Prolific PL-2303 driver Device Cannot Start Windows Vista 64bit and Windows 7
I’ve had this problem a couple times and the solution seems to be slightly different each time. The problem presents itself as a Device in Device Manager showing “”The Device Cannot Start (Code 10)” after you’ve installed the Prolific PL-2303 Drivers from the Prolific website. Which are available here: http://www.prolific.com.tw/eng/downloads.asp?ID=31
The solution is to use a similar driver set floating around on the internet here: http://www.usglobalsat.com/download/546/win_drivers.zip
Unzip the file and install the executable within. That fix solved the problem for me instantly. To make sure that the new driver take priority over the other one in Windows 7 right click on the device and go to Unistall and check “Delete the driver software for this device”. I found this solution on the microsoft social forums here.

great solution it is working in Windows 7 64-bit thanks
Perfect solution, thanks very much W7 Running
[...] Prolific PL-2303 driver Device Cannot Start Windows Vista 64bit … [...]
Worked like a charm (on x64). Thanks.
I was pointed here claiming this fix was for Win7 x64, but I can vouch for the fact that it also helps in Win7 x86. We’ve set up several USB-Serial adapters in windows 7 32-bit with no issues, but a particular brand kept going Code 10.
So this fix also helps this problem in 32-bit Win7.
Thanks Bro…..It works for me…..Thank you very much…
Thank you! You solved my problem!
It works fine and instantly!
This driver which I got from the Prolific site worked for me: PL2303_Prolific_GPS_1013_20090319. Supposedly it fixes a problem with a GPS device, but I am using it successfully for a USB to Serial adapter.
thank you!
this worked for me with my dealextreme order USB2.0 to serial converter.
I use windows 7 64bits, connected to serial 1-wire hobbyboards hub.
thanks! worked for me to . win7 32 bits
Wow, literally tried everything and this was the only driver that worked in Win 7 32bit). Many thanks!
Thanks a lot! It works fine with my PL2303 based usb-to-serial adapter (Matsuyama CF215). I’m using Win7 x64 and the most recent Prolific’s drivers didn’t works.
Thank you very much paul,
I need this driver to run my Atmel AVR programmer…
keep post any solution brother… ^_^
It works for me!
Thank you very much!
I’m using Win7 x64 and the most rent drivers(1210) did not work.
BIG Thanks. That all in one version has worked for me and my Win 7 64 bit laptop.
It took a long time to find this and it’s a huge relief. Well done for finding it and posting the solution here.
I was going insane. You saved me. Thanx!!!!!!!!
Thank you very much bro.. its working..
I too was getting the same error, this fix worked for me
Win7 64bit Pro
Cheers
Jason
Win7 64bit Ent
Not resolved
Error 01
So thanks.it was a very big help.
Thank you so much !
I was so tiredddd of looking for this driver
This link below is no longer valid. Anybody have the new link?
http://www.usglobalsat.com/download/546/win_drivers.zip
Hi guys,
The link provided, http://www.usglobalsat.com/download/546/win_drivers.zip is not working. Can anyone tell me some other link ???
Thanks alot
Solved for me: Win7 with Sitecom CN-104 V2 (older PL-2303 based cable)
Seems like there are a lot of people experiencing problems with USB to Serial cables in Win7 or Vista. Searched all over the internet and found tons of driver (ser2pl(64).sys) versions ranging from 3.2.0.0 to 3.3.11.152, but despite all the efforts none worked for me and looking at all the posts here, there still are quite some people who can’t get it to work.
But luckily I found a solution that works for me and I hope it helps others too !
On the website of ICIDU.com (who amongst others sell USB to serial cables), I found 32 bit Vista and Win7 drivers. The version of the ser2pl(64).sys is 3.0.1.0, which seems to me the first/oldest version I have found so far. And guess what: IT WORKS !
I first uninstalled ánd deleted the old drivers and then updated the drivers (Update driver > Browse my computer for driver software > Browse) with the ones I found here:
http://www.icidu.com/productdownloads/C-707607/drivers/C-707607%20Driver%2098%20-%20XP%20-%20Vista%20-%207%20-%20Linux%20-%20Mac%2032%20bits.zip
After a few seconds I got a “This device is working properly” and it works like a charm !
Hope this solves some of your problems too !!
Used this driver for my Windows 7 64 Bit, only one that worked for me, all others just gave me Code 10. Happily telnetting right now
)
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=IXEYXPJ6
It really works, great !!!!!!! Thank you very much !!!!
I’ve been trying to get into a phone server for HOURS and this USB to Serial is what I needed. After all the searching for correct drivers for win7 x64..FINALLY Binzelli’s suggestion worked!!
Use the drivers located here:
http://www.icidu.com/productdownloads/C-707607/drivers/C-707607%20Driver%2098%20-%20XP%20-%20Vista%20-%207%20-%20Linux%20-%20Mac%2032%20bits.zip
AMAZING!
Hello all,
and … Thx to you M. Binzelli this driver works very fine for me on W7-64 .
Thx thx thx !
Dears,
It is working now Win7 64b.
Many thanks to OnHEL this driver is working fine.
Binzelli and OnHel..
THANK YOU VERY VERY MUCH!!!IT WORKED!!!AMAZING!!!
Prolific really need to change their site!when you get code 10 error, they say its an error in the cable!
The icidu.com link worked for me on Win7 Enterprise 32-bit, no more Code 10! The Prolific site appears to be down right now (code 500) but it’s a waste of space anyway. Cheers for the link!
Binzelli,
Thanks a bunch, its on the eve of my project presentation day and almost formatted my computer. You saved me alot of inconviniences. Open source rocks!
Working!!!
With the Isidu driver
Windows 7 Enterprice 64 Bit
Link is dead and 404′ing.
Thanks!
Installed perfectly on on Win7 32bits.
BInzelli:
At last I could installed the correct driver by your suggestion.
The error message I encounterd was [Can't copy Inf file. Faled to install] which is different from the others here, but your method worked !
Thanks you and ICIDU.com.