Windows Err Msg: Another Application Is Using Communication...

 Last reviewed: November 23, 1994
Article ID: Q71850
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows operating system versions 3.0, 3.0a, 3.1, 3.11

SUMMARY

When running Windows 3.0 in real or standard mode, or Windows 3.1 in standard mode, the following warning message appears in a dialog box when you run any Windows communications program and attempt to start an MS-DOS application (or vice versa):

The title bar of the error message display the name of the MS-DOS application, then in the error message box it displayS the following: 

   Another application is using the communication port. It might lose
   characters if you decide to start your application now.

   Do you want to start your application? Y/N

MORE INFORMATION

This warning message appears when you start an MS-DOS application while running a Windows communication program that uses the communication (COM) ports. The active communication program in Windows may lose data or its connection if the MS-DOS application uses the same port during its current session.

To avoid this, do one of the following:

- Exit the Windows communications program and then start the MS-DOS 

   application.

   -or-
  • In the Windows communications program, set the port connection to none.

    NOTE: Even if a PIF file is used for the MS-DOS application where no COM port is chosen to modify, the warning message is still displayed because the Windows communications program is currently using the port.

    This problem does not occur in 386 enhanced-mode Windows because the programs are multitasking and the COM ports are virtualized. In standard and real mode, the Windows communication programs are suspended in memory until reactivated.

    This problem has been tested with the following Windows communication programs:

    • Windows 3.0 Terminal Program
    • Dynacomm

    • KBCategory: kbtool kbdisplay kberrmsg
    KBSubcategory: win30 win31 wincomm
    Additional reference words: 3.0 3.00 3.1 3.10 3.11 wincomm

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    Last reviewed: November 23, 1994
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