RadioShack USB to Serial Cable (COM4) Driver

The RadioShack USB to Serial Cable (COM4) driver lets Windows recognize your Radio Shack USB-to-serial adapter and communicate with compatible serial devices. You need it when connecting equipment such as a serial printer, modem, or other legacy hardware to a computer without a built-in serial port, or when the cable appears as an unknown device.

Key Features

• USB-to-serial communication: Provides the software interface needed to send and receive data between Windows applications and compatible serial equipment.
• COM port access: Makes the adapter available as a serial port that supported applications can select. COM4 is the assigned port name, but Windows may assign a different number after installation.
• Legacy equipment support: Helps compatible serial printers and other peripherals work through a USB connection. A connected printer may also require its own printer driver.
• Configurable connection settings: Allows supported serial-port settings, such as baud rate and flow control, to be adjusted to match your equipment.

How to Install RadioShack USB to Serial Cable (COM4) Driver

1. Check your Windows version and cable model. For Windows 11, 10, 8, or 7, confirm that the package supports your exact adapter hardware and system architecture. Older cable revisions may have different compatibility requirements, especially on Windows 10/11.
2. Choose the appropriate package. Before starting your RadioShack USB to Serial Cable (COM4) driver download for Windows, review the compatibility information and select the latest version that explicitly supports your cable. If offered as a free download, it should still be checked for a trusted source and a valid digital signature.
3. Install the driver. Extract the downloaded archive if necessary, then run the installer and follow its prompts. Connect or disconnect the cable when instructed.
4. Check Device Manager. After connecting the adapter, expand “Ports (COM & LPT)” and confirm that it appears without a warning icon. If no installer is included, use “Update driver” and browse to the extracted driver folder.
5. Configure and test your equipment. Select the assigned COM port in your application and match the serial settings to the connected device. Restart Windows if prompted.

Keep the driver updated when a compatible release addresses connection problems or operating-system changes. Before you update, verify hardware support rather than assuming the newest package fits every Radio Shack cable revision. If the connection already works reliably, avoid replacing the driver with an unverified alternative.

Common Issues and Fixes

• Install fails or shows Code 10/28/43: Uninstall any existing USB-to-serial driver in Device Manager (enable View > Show hidden devices), reboot, then run the RadioShack installer as administrator before plugging in the cable. If it still fails, update the driver manually by browsing to the extracted driver folder.
• Device not detected or COM4 missing: Try another USB port and cable. Check Device Manager for Unknown Device or Ports (COM & LPT). If the cable appears without a COM number, open Properties > Port Settings > Advanced and assign COM4 or another free port.
• Driver/version conflicts: Remove conflicting Prolific/FTDI drivers if the adapter uses an older chipset. Keep only one driver version installed, reboot, and verify under Ports. Avoid Windows Update if the vendor installer fails.