Open box, and then pressing the [Enter] key.
- Navigate to the following registry subkey:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\UsbFlags
- From the Edit menu, select New and then click Binary Value.
- For the name of the value, enter:
IgnoreHWSerNum1c4007d4
- Double-click on the value you just created and this will open the “Edit Binary Value” dialog.
- In the Value data field, enter 01and then click OK.
- Close the Registry Editor.
You can now disconnect and reconnect the USB cable(s) on your M220 reader(s). The “Found New Hardware” wizard will only appear the first time an M220 Reader is connected to each USB port. You must repeat the installation wizard for each USB port you wish to use.