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Slicware is Copy(c)right 1989,1992 by Gary M. Raymond, New Orleans, La.
Port Swapper Program V1.1 by Gary M. Raymond
HOME of SlicWare
Gary M. Raymond
P.O.Box 8184
New Orleans, La. 70182
(504) 288-6550
Compuserve 70613,3165
====================================================================
Files Provided:
SWAPORTS.COM Serial Port SWAP Utility.
SWAPORTS.DOC This document.
Why SWAPORTS? The purpose of this utility is to allow some serial
communications programs that can only access COM1 or COM2 ports to
function properly on serial PC modem hardware set to COM3 or COM4.
SWAPORTS does this by poking the correct port addresses directly into
the proper places in BIOS memory. It can even correct problems with
serial software that claims to work on com3 and 4, but gives strange
symptoms instead, such as receiving ok but being unable to send.
QUICK FIX: Before proceeding, try SWAPORTS 7. This restores all
standard IBM port addresses into their normal BIOS memory slot
locations. It will generally cure most wierd trouble associated
with using either com3 or com4 on BOTH software and hardware.
Any program that bypasses DOS and directly addresses the COM ports
will not be affected in any way by SWAPORTS. Many newer modem
programs bypass DOS in order to achieve higher port speeds or the
ability to multitask. The type of programs that bypass DOS and
address the ports directly are never a problem. Rather, it is the
others, that call upon DOS services, that SWAPORTS can help.
Example, suppose you have a serial program (using DOS calls) that can
only be set to use com port one or two. Your mouse and modem are set
for com1 and com4 respectively. Because of the mouse, your only
option is to use com2 in the serial program, but, your hardware is
rigged to com4. What you now need is to swap com two's address with
that of com4. SWAPORTS option 6 will do it!
Another possibility; your hardware is set for com3, your mouse
is set on com1. Your serial program is set for com2. In this case
you must (if possible) set the program's IRQ to 4 in place of 3 (to
avoid mouse conflicts), and use SWAPORTS option 2.
Next example. Your modem is set for com4. Your software is supposed
to work on com4. It does not. It works ok on received characters but
does not transmit characters. One reason may be the method the code
relies on to operate. It may use interrupt services to receive but
bios (dos) services to send. The interrupt service routine probably
uses direct port addressing whereas the send function requires
locating the correct address in bios segment 40, offset 6. In
this case, the correct address (2E8 hex) may not exist anywhere else
in the bios area so swapping is useless. Function 7 is the answer. It
sets all standard addresses into bios.
Some AT computer BIOS systems assigns logical COM ports from low too
high, to all responding I/O ports in order as they are found. Non
responding I/O ports are skipped. If you had only one COM port, and
it was the address for COM2, your computer BIOS would assign it to
COM1 because no other real COM1 address was present. In this case
you effectively already have a one-two swap.
Standard IBM serial port addressing scheme:
BIOS ADDRESS
SEG :OFF
0040:0000 0040:0002 0040:0004 0040:0006
COM1 = 3F8 COM2 = 2F8 COM3 = 3E8 COM4 = 2E8"
DISPLAY HELP by typing SWAPORTS alone without a parameter number.
You will see the following help information.
The Correct Syntax is SWAPORTS # (i.e. SWAPORTS 7)"
4 = SWAP PORT 1 with PORT 2"
5 = SWAP PORT 1 with PORT 3"
1 = SWAP PORT 1 with PORT 4"
2 = SWAP PORT 2 with PORT 3"
6 = SWAP PORT 2 with PORT 4"
3 = SWAP PORT 3 with PORT 4"
7 = SET ALL PORTS TO IBM DEFAULTS"
NOTE: Swapping ports three and four is ineffective"
below DOS Version 3.3"
There are many things that can go wrong after installing a modem on
your computer. Usually, problems are evenly divided between hardware
and software configuration errors. In general, the modem itself must
be mechanically set, via jumper pins or dip switches, to address
whatever available serial port is usable on your PC. The selected
port must also be paired with an interrupt request line (IRQ). No two
serial devices (examp: modem and mouse) may share actively the same
serial port IRQ address.
The original IBM PC architecture supported only two COM ports. Soon,
clone makers, and eventually IBM, added more serial capability.
Still, there are no standard addresses or IRQ (Interrupt Request)
lines for the additional ports. The addresses for COM1 and COM2 are
3F8h and 2F8h, respectively, with COM1 on IRQ4 and COM2 on IRQ3.
When you install more serial ports, COM3 usually uses 3E8h and IRQ4,
while COM4 uses 2E8h and IRQ3.
DOS gets its I/O information from BIOS, which determines what's
installed where in your system during the POST test (Power On Self
Test. Most POST operations check only for the first two installed
ports. To get around this problem, communications software and some
serial peripherals (such as mice) will occasionally support higher
COM ports by DIRECT addressing, rather than making DOS function calls
to determine the port addresses. Remember, your computer BIOS (during
POST) assigns logical COM ports from low too high, to all responding
I/O ports in order as they are found. Non responding I/O ports are
skipped. Thus if you have only one COM port, and it was the address
for COM2, your computer BIOS would assign it to COM1 as no real COM1
address was present.
Keep in mind, however, that you probably won't be able to swap two
ports that share the same IRQ (such as COM1 and COM3) if say, you
happen to have a mouse attached to one of them. This is because the
system will get confused when the interrupt triggers.
====================================================================
┌─────────┐
│ MEMBER │ Society of
│ ┌──────┴──┐ Independent
│ │ │ Shareware
└──┤ ■ │ Authors
│ ║ │
└────╨────┘
This program is produced by a member of the Society of Independent
Shareware Authors (SISA). The Society wants to ensure that all
valid shareware principle actually work for you and SISA members.
The principle behind shareware distribution is simple; try before
you buy. Society members agree to license all shareware for a minimum
of 10 days, free of charge, to first time users as an evaluation period.
After 10 days, buyers are then obligated to license their copy with
the Society member. Society members are obligated to provide high
quality, useful shareware, but, are free to choose whatever marketing
methods suit their specific needs. SISA sanctioned marketing methods
include: demonstration versions; providing printed documentation
after purchase; registration keys that unlock additional features
not necessary to determine basic usefulness; and, providing bug
fixes free of charge. Any Shareware author may become a member of
SISA without cost by simply agreeing to the above conditions and
displaying, at their option, this logo in their documentation.
====================================================================
WARRANTY:
Software:
Simple Software warrants that the software contained herein will
perform in substantial compliance with the documentation
accompanying the software. If you report, in writing, a significant
defect to us, and we are unable to correct it within 90 days of the
date you report the defect, you may return the software and
accompanying materials, and we will refund the purchase price.
Diskette's and Documentation:
Simple Software, warrants all diskette's and documentation to be
free of defects in materials for a period of 30 days from the date
of purchase. In the event of notification within the warranty period
of defects in any materials, Simple Software will replace the
defective diskette or documentation.
Remedies:
The remedy for breach of the warranty shall be limited to
replacement and shall not encompass any other damages, including but
not limited to loss of profit, special, incidental, consequential,
or similar damages, losses, or claims.
DISCLAIMER:
Simple Software specifically disclaims all other warranties,
expressed or implied, including but not limited to, implied
warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose
with respect to defects in the diskette and documentation, and the
program license granted herein, in particular, and without limiting
operation of the program license with respect to any particular
application, use, or purpose. In no event shall Simple Software be
liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damage,
including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential or
other damages.
GOVERNING LAW:
This statement shall be construed, interpreted, and governed by the
laws of the State of Louisiana.
====================================================================
Registering your copy will help continue the competitive advantages
of providing economical shareware. Upon receipt of your payment I
will provide a registration code number which will allow you to self
register and personalize your shareware copy. Upon receipt of your
code type SLICK REGISTER and enter your first and last name followed
by the code number. Code numbers may be issued by voice phone if you
are willing to accept a collect call, otherwise it will be sent to
you via first class US mail service.
Yes Gary, I enjoy your program and would like to register and
obtain the latest version. SWAPORT V11
Name_____________________________________________________________
Mailing Address__________________________________________________
City & State ___________________________________________________
ZIP _____________________________ Phone _________________________
Send $4 + $1 (ship & hand) check or money order to:
Gary M. Raymond
P.O.Box 8184
New Orleans, La. 70182
504-288-6550
Compuserve 70613,3165
====================================================================
EOF