SMI TFR Program in 32 bit Virtual Mode

On a new 64 bit pc using windows 7 professional I wanted to
continue to be able to download co-ordinates using the
SMI TFR program by running it in the 32 bit XP virtual mode environment.
Skipping a lot, it all came down to the need to configure the com port.
My cable is made up of the data collector side serial cable + null modem +
usb to serial cable plugged into the pc. When I plugged it in my pc found
a driver for this "new hardware" from Prolific: The two files were
C:WindowsSystem 32DRIVERSser2pl64.sys
C:WindowsSystem 32DRIVERSserenum.sys
You can view them by going (with Administrative user privilege)in the 64 bit
environment to
Control Panel > System > Device Manager > then double clicking on
Ports Com & LPT > click on the appropriate Com Port > Settings Tab >
then click on ADVANCED. Change the box with the number for the port
using the drop down window arrow and choose a number from 1-4 to
sync with SMI TFR (only allows 1-4 recommends 2). My pc had chosen the
number 5 automatically so I changed it to 2. Now I have configured the
PC'sphysical port (note: in xp mode there's a virtual port.)
Next we want to make sure virtual xp mode uses the
physical port and not the virtual one within xp mode.
1) In 64 bit mode (with Administrative user privileges)go to the lower
left of windows screen: hit START(the round windows icon)then left clicking:
> All programs > Windows Virtual PC this should cause drop down of
double-screened icon files Windows Virtual PC and Windows XP mode
left click on Windows Virtual PC which should take you to a big file
screen with that file then Right Click on the file and choose: Settings
Now you should see a left column labeled "setting" and right column "Current Value"
Looking at left column note com 2 (or your chosen com) and to the right
the Current Value had a radio button labeled "None": change it to:
"Physical Serial Port" by choosing it's radio button. Then check "on" for the square called "Wait for modem" Then pray before hitting "OK" Next try'er out.
It's working for me. I love SMI and although I know this is the last gasp
for this program I will truly miss the era of people like Stanley Trent.