I think I figured out the Vista connection problem at least on my machine but I suspect this might be applicable to all Vista machines. I had to right click and run as administrator in order to get priority to Com1 or Com2. Otherwise I think Vista blocks it in some way and the program doesn't know how to warn you of this. Also of note I have my User account control setting to off for another programming reason, you might need to do this too but only after you try my first trick. Hope that helps you Dave and all.