Help, Please...Silverlining software

Trudi · Post by **Trudi** » Tue May 16, 2006 5:07 pm

I recently bought the silverlining software from cpap.com, and am having problems with it. I called cpap.com and was told that "we only sell it, we don't support it" and they suggested I come here for help.

I don't have an open serial port so bought a usb>serial port cable my computer recognizes the serial port, but when I open silverlinings it can't find an open port? Anyone have any ideas/suggestions???
I have only been on cpap for 4 weeks and still feel awful, so thought maybe the software would help me understand why.
Really appreciate any input!!

Thanks, Trudi

alphabettie · Post by **alphabettie** » Tue May 16, 2006 5:11 pm

The same thing happened to me. The GeekSquad was over one day and said that the USB serial cables work only 60% of the time. I use a notebook with no serial and have to use a desktop upstairs to retrieve my data. I do not know what else to do.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed May 17, 2006 4:25 am

your local computer store should be able to install another serial port for you.
most computers are upgradeable that way(not sure about laptops)

Peterau · Post by **Peterau** » Wed May 17, 2006 5:47 am

Trudi,

I use a USB/Serial cable to talk to my CPAP using the Silverlining software without problem. The most likely problem is 1 of 2 things. Your laptop operating system has assigned a com port number which the silverlining software is not capable of using. The SL software can only address ports 1 to 8. The other problem is the software needed to support your cable has not been installed or did not install correctly. To help point you in the right direction I need to know what operating system the laptop is using. eg XP, Windows2000, 98. If the operating system is 98 will need to know which version. The first version of 98 didn't support USB. 98 SE did support USB. Did you install any software. If the operating system is XP to check the com port number for the cable, first plug the cable in. Did XP tell you it has found the cable (a bell sound when you plugged it in)? Then go start, My Computer, View System Information (left panel at the top), select the Hardware tab, then the device manager tab, in the device manager screen towards the bottom you will find an entry called "Ports" double click ports this will open up the ports heading. You should find the USB serial cable listed with the manufracture code. Mine says "USB Cable DCU-11 (Com4). So my USB serial cable is Com 4 which is usable by the SL software. If its not between 1 and 8 it can be assigned one between 1 and 8 but there are some things that need to be checked first. Lets see what the com number is first before we worry about that. If the cable is not listed this would suggest that the software hasn't been installed or didn't install correctly.

Hope this gets you pointed in the right direction and you can get the software working so as to fix any issues with your treatment.

Hang in there.

Trudi · Post by **Trudi** » Wed May 17, 2006 7:38 pm

Thanks for all the suggestions.....may just have to go get an additional serial port put in.

Peter, really appreciate your input!! I printed out your post and got as far as finding the "Ports" but it didn't tell me the mfg. or port #.

My computer is a desktop, running XP.
The USB port I am trying to use is a little block of 4 (can't remember what it's called) that is plugged into a USB port on the back of my computer. My cordless mouse is plugged into this little block also and every time I try to plug the serial to usb cord in it makes my mouse not work, so I have to unplug the cord to get the mouse to work. I think it just must be a combination of stuff.
I just give up at this point
I can't thank you enough for taking the time to help.
Trudi

Peterau · Post by **Peterau** » Wed May 17, 2006 9:12 pm

Trudi,

Happy to help. You didn't give up! Just got to a point where the supplied information didn't help you go forward.. But you did supply some more valuable information to help the process along. The 4 port thing you refereed to is most likely a USB hub. The fact that your mouse stops working when you plug in your cable is also helpful. It means that the mouse and the USB cable are trying to use the same com port (number) and that could be the reason your SL software doesn't work. Let me know if you wish to keep going. It can get a bit complicated from here. One thing you could try quickly is to plug the cable directly into the laptop. Leave the hub disconnected. I am assuming the Laptop has an inbuilt mouse. This will allow the com port for the external mouse to be used by the USB/Serial cable.

Peterau