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6 Ft. (1.8m) USB-to-Serial Port Cable image
 
(based on 124 ratings)
Read All Reviews
Brand:RadioShack
Located in:Computers, Accessories, Cables, filters & adapters
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:
 
2.6 stars
(based on 124 reviews)
49% of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Customers most agreed on the following attributes:

Pros:
Durable construction(30), Easy to use(14), Good performance(18), Good value(11), Highly compatible(11)
Cons:
Limited compatibility(21), No performance gain(5), Unreliable(12)
Best Uses:
Computer equipment(26), High-end equipment(7), Networking(3), NONE will not work(3)
Describe Yourself:
Quality oriented(38), Value oriented(14)
Primary use:
Personal(3)
Primary use of this product:
Business(24), Personal(30)
 
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 of this product:
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 of this product:
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 of this product:
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 of this product:
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 of this product:
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 of this product:
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 of this product:
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 of this product:
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 of this product:
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 of this product:
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 of this product:
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 of this product:
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 of this product:
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 of this product:
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 of this product:
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 of this product:
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 of this product:
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 of this product:
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 of this product:
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 of this product:
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 of this product:
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 of this product:
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 of this product:
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 of this product:
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 of this product:
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 of this product:
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 of this product:
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 of this product:
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 of this product:
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 of this product:
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 of this product:
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 of this product:
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 of this product:
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 of this product:
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 of this product:
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 of this product:
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 of this product:
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 of this product:
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 of this product:
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 of this product:
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 of this product:
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 of this product:
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 of this product:
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.

 
works with vista
By mike from NJ on 8/14/2007
Pros:
Reliable
Best Uses:
Computer Equipment
Describe Yourself:
Value Oriented
Primary use of this product:
Personal
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

had some problems loading the drivers on my Vista OS until I read scooty's review on 7-31-07 and now it works fine. thanks Scotty!

 
After numerous attempts, doesn't work...
By Alex L from Philadelphia, PA on 8/11/2007
Pros:
Durable construction
Cons:
Limited Compatibility, Price
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented, Value Oriented
Primary use of this product:
Personal
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Spent way too much time trying to get this to work and recieved no results. Many people have had success using methods from earlier reviews, but I have not. I followed [...] posts to no avail. As stated earlier though, it does make a great leash.

 
Follow Instructions Step-by-step
By I<3Composites from Newark, DE on 8/10/2007
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Initially I was having issues with my computer recognizing the cable even after I installed the software without looking at the instruction sheet. After I unplugged everything, uninstalled the software, and rebooted I then followed the few steps of instructions exactly and everything worked perfectly. I am using a computer with Windows XP Pro.

 
Works fine for me !!
By ideasfarmVerified Reviewer from Luton, England on 8/6/2007
Pros:
Durable construction, Highly Compatible, Strong Connection Points
Cons:
Haven't found any
Best Uses:
Computer Equipment, PLC HMI
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented, Value Oriented
Primary use of this product:
Business
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I have had this adapter for 2 years now and it is more widely compatible than any other serial/USB adapter I have ever used. Not 100%, but then some of the compatibility problems are at the other end of the line, so don't blame every failure on the adapter (you know who you are Allen-Bradley).

 
Worked Perfect With Windows XP SP2
By Jwptrek from Thornton, CO on 8/6/2007
Pros:
Durable construction, Improves Performance, Strong Connection Points
Cons:
Limited Compatibility
Best Uses:
Computer Equipment
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use of this product:
Personal

Worked well to add a serial port to my PC with Windows XP SP2. The only thing was that Windows complained about the driver not being certified. Driver installed quickly and effortlessly.

 
Does indeed work with VIsta
By JWVerified Reviewer from Houston, TX on 8/4/2007
Pros:
Reliable
Cons:
Limited Compatibility
Best Uses:
Computer Equipment
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use of this product:
Personal
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I was ready to take this back to Radio Shack after a afternoon of searching for a Vista driver. Then I looked on the Radio Shack site and saw Scott's post on 7/31/07. I tried his recommendation and in a few minutes I was up and running. This product does work on Windows Vista.

 
Seems to work with Vista
By Kevin F. from Sacramento, CA on 8/1/2007
Pros:
Seems to work with Vista
Cons:
Poor instructions, price
Best Uses:
Computer Equipment
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented, Value Oriented
Primary use of this product:
Personal
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I really panicked when I saw all the messages that this cable wasn't compatible with XP, much less Vista, which I have on my laptop. So I took the advice of Don P from Discovery Bay, CA on 5/4/2007 and followed the instructions supplied by Rick D from Sequim, WA on 3/12/07, for using the cable's CD-rom with Vista's compatibility function. The drivers loaded without a hitch. Now I haven't actually used the cable at this point, but unless I'm even less computer-savvy than I thought, there's no reason why it shouldn't ...Right?

 
Does work with VISTA
By ScottVerified Reviewer from Sacramento, CA on 7/31/2007
Pros:
Reliable
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Even easier than Rick D from Sequim, WA post on 3/12/07. Just right-click on the installer program on the CD, select Properties, Compatability tab. I wasn't able to enable "Run this prog as Admin", but just enable "Run this prog in compat mode": Win XP SP2, and it loaded no problem at all on my Vista laptop. Installs at COM 4 port.

 
Save Money....Look Elsewhere
By Foxfire from Monroe, LA on 7/30/2007
Pros:
Not worth much, Strong Connection Points
Cons:
Unreliable
Best Uses:
Computer Equipment, Fishing Line
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use of this product:
Personal
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Still trying to get it to work with VISTA. Probably going to return it to the store. Save your money. There are other cables of similiar nature out there. [...]

 
Can't say won't install
By JVerified Reviewer from Ft. Lauderdale, FL on 7/28/2007
Cons:
Is it 2007 or 1987
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use of this product:
Business
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Can't you just have the drivers to download for your operating system, without the .exe I've used several different manufactures and they have all worked great. Yours to much of a pain to even bother with.

 
works if you know how
By haywire from Radcliff, Ky on 7/27/2007
Pros:
Durable construction, Highly Compatible, Improves Performance, Reliable, Strong Connection Points
Best Uses:
Computer Equipment
Describe Yourself:
Quality Oriented
Primary use of this product:
Personal
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Have installed 8 of these for different people and no problem on any OS, Everyone has install on COMM 4.

 
Complete garbage
By i hate radio shack from nebraska on 7/22/2007
Cons:
Limited Compatibility, No Performance Gain, Unreliable
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

will not work with xp everytime i plug it in it askes me to install driver. I install driver. Then unplug and plug in again. it asks me to install driver again. i install driver again. it says driver already installed. i reinstall driver. unplug and plug in again so it will recognize the cable.... install driver.. this thing is better suited as a dog leash.

 
Would not Install On XP
By AdamVerified Reviewer from Athens, GA on 7/17/2007
Pros:
None
Cons:
Limited Compatibility, Won't Install on XP
Best Uses:
Computer Equipment
Describe Yourself:
Controls Engineer
Primary use of this product:
Business
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Purchased from RS on 7/17/07. Driver on CD: "Radioshack USB to Serial Driver.EXE" file dated 3/21/2007 crashed and would not load on laptop running fully patched (as of 7/17/07) XP SP2. Downloaded "updated" driver from RadioShack.com, file "2600183.exe" dated 7/26/06. This file also crashed and would not install. Taking item back. Would not recommend for XP or any other OS as product does not seem to be supported.

 
Be Cautious
By Martin from Columbus, GA on 7/10/2007
Pros:
Durable construction, Strong Connection Points
Cons:
Limited Compatibility
Primary use of this product:
Personal
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

The Drivers on the disk ARE NOT compatable with Windows XP. If your computer uses Windows XP, do not buy this cable.

 
Cable is too long and box ...
By H. Jesse H from H. Jesse on 6/23/2007

Cable is too long and box is too large. Only seems to work when it feels like it. NO VISTA drivers and no updates?!

 
We have used about 8 of ...
By Mark R from Chesapeake, VA on 6/12/2007

We have used about 8 of these constantly for a few years now to test field instruments. Never ever had an issue, which is more than I can say for many other brands of USB/232 adapters.

 
Won't work with XP x64, ...
By Michael AVerified Reviewer from New Jersey on 6/4/2007

Won't work with XP x64, or any other x64 os. :( Ok, I got this cable to work on windows 2003 enterprise. I needed it to attach my APC UPS to a computer with no Serial Port... However, I could never get this to work with Longhorn, or any x64 OS. including x64 XP. So to add to the "will not work with" list add any 64 bit windows os. How can you say this is windows compatible if you don't subject the product to the MS Hardware compatibility tests?

 
Vista Compatibility: I ...
By Don P from Discovery Bay, CA on 5/4/2007

Vista Compatibility: I followed the instructions supplied by Rick D from Sequim, WA on 3/12/07 and it works just fine. Previously used it on an XP system with no problem.

 
I travel and often need ...
By Ed O from NJ on 5/3/2007

I travel and often need to connect this to existing audio and video equipment. It has worked flawlessly with every serial device I have connected it to. The only problem I have had is occasionally the driver needs to be reinstalled. Keep a copy of it on your hard drive.

 
Read back in the posts. ...
By David G from SC on 5/2/2007

Read back in the posts. People ARE getting this cable to work with Vista.

 
Work perfectly with W2K ...
By Joel G from Illinois on 4/23/2007

Work perfectly with W2K and XP. I use it to program Basic stamps. Never had an issue.

 
Doesn't work with Vista.
By Eddie V from Everett, WA on 4/19/2007

Doesn't work with Vista.

 
Drivers do not work with ...
By Charlotte H from kGalena, KS on 4/17/2007

Drivers do not work with Vista and the cd containing the drivers is hidden in the packaging. Sales staff very helpful but still it doesn't work for me. Thanks

 
Can't speak to the Vista ...
By Rich A from Salt Lake City on 4/16/2007

Can't speak to the Vista or MAC issues -- only used it on XP and 2000. Yes, you can change the COM port assignment, and I've found this to work with more devices than about any adapter I've used.

 
Drivers do not work with ...
By Darren K from West Lafayette on 4/16/2007

Drivers do not work with Vista

 
No configuration for port ...
By Wim R from Amsterdam on 4/4/2007

No configuration for port number. Therefore unsuable for me. Need a setting for port com2: During install windows complains about signature. Overall: Oldfashioned stuff.

 
Shipped drivers do not ...
By Scott h from nd on 4/3/2007

Shipped drivers do not work with Vista. Updated drivers do not work with Vista.

 
It's okay on Windows, but ...
By Len B from Ca on 3/18/2007

It's okay on Windows, but there are no drivers for Mac OS. WHY? A cable just shouldn't be an issue!

 
Does not work w/Vista - ...
By Dan L from NYC