Buy the 6 Ft. (1.8m) USB-to-Serial Port Cable on http://www.radioshack.comPrint This PagePrint This Page
6 Ft. (1.8m) USB-to-Serial Port Cable image
 
(based on 144 ratings)
Read All Reviews
Brand:RadioShack
Located in:Oth
This unique cable and its installation software allow you to connect serial devices like digital cameras, PDAs and modem through a USB port.
More information for the 6 Ft. (1.8m) USB-to-Serial Port Cable
Product Reviews Summary
Avg. Customer Rating:
 
2.7 stars
(based on 144 reviews)
50% of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Customers most agreed on the following attributes:

Pros:
Durable construction(43), Easy to use(14), Good performance(18), Good value(11), Highly compatible(15)
Cons:
Limited compatibility(28), No performance gain(7), Unreliable(14)
Best Uses:
Computer equipment(36), High-end equipment(10), Networking(6), NONE will not work(3)
Describe Yourself:
Quality oriented(53), Value oriented(15)
Primary use:
Business(31), Personal(45)
 
Installation was a pain.
By FrustatedVerified Reviewer from Pensacola, FL on 7/28/2008
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

A word of advice, ignore the installation instructions that came with the cable. Simply plug in the cable and let Windows locate and install the appropriate driver automatically (make sure your computer is connected to the internet). It took several minutes of waiting but Windows eventually found a driver and installed it. No COM port issue or yellow exclamation point in Device Manager after that. If you have it already installed, uninstall it and let Windows find the driver automatically. That should resolve any issues.

 
Does not work on Vista
By Herb from Chesterton, IN on 7/17/2008
Pros:
Durable construction, Improves Performance, Not Vista compatible, Reliable, Strong Connection Points
Cons:
Limited Compatibility
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Personal
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

It works on my XP laptop. It does not work with my Vista laptop. Installed 2600183.exe, July 2006 rev. Still did not work with Vista. How about a new driver Radio Shack?

 
Great USB to RS-232 cable
By Pete from Mount Airy, MD on 7/7/2008
Pros:
Durable construction, Highly Compatible, Improves Performance, Reliable, Strong Connection Points
Cons:
None
Best Uses:
Computer Equipment, High-End Equipment
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Business
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I have been using these cables on multiple XP Pro and Vista machines for about two years to interface with industrial equipment. The cable works flawlessly, assuming you download and install the latest software from right here on Radio Shack's website BEFORE you insert the cable into a USB port. [@]This cable is rugged, dependable, and never lets me down.

 
cant get a com port
By Sara in Telluride CO from Telluride Colorado on 6/30/2008
Cons:
Limited Compatibility, Unreliable
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Business
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

I cant get a com port number at all. using XP. I install from the D drive. Shows up under programs. tried 3 differnt usb ports. Just show up under "other" in Device manager with a yellow sign and an exclamation mark in the center over the folder name. I have uninstalled from programs and then re-installed. I am using an older type computer called an emachine. I was successful several weeks ago installing this driver on a toshiba that is about 1 1/2 years old. I would appreciate any help you can provide. In a remote town with only an [...]. Desperate for this to work by Tues evening.

 
Didn't work with Vista
By Lost in cyber land from Daytona Beach FL on 6/28/2008
Pros:
Durable construction, Strong Connection Points
Cons:
No Performance Gain
Best Uses:
Computer Equipment
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Personal
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

I need this serial to USB cable to attach Singer XL5000 embroidery sewing machine.. Worked with XP but does not have an appropriate driver for vista.
(The computer is new and the old XP laptop is dead.
Unable to locate a driver on any site I could access on my computer
Windows refered me to the cable manufacturer. I sure hope you have a driver up your sleeve !

 
Thank you Rick
By Jonathan from Monmouth, Maine on 6/28/2008
Pros:
Durable construction
Best Uses:
Computer Equipment
Primary use:
Personal
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I use it to connect my Garmin GPS to my PC

 
ALWAYS WORKS!
By TRVVerified Reviewer from Chicago on 6/27/2008
Pros:
Durable construction, Highly Compatible, Reliable, Strong Connection Points
Best Uses:
Audio processors, Computer Equipment, High-End Equipment, Networking
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Business
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

This adapter ALWAYS works! The only setting that might need to be changed manually is the default COM port number. The automatic installation sometimes sets a COM port number above the 1-4 range. For software and hardware that requires a COM port setting in the 1-4 range this can be done in the Control Panel>System>Hardware>COM and LPT port section. Highly recommended!!!

 
Finally, it is working! Thanks, Rick!
By Kathy from Indiana on 6/22/2008
Pros:
Improves Performance
Cons:
Limited Compatibility
Best Uses:
Computer Equipment
Describe Yourself:
Value Oriented
Primary use:
Personal
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

I also got this cable to transfer embroidery designs since my new computer has no serial port. After following Rick's instructions for installing under Vista using XP compatibility, the cable did install properly but listed as Com port 7. My embroidery software only listed 4 com ports. After searching on the internet, I tried using different USB ports and did get one that listed as com port 4 with the cable. It is now allowing designs to be transferred to my Pfaff embroidery machine. THANKS, RICK!!!! I would only recommend this cable to people who are tech savy.

 
It's the user not the cable. ;)
By Phil from Dallas, Tx on 6/22/2008
Pros:
Durable construction, Reliable, Strong Connection Points
Cons:
Limited Compatibility, No Performance Gain
Best Uses:
Computer Equipment, High-End Equipment, Networking
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Personal
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

It's the user not the cable. It is also the operating system and not the cable. Once Vista has gone the way of Windows Millenium Edition it will be obvious. This cable works perfectly and is designed well. In the product description it clearly states, not compatible with Vista for obvious reasons: It will take some effort to get it to work. Just stick with XP or go with Linux.

 
wish I was Rick!
By etphnhom6171 from Austin, TX on 6/15/2008
Pros:
Durable construction
Cons:
Limited Compatibility
Best Uses:
Networking
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Personal
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

I got this cable to be able to transfer embroidery designs from my computer to my Singer sewing machine. I've followed all of Rick's instructions and have tried many other's as well and the problem I have is that I get no port when my sofware for transfering wants one. I'm using a null cable and this cabel to attatch it to my new computer. As it is now, I have 2 computers on my desk and would really like to get it down to one.

 
Thank you, Rick!
By Amy from Midland, MI on 6/14/2008
Pros:
Works Vista with effort
Cons:
Needs Vista built in
Best Uses:
GPS connection
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Personal
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Thanks to Rick for taking the time to post those instructions for getting this cable to work on Windows Vista. We never would have found a solution on our own!! You're a life saver!

 
GREAT tip Rick!!!
By KB2VYZVerified Reviewer from Somers Point/Ocean City, NJ on 6/5/2008
Pros:
Durable construction
Cons:
Limited Compatibility, Vista compatibilty issues
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Personal
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

That was a GREAT tip Rick from NC suggested.

 
Could not get it to work with Vista
By DEW from VA BEACH, VA on 6/3/2008
Cons:
Limited Compatibility
Primary use:
Personal
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Could not get it to work with Vista

 
Works better then the garbage from China
By MikeLVerified Reviewer from NYC on 5/27/2008
Pros:
Durable construction, Highly Compatible, Improves Performance, Reliable
Best Uses:
Car tuning, Computer Equipment
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Personal
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I love this cable. I originally bought a cheap, foreign cable on an auction site. Didn't work at all. Then I bought this one. Works perfectly. I use it with my car tuner to update, and have no issues at all. Also worked great with my OBD-2 scanner. Can't speak on other peoples Vista issues, because I use Windows XP SP2/SP3. Never changed over to Vista due to compatibility issues with other software.

 
Cable does work /w vista /garminGPS
By Wild Bill from Clarkston,MI on 5/23/2008
Pros:
Durable construction
Cons:
Did not work out of box
Best Uses:
Computer Equipment
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Personal
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

By following Rick from cruising the east coast in NC instuctions I was able to over come garmin's hurdles and Radio Shack's marginal software to utilize my garmin legend with vista. Rick you're on it DUDE!Chalk two up for the good guys.
Wild Bill Clarkston,MI

 
DOES NOT WORK AT ALL
By Frustrated from Morgantown, WV on 5/21/2008
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Business

I can't get this thing to work. I've tried other suggestions on this review list and it won't read on my modems, my computer doesn't recognize the hardware, and finding help in the instruction sheet is impossible unless you call someone. I felt like this product was a waste.

 
Still doesn't work.
By KC from Michigan on 5/13/2008
Pros:
Durable construction
Cons:
Doesn't Work Consistently, Unreliable
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Business
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

The version I bought came with Vista drivers and I can't get it to work. It's worked a few times but very inconsistent.

[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]

 
Cable DOES work with Vista - Here's How
By Rick - Cruising the East Coast from Morehead City, NC on 5/13/2008
Pros:
Durable construction, Highly Compatible, Reliable, Strong Connection Points
Cons:
Vista Install Issues
Best Uses:
Computer Equipment
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Personal
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Here's how to get the out-of-box cable to work with Vista:
-Do not plug cable into USB yet
-Go to Start->Help, and search for "compatibility wizard"
-Select "What is program compatibility"
-Select "Click to open program compatibility wizard"
-At welcome screen click Next
-Insert the CD/DVD that came with the cable, but do NOT plug cable yet
-Shut down any autorun option should you see it
-Ignore any Explorer windows referring to the Radioshack USB Serial Driver, and close them
-Get back to the compatibility wizard
-Select "I want to locate program manually" and click NEXT
-Click Browse and navigate to the drive containing the Radioshack driver CD/DVD
-Select the program on the CD/DVD, click Next
-Select the needed level of compatibility
---I had it running previously on XP SP2, so I selected that
-Slog thru the Vista dire warnings and Vista will
install the driver correctly
-Restart your computer when advised
-NOW, Plug in the USB cable with attached device --Vista will detect the USB device, complete the driver installation, and your device should now work.

It works great for me. I am running Nobeltec marine navigation software aboard my liveaboard boat. I had it running fine on XP SP2 using a GPS with the cable as input to Nobeltec. Initially I could not get it to work with Vista, but the above procedure worked wonderfully. I now have electronic charting working with Nobeltec on Vista.

Chalk one up for the good guys!

 
Works great with XP
By solarcanuck from San Jose, CA on 5/12/2008
Pros:
Reliable, Strong Connection Points
Cons:
Poor labeling.
Best Uses:
Computer Equipment
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Business
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I've tried some cheaper USB to Serial connectors and this one worked right away.

[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

 
Working on Vista - thanks for reviews
By Dean from Colorado on 5/11/2008
Pros:
Durable construction
Cons:
Vista install sucks
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Thanks to the reviews I got it to install on Vista by setting it to XP SP2 compatible.

Pretty sad when you have to read what others say to figure it out. Vista has been out for sometime now and you can hardly buy a computer now without it. Why doesn't RadioShack have an update thats easier to find? Belkin's is MUCH easier to install - if you want to avoid a headache buy theirs.

 
It Doesn't Work With Vista
By Gene from Pennsylvania on 5/5/2008
Pros:
Not Usable
Cons:
Doesn't work with Vista, Limited Compatibility, Unreliable
Best Uses:
NONE will not work
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Personal
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

I tried to install on a Vista machine to connect my Garmin GPS, but it only works some of the time. Need a supported driver, which hasn't been provided yet.

 
Works Great with XP Not Vista
By AVTech from Cedar Rapids IA on 5/2/2008
Pros:
Durable construction
Cons:
Drivers not Vista Compat
Best Uses:
High-End Equipment
Describe Yourself:
Value Oriented
Primary use:
Business
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Works very well for a Serial port on a laptop running XP used to upload firmware and software via a serial port but drivers will not load in Vista

 
Recommended for Older Equipment w/o USB
By Barry from South Carolina on 5/2/2008
Pros:
Durable construction, Improves Performance
Best Uses:
Computer Equipment, High-End Equipment
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Personal
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I have a Radio Shack Pro 2052 scanner that I wanted to see if I could reprogram for the Southeast reband for trunking. Couldn't reprogram it, but the cable and software worked as advertised. I'm getting a gender changer for my Bearcat 996 to program it.

 
Vista Home Premium Compatible
By Dwight the SchruteVerified Reviewer from Scranton, PA on 4/29/2008
Pros:
Durable construction, Highly Compatible, Reliable
Best Uses:
Computer Equipment
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Personal
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I installed the CD .exe in XP SP2 compatible mode. After software installed (1 digital signing warning), I plugged in cable. Worked flawlessly. Worked again when I changed USB ports. I'm using a Compaq laptop. I've seen USB to serial cables a lot cheaper on the web, but was afraid of Vista issues, so I decided to spend based on reviews here.

 
Works with Vista
By WallkillColor from Wallkill NY on 4/11/2008
Pros:
Highly Compatible
Describe Yourself:
Value Oriented
Primary use:
Business
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

See Roberts Works with Vista - it works fine

This will work with Vista. There are a few loops that you have to jump through. First if you have a XP system install it on that first then search for ser2pl. Copy the files to a flash drive and then plug the cable in your Vista system. Use the device manager to install. Click in reinstall driver. Browse for your flash drive and then open. It will install and work perfectly!!!

 
did not work with Vista
By rigsuper from Jonah Field, WY on 4/10/2008
Pros:
Durable construction
Cons:
Limited Compatibility
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Personal
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Do we see a trend? Hey Microsoft wake up and fix your new OS. This gets old when everytime they change the OS nothing works. I bet it's not the radio shack cable that has the problem.

 
Works with Vista but there is a catch
By Actionseeker from Brimfield, Ohio on 4/4/2008
Pros:
Durable construction
Best Uses:
Computer Equipment, High-End Equipment, Networking
Primary use:
Personal
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

You must right click the USB Driver Icon then go to properties. Under compatibilty switch it to Windows XP Service Pack 1 or 2. Program then was recognized by Vista. Works slick. Thanks Radio Shack Nice Product.

 
No Vista Update
By frustrated from Lone Star State on 3/26/2008
Cons:
No support at all
Best Uses:
Door stop
Describe Yourself:
Value Oriented
Primary use:
Personal
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

No driver updates have been added for Vista

 
Run windows update to use with Vista
By John_bs from Puerto Rico on 3/25/2008
Pros:
Highly Compatible
Cons:
Limited Compatibility
Best Uses:
Computer Equipment
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Personal
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

As somebody meantioned here you just need to let Vista search for it, and fail. Then run Windows update and it will be found. Click on "View available updates" and make sure that the driver are selected. Download and install, and it works. It's digitally signed. Came up as COM20 on my laptop. Radioshack should update their driver cd that comes with the product.

 
Worked like a Champ on Vista
By Paul from Virginia on 3/18/2008
Cons:
Price
Primary use:
Personal
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

This installed without a hitch. Ran the intsall program as XP SP2 compatible - plugged in the USB end and Vista recognized it as COM4.

 
Caused Blue Screen
By Captain from San Pedro CA on 3/18/2008
Cons:
Not microsoft approved
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Personal
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Tried to use it with my Garmin map program.

Blue screen shut down.

 
It will work with VISTA
By Robert from NC on 3/6/2008
Pros:
Durable construction, Reliable
Describe Yourself:
Value Oriented
Primary use:
Business
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I brought the adapter last year a system with XP. I purchased a new tablet PC this year (2008) with vista and after installing software from disk, it did not work. I follwed the directions below from another posting on this site and it worked. THANKS....

This will work with Vista. There are a few loops that you have to jump through. First if you have a XP system install it on that first then search for ser2pl. Copy the files to a flash drive and then plug the cable in your Vista system. Use the device manager to install. Click in reinstall driver. Browse for your flash drive and then open. It will install and work perfectly!!!

 
Won't work in my Vista envorinment
By Ian from Grapeview WA on 3/2/2008
Pros:
Durable construction
Cons:
Limited Compatibility
Best Uses:
Computer Equipment
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Personal
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

No amount of: re-loading, changing of compatibility modes, altering sequence of installation procedures, plugging in or not plugging in the device, or getting new drivers could get this thing to work with Vista Home Premium running on an Hp Pavillion a6110. Egg-on-face: To RS for not providing or checking their installation procedures, not updating their software, and not posting in a prominent manner the efforts of those people who have made it work and what it took to do so (That's free product research they are providing you guys!) Also to Microsoft for devising such a convoluted and poorly conceived system for adding new gear to a machine.

 
Works with Vista...
By Radio gooroo from Ohio on 3/2/2008
Pros:
Durable construction, Reliable
Cons:
difficult to install
Best Uses:
Computer Equipment
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Business
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

This will work with Vista. There are a few loops that you have to jump through. First if you have a XP system install it on that first then search for ser2pl. Copy the files to a flash drive and then plug the cable in your Vista system. Use the device manager to install. Click in reinstall driver. Browse for your flash drive and then open. It will install and work perfectly!!!

 
Driver-Free Version...
By Anthony - Automotive Business from Indiana on 2/29/2008
Pros:
Durable construction, Reliable, Strong Connection Points
Cons:
Limited Compatibility, No Performance Gain
Best Uses:
Computer Equipment, High-End Equipment
Describe Yourself:
Value Oriented
Primary use:
Business
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I just wish there was a plug and play version, at first I thought it was a SMART device and had drivers in it that would load up, lost the disc months ago of course, keep having to come back and download.Not a bad product, but [$] is a lot to pay for a simple cable.

 
good ,and compatable with vista
By red from dallas,tx on 2/24/2008
Pros:
Durable construction
Cons:
Limited Compatibility
Best Uses:
High-End Equipment
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Personal
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

will work with vista ,just load drivers and the
use device manager to find and load to proper comm
port,took me a while ,but it will work

 
junk wont work with vista junk
By scott from st.louis mo on 2/22/2008
Pros:
none it wont work without
Cons:
needs new drivers, Unreliable
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

junk wont work without new driver so make 1 already doesnt work with vista

 
Trash
By Paul from Knoxville, TN on 2/19/2008
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Piece of trash that doesn't work on Windows XP. The downloadable driver doesn't even work. [$] wasted

 
Great Adapter
By DishKid from Watching TV on 2/15/2008
Pros:
Durable construction, Highly Compatible, Improves Performance, Reliable, Strong Connection Points
Cons:
none I can think of
Best Uses:
Dish STB
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Personal
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

There are a lot comment's that this Adapter would't work with XP. But a friend bought it and work's good using it to program STB. Did not have any trouble installing the included CD with the drivers.

 
It is compatible with Vista
By Shaggy from Cairo, Egypt on 2/13/2008
Pros:
Durable construction, Reliable
Cons:
Compatibility
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Personal
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

After you allow Vista not to find the device drivers, do a Windows Update and you will find the device driver there.

 
Great Product - Vista Compatible
By KVerified Reviewer from Washington, DC on 2/11/2008
Pros:
Durable construction, Highly Compatible, Improves Performance, Reliable, Strong Connection Points, Vista Compatible
Best Uses:
Computer Equipment, High-End Equipment
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Business
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Must change to XP - SP2 in compatibility tab to run under Vista.

 
Works with Unbuntu 7.10 (Linux)
By JammerVerified Reviewer from Kansas City on 2/9/2008
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Personal
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Bought a second one today to use with a Unbuntu 7.10 project. The one I bought a year or so ago, I never got working with XP... Gave Unbuntu a shot and it worked... Ubuntu does not recognize the vendor and product IDs, but it does recognize it as a USB to serial converter and that is all I need... These seem to have lower RF noise than others I've worked with.

 
Horrible product! no update for vista
By Unsatisfied calibration tech from Seattle, WA on 2/8/2008
Cons:
Flimsy Construction, Limited Compatibility, No Performance Gain, Unreliable, Weak Connection Points
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Business
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Have had nothing but problems with this product for the past year on xp and now I have to buy a new one from elsewhere because there is no update for vista with it! [...].

 
Incompatible with Vista
By T from nyc on 2/4/2008
Cons:
Unreliable
Best Uses:
Computer Equipment
Primary use:
Personal
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Product should state what it is compatible with. Not compatible with Vista and no way to know this prior to purchase. $38 wasted.

 
NOT VISTA COMPATIBLE
By none from West Virginia on 1/31/2008
Pros:
None
Cons:
Not VISTA Compatible
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Business
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Package needs to state Vista incompatiblilty!!!

 
doesn't work with Linux
By Joe from NJ from Monmouth County NJ on 1/30/2008
Cons:
Limited Compatibility, New part old part number
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Personal
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Older models of the same part worked with Linux. I bought two new ones and neither worked with Linux. I also had to install a new driver to use it with XP. I can only conclude they changed the chip set and kept the same part number. Not a good idea.

 
good product, easy to use
By Ride_HD from Boston, Ma on 1/30/2008
Pros:
Durable construction, Highly Compatible, Reliable, Strong Connection Points
Best Uses:
Computer Equipment, Networking
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Business
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

good product, easy to install. we use these almost daily to connect to routers, and other equipment and have never had any problems. works much better than the ones other big box stores sell. it works on more equipment. very durable, been in my tool bag getting beat up, but it still works every time.

 
Cable Worked Well - No Complaints
By DevanVerified Reviewer from Jefferson City, MO on 1/17/2008
Pros:
Durable construction, Highly Compatible, Reliable, Strong Connection Points
Describe Yourself:
Value Oriented
Primary use:
Personal
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I used this product to upload medical data from my home laptop computer to my physician and other medical professionals. It worked well.

 
Ask First if Vista Compatible.
By Dave the Deupty Sheriff from Tuttle, OK on 1/13/2008
Pros:
Durable construction, Strong Connection Points
Cons:
Not VISTA Compatible
Best Uses:
Windows XP
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Personal
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Upgraded my laptop from Windows XP Prof (worked okay)to Vista 32 and this usb serial cable does not work. I see no updata disk from Radio Shack. What a waste. Radio Shack needs to update the disk for Vista.

 
This product I am not recommend to any 1
By Sonvizon from Philadelphia, PA on 12/19/2007
Cons:
No Performance Gain, Weak Connection Points
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Personal
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Slow & no update software.

 
Thanks for the help
By WMECO from Commerce City, CO on 12/1/2007
Pros:
Durable construction, Reliable
Cons:
Limited Compatibility
Best Uses:
Computer Equipment
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Business
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I have had this device in service for about 4 years now on XP. My new computer is Vista and it didnt work. Thanks for the postings on running it as a XP compatable program!!! Doing that solved all the problems. Works fine now. R.S. should just post that info on the website. It would make things better.

As for the product I have used it in the field. It has never failed to work. The cable has held up in some harsh enviroments. Other than the Vista issue I would say it is perfect for what I do.

 
Gotta Know What You Are Doing
By ISI - DDC Automation Systems from Atlanta, GA on 11/26/2007
Pros:
Durable construction, Highly Compatible, Improves Performance, Reliable, Strong Connection Points
Best Uses:
Computer Equipment, High-End Equipment, Networking
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Business
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Our company uses these things like crazy. We've had some that were missing the CD but found it easily on the website. IT DOES HAVE VISTA ISSUES but a little search found a very easy fix. We made a CD with the fix on it and have it running on about 25 VISTA machines (basic to ultimate VISTA). If you are not very driver savy stay away... but we have 250+ of these that are in operation and have never had one fail or NOT work at all.[...]

[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

 
VISTA ...SOMEONE MAKE VISTA DRIVER
By UTHA from THE MOON on 11/25/2007
Pros:
Durable construction
Cons:
Unreliable
Describe Yourself:
Value Oriented
Primary use:
Business
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

THIS SUCKS ITS NOTCOMPATIBLE WITH VISTA [...] GIVE US THE DRIVERS FOR VISTA.........

 
Works with vista
By 98 GSXVerified Reviewer from Seattle, WA on 11/23/2007
Pros:
Durable construction
Best Uses:
Computer Equipment
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Personal
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Works with Vista run as Win XP SP2 compatible. I bought this USB to Serial adapater when Vista wasnt an option about 3 years ago...works perfect on my new laptop!!

 
What A Pain!
By Rick BVerified Reviewer from Va. Beach, VA on 11/16/2007
Pros:
Durable
Cons:
Expensive
Best Uses:
Garmin GPS
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

As others have mentioned. No CD with product. After Googling for an hour I came across a link to where on the Radio Shack website you could D/L the drivers. (Not very easy RS!)http://support.radioshack.com/soft.htmLook for file 260-0183.exeAlthough it says it's for W98,W98SE and WindowsME, it worked fine for my WindowsXP. Although I have just had this one day, it's working so far. Hope this helps future buyers of this product.

[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

 
Not Windows Vista Compatible
By ALVerified Reviewer from Houston, Texas on 11/13/2007
Pros:
Durable construction
Cons:
Limited Compatibility
Best Uses:
Computer Equipment
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Personal
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Too bad Radio Shack can't write a simple driver to keep their cables like this compatible with OS upgrades like Vista. Worked ok on XP and lower OS. I was using it on my gps and now am not sure what to do. Time to do more research I guess.

[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

 
Product did not have CD!
By Always dissapointed in radioshack from Boston, MA on 11/8/2007
Cons:
Unreliable
Best Uses:
Useless
Describe Yourself:
Value Oriented
Primary use:
Business
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

This product requires a CD to install the drivers, and unfortunately for you, it does not come with the CD. The instructions say, "put the CD in the drive" And yet, no CD is in the packaging, or in any of the other packages in the store. [...]

 
Vista
By ITguyInAtlanta from Atlanta, GA on 11/7/2007
Pros:
Durable construction, Reliable, Strong Connection Points
Best Uses:
Computer Equipment
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Business
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Had this cable with my Alienware XP laptop to terminal service into our equipment, always worked great. Got a new Alienware with Vista Ultimate, read the reviews that it wouldn't work and was bummed. Found the review to run in XP compatible mode and it works like it used to

[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

 
non compatability
By wizguy from nevada on 11/1/2007
Cons:
Limited Compatibility
Primary use:
Personal

this driver software is non compatible to windows vista, even in compatibility mode. further more, there is no website on the disk to go to and get update version and [...] has no listings or links on there website for updated versions. Very disappointed with [...] and product.

[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

 
Works with Vista Pro
By js from kc, mo on 10/6/2007
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Do as suggested below for running it as a XPsp2 program and it will work fine on Vista.

 
Worked with Windows XP
By acartes from houston, TX on 10/3/2007
Primary use:
Business
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Lack of serial ports on my laptop running Windows XP caused me to try one of these as a replacement for a NULL modem cable.

Installing the driver software allows the device to present itself as a virtual COM port to the OS.

I was able to bind my terminal program (similar to hyperterminal) to the new COM port and use it to access a command terminal.

[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

 
Vista Compatable
By GWLeeVerified Reviewer from ky on 9/29/2007
Pros:
Durable construction, Strong Connection Points
Best Uses:
Computer Equipment
Describe Yourself:
Value Oriented
Primary use:
Personal
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

At first I thought this would not work with Vista, but I was wrong. Also saw the reviews that it would not work, but I can tell you it does work with Vista.
To install, don't let autorun run, stop it and view the file on your cd player. Right click on file and select to run in compatable mode as XP spII. Then double click file to start install and just folow instructions given.
Mine now works perfect just as expected it should. If you don't follow this it will not work with Vista.

 
Sucks
By Mike from NY, NY on 9/27/2007
Pros:
No support, Not worth much
Best Uses:
NONE will not work
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Business
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Not only can I not get this to work on Win XP Pro, their is no support to help get this product to work.

[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

 
Don't believe them... This sucks
By dfmartin from Mansfield on 9/18/2007
Cons:
Limited Compatibility, Unreliable
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

This item is not VISTA compatable. The store will tell you it is but it is NOT! It works sometimes on XP. It depends on the day lol.

[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

 
Not Vista Compatable
By drew from westfield, ma on 9/17/2007
Cons:
Limited Compatibility, Unreliable
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Business
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Not vista compatable. Don't bother with it.

[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

 
this unit is not user friendly
By BC from Bob beckley w.v on 9/13/2007
Pros:
Durable construction, Strong Connection Points
Cons:
Limited Compatibility, No Performance Gain
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Business
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

i like the idea butthe unit is very limited

[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

 
Not Vista Compatable at this time
By Mogo from NC on 9/9/2007
Cons:
Limited Compatibility
Best Uses:
Computer Equipment
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Personal
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Not Vista compatable at this time. The drivers will load sucessfully from the CD to Vista but when you plug in the hardware and Vista tries to find the drivers and install them it fails.

[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

 
Typical garbage by radio shack
By celyna from chicago,il on 9/6/2007
Pros:
No pros at all
Cons:
Unreliable
Best Uses:
Useless
Describe Yourself:
Useless
Primary use:
Personal
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

this is useless piece of garboage [...],its useless under vista and pretty often does not work under some xp. do not even think about buying it. [...]

 
Problems with Vista, Worked with XP
By Karen from Wisconsin on 9/6/2007
Primary use:
Business
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Tried [...] on my Vista computer and I couldn't get it to work. Downloaded the new drivers from the web and tried it again. Still no luck with Vista. After much frustration, I tried installing on my old XP and it worked just fine. No problems. Obviously they just have not perfected the Vista drivers yet. I will be returning it to the store.

 
bad drivers
By Richard from Portland OR on 8/30/2007
Cons:
Unreliable
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented, Value Oriented
Primary use:
Business
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

The none of the drivers worked and my IBM thinkpad running Windows XP pro. I tried the supplied CD and downloaded from the RadioShack website but to no avail. I would recommend against purchasing this product.

 
Cable great BUT software makes it useles
By johnny b from mke wi on 8/27/2007
Pros:
None
Cons:
Wont work no software
Best Uses:
NONE will not work
Primary use:
Business
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

I am taking it back and recomend that no one ever purchase this item . R.S. shame on YOU

 
software doesn't work - cable useless
By Hank from Florida on 8/17/2007
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

I was told to go online to download something that will work with XP... but the site is for another make ("star") and not this cable... I can't seem to get any help on this.. I'd suggest NOT buying this cable ... buy the "star" brand they sell..since I think that cable will work... so far I've wasted almost [$] on this thing.

 
Works great under XP and Linux
By cpe3 from Cranberry Township, PA on 8/15/2007
Pros:
Durable construction, Highly Compatible, Improves Performance, Reliable, Strong Connection Points
Best Uses:
Computer Equipment
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use:
Business
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I use this under Windows, but mostly under Linux. In Linux, the device works fine without the need for any drivers. It shows up at /dev/ttyUSB0.