Why doesn't the computer recognize the USB adapter (COM ports)?
Usually the driver was never installed, or an old one was carried over by a Windows update. Install the right driver for your adapter (FTDI for the USB button, ATEN UC232A for the older adapter), then plug it in.
Usually the driver was never installed, or an old driver was carried over when Windows was updated. Confirm you have the right driver for your adapter and version of Windows, install it (uninstalling the old one first if needed), then plug the adapter in and let Windows recognize it. Windows normally shows a notice that the device installed and which COM number it was given.
To confirm the COM number later, open Device Manager and look under Ports. Both drivers are in the Drivers section of the Software page: the FTDI driver for the USB capture button, and the ATEN UC232A driver for the older adapter. Capture button not working walks through which one you need.
Goes deeper
- Capture button not working — Troubleshoot · Software · FinishLynx · Capture
Related questions
- My USB adapter is installed, but the COM port isn't listed in the dropdown. — FinishLynx reads COM ports when it opens, so plug the adapter in first and restart FinishLynx. If Device Manager shows a warning on it, reinstall its driver; current versions already list every port type (TypeMask -1).
- Which capture button cable do I need? — Two kinds: a 9-pin serial to 3-pin XLR cable with a USB-to-serial adapter (older), or the current USB-to-XLR cable with no adapter, which is Windows 11 compatible. Each needs its own driver.
- Why do I get the message "Capture Button Serial Port Unavailable"? — Harmless if you use Auto Capture. If you use the button, its COM port wasn't found: plug the button in before opening FinishLynx and select its port in File | Options | General.