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A google search uncovered this site provinding critical information regarding reinitializing the com port that has been nagging me for quite some time. The problem is that when MapSend opens an XP serial port, it succeeds and successfully completes the first communication session and then hoses up the port. Instead of rebooting here is the process:

1. Run MODE COM1: from a command prompt to check the status
   
2. If you get a message like this: Device COM1 is not currently available., then continue with the remaining steps
3. Open Device Manager (devmgmt.msc from command line)
   
4. click the [+] by Ports (COM & LPT)
   
5. right-click Communications Port (COM1) and click Disable (not Uninstall!) - confirm and
6. Important! - wait a few seconds
   
7. right-click Communications Port (COM1) again and click Enable - wait a few seconds
8. If you get a warning symbol for the device or get this message: Illegal device name - COM1, when repeating step 1, then try again.