PRB: Unable to open device \\.\Ppshell

ID: Q192100

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Windows CE Embedded Toolkit for Visual C++ 5.0
• Microsoft Windows CE 2.10 Enhancement Pack for Windows CE Embedded Toolkit for Visual C++ 5.0

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to use the PPSH or CESH utilities, the following or similar message box appears:

    Unable to open device \\.\Ppshell
    Unable to create file on device \\.\Ppshell

CAUSE

The PPSH or CESH utility is not able to communicate with the appropriate port for parallel or serial communications.

RESOLUTION

Look for the following possible causes of this problem:

If You Use Parallel Port Communications

• The following device drivers must not be started: Parallel, Parport, ParVdm.

        You can check the status of devices on Windows NT 4.0 by pointing to
        Settings on the Start menu, choosing Control Panel, and selecting
        Devices.
  

• The PPSHell device driver must be started.
• The following registry keys must correctly match your parallel port hardware configuration:

        HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\ppsh: Interrupt Vector
                                                     Interrupt Level
                                                     Port Address
  
  

• Ensure that the hardware parallel port I/O address and interrupt request line (IRQ) do not conflict with any other hardware devices on the system.
• A second process, such as another instance of PPSH, may already have the device open. Only one process can access the PPSHell device at a time.

If You Use Serial Port Communications

• A second process, such as the mouse driver, Windows CE Services, or another instance of CESH, may already have the device open. Only one process can access a given COM port at a time.
• The Serial device driver must be started.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

REFERENCES

Refer to your product's online documentation for details on usage and configuration of the PPSH or CESH utilities.

Additional query words:

Keywords          : kbVC500 kbWinCE200 kbWinCE210 
Version           : WINDOWS:
Platform          : winnt
Issue type        : kbprb

Last Reviewed: March 18, 1999