Windows Update Breaks CMS-50D Plus Software

[archangle]

I recently ran windows update on my Vista machine. One of the updates it wanted to install as "optional software" was "Silicon Laboratories - Other hardware - Silicon Labs CP210x USB to UART Bridge."

After the update, the SPO2 software didn't work any more. It ran, but it didn't see the oximeter.

It took me quite a while to get things back to working. I went through many gyrations, but removing the SPO2 software, Reboot, then removing the device driver from Control panel, System and Maintenance, Device manager, Ports (com1 and LPT), Silicon Labs CP210..., Change settings, Driver, uninstall, reboot, reinstall SPO2, reboot.

Lesson: Don't let Silicon Labs CP210 updates install as part of Windows update.

[TalonNYC]

Most of us in the IT world dread Microsoft updates for non-Microsoft hardware. 8 times out of 10, they break more than they fix. Usually I will ignore those updates that deal with non-Microsoft hardware unless they end up in the Critical section.

I *do* however, go to the manufacturer's site (either the PC vendor or the hardware component vendor) and grab their update directly. That will usually both offer a newer driver update and also remove the alert from Windows Update.

NOTE: Not updating your hardware should be a last resort. I'm saying you SHOULD use Windows Update often, but ignore all non-critical hardware updates you find there. You SHOULD also go to your PC manufacturer (Dell, HP, Gateway, etc.) and/or the maker of the hardware in question and get their own update to your drivers. All non-hardware updates, patches and fixes should definitely be REALLY SHOULD installed via Windows Update whenever they are available.

[BernieRay]

Most of us in the IT world dread Microsoft updates for non-Microsoft hardware. 8 times out of 10, they break more than they fix. Usually I will ignore those updates that deal with non-Microsoft hardware unless they end up in the Critical section.

I *do* however, go to the manufacturer's site (either the PC vendor or the hardware component vendor) and grab their update directly. That will usually both offer a newer driver update and also remove the alert from Windows Update.

NOTE: Not updating your hardware should be a last resort. I'm saying you SHOULD use Windows Update often, but ignore all non-critical hardware updates you find there. You SHOULD also go to your PC manufacturer (Dell, HP, Gateway, etc.) and/or the maker of the hardware in question and get their own update to your drivers. All non-hardware updates, patches and fixes should definitely be REALLY SHOULD installed via Windows Update whenever they are available.

Rock solid advice that I agree with completely.

I usually hide non-MS hardware updates when they show up.

[archangle]

I *do* however, go to the manufacturer's site (either the PC vendor or the hardware component vendor) and grab their update directly. That will usually both offer a newer driver update and also remove the alert from Windows Update.

In this case, going directly to the Silicon Labs website and getting the latest update seems to break the pulse oximeter software, too. At least, I think it does. I went through a lot of iterations on this yesterday.

[TalonNYC]

Really odd, it's USB-based, right? it's possible that there was a bad driver in the package - that could happen.

[archangle]

Really odd, it's USB-based, right? it's possible that there was a bad driver in the package - that could happen.

There were some indications on their web site that the latest device driver would not install correctly after you had installed some earlier virgin of the device driver. The latest version of the install package would supposedly work correctly, but I got errors and it didn't work.

Once I got back to the old version of everything and it worked, I decided not to mess with it any more.

[TalonNYC]

That's not the worst way to go. With hardware updates, unless it's a security thing, you can often stay on the old ones if things keep breaking.

[PulseOximeter]

New Soft For Pulse Oximeter CMS-50D Plus / 50E / 50F and Other USB Pulse Oximeter

http://www.badongo.com/file/25981289
http://173.83.34.26/PulseOximeter.zip

[jamiswolf]

TalonNYC wrote: Really odd, it's USB-based, right?

I thought I read that it's seriel based with the converter built into the cable (which is why you have to use the correct original cable) If that matters...
J

[archangle]

New Soft For Pulse Oximeter CMS-50D Plus / 50E / 50F and Other USB Pulse Oximeter

http://www.badongo.com/file/25981289
http://173.83.34.26/PulseOximeter.zip

Be careful about downloading unknown software like this.

This user registered today. We have no idea who it is. The only thing he's posted is two links containing software from an unknown source. The first link is a free file sharing service.

I think this is probably not some form of virus in this case, but be careful.

[Uncle_Bob]

I think this is probably not some form of virus in this case, but be careful.

In which case its probably best not to mouth tape while downloading.