Solution
This issue comes about from a Windows update removing a required registry key. Versions of NI-Serial 20.0 and before require the registry key
"Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\NiSerU_settings" to load the firmware for the USB-232/USB-485.
When Windows performs an update, it determines this key to be stale and deletes this key.
To solve this, export a working
"Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\NiSerU_settings" key and import this into the Windows Registry Editor. There is a key with the default installation path attached at the bottom of this article.
Note: NI takes no responsibility for importing Windows Registry keys into your system.
To import the Registry Key into Windows Registry Editor:
- Download "Serial.reg" or export the registry key from a working system
- In the Windows search bar, type "Regedit" and press enter.
- Go to File -> Import -> select "Serial.reg"
- If required, unplug the USB-Serial device and insert it again. (A computer restart may also be necessary).
If you cannot import the registry key, please follow the article:
Force Reinstall Non-Working or Corrupt NI Software and reinstall the NI-Serial driver to recreate this registry key.