Hi Goeytex,
I'm certainly no Windows expert, but that procedure seems a little drastic. Is one likely to have to search around for some ancient Install disc in a few months time when one plugs in an occasionally-used USB dongle? Or does Windows keep a complete set of previously-used "INF" files, or whatever are required to re-install USB devices?
Firstly, it doesn't seem to be essential to work right down through the list of COM ports, it appears to be possible just to "hijack" any one of the "in use" ports, e.g. 16 or below to use the PE (but I've only just tried this for the first time).
However, a Google found this rather interesting
Microsoft support document. It allows you to see what Windows
thinks is using all the COM ports. You may well find a particular device which you know you will never use again, or which appears to be hogging an excessive number of Ports, that you can delete with a right-click.
Cheers, Alan.