Prolific Usb To Serial Comm Port Version 32 00 Download 2021 [portable] May 2026

How to Download and Install Prolific USB-to-Serial Driver Version 3.2.0.0

The Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port Version 3.2.0.0 is widely regarded by technicians and radio hobbyists as the "magic" driver for resolving connectivity issues with PL2303-based adapters. While newer drivers often fail or trigger "Code 10" errors on modern operating systems like Windows 10 and 11, version 3.2.0.0 (dated July 31, 2007) remains the most stable legacy solution. Why Version 3.2.0.0 is Essential in 2021 and Beyond

Most "Code 10" or "Device cannot start" errors occur because modern Windows updates automatically install the latest Prolific drivers. These newer versions are often incompatible with older or "clone" PL2303 chips. Reverting or "backdating" to v3.2.0.0 is the industry-standard fix for: Yellow Warning Triangles in Device Manager. "Phased Out" messages from the manufacturer.

Programming Cable Issues for ham radios and other serial equipment. Step-by-Step: Downloading and Installing Version 3.2.0.0

To successfully bypass Windows' tendency to update your driver automatically, follow these manual installation steps. 1. Download the Driver Package

Reliable legacy versions can be found through archived hardware support sites like Miklor or VE7ED. Ensure you download the version specifically labeled 3.2.0.0. 2. Prepare Your System

Unplug the USB Cable: Remove the adapter from your PC before starting the installation.

Create a Work Folder: Save your download into a dedicated folder (e.g., C:\PL2303_Fix) for easy access. 3. Run the Installer Double-click the .exe or run the setup from the .zip file.

Follow the prompts in the InstallShield Wizard and click Finish when done. 4. Manually Select the Driver in Device Manager prolific usb to serial comm port version 32 00 download 2021

Even after running the installer, Windows may still try to use a newer version. You must force it to use v3.2.0.0: Plug in your USB-to-Serial adapter. Open Device Manager (Right-click Start > Device Manager).

Expand Ports (COM & LPT) and right-click Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port. Select Update driver > Browse my computer for drivers.

Choose Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.

Select the entry that specifically says Version: 3.2.0.0 [7/31/2007] and click Next. Troubleshooting Common Issues Cables & Drivers - Prolific & FTDI - Miklor

Official Source (Still Working as of 2021–2023 Archive)

1. Go to the official Prolific website: www.prolific.com.tw
2. Navigate to Support → Driver Downloads.
3. Under "PL-2303 Series," select "PL-2303 USB to Serial Bridge Controller."
4. Look for the file named:
   PL2303_Prolific_DriverInstaller_v3200_20210322.zip
5. Verify the file signature: Version 3.2.0.0 (build 20210322) – this is Version 32.00.
6. Download the installer (size approx. 2.5 MB).

Step 1: Identify Your Hardware Chipset

Before downloading, you need to know what you have so you don't install a driver that breaks your device.

1. Plug in your USB-to-Serial adapter.
2. Open Device Manager (Right-click Start button -> Device Manager).
3. Look under Ports (COM & LPT).
4. Right-click your device and select Properties.
5. Go to the Details tab and select Hardware IDs from the dropdown.
   • Genuine Chip: Usually shows USB\VID_067B&PID_2303.
   • Fake Chip: Often shows the same ID, but if you install the newest driver and get a "Code 10" error, you have a fake chip.

Step-by-Step Installation

1. Uninstall existing drivers:

   • Open Device Manager.
   • Right-click the Prolific COM port → Uninstall device.
   • Check the box "Delete the driver software for this device".
   • Unplug the USB adapter.

2. Run the Version 32.00 installer:

   • Right-click PL2303_Prolific_DriverInstaller_v3200_20210322.exe → Run as Administrator.
   • Follow the wizard (accept the EULA).
   • Do not plug in the device yet.

3. Manually install the driver:

   • After installation, plug in the USB adapter.
   • Open Device Manager – you might still see a yellow bang.
   • Right-click the device → Update driver → Browse my computer → Let me pick from a list.
   • Select "Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port (Version 32.00.00)" from the list.
   • Ignore compatibility warnings and click Yes.

4. Verify:

   • The device should now show under Ports (COM & LPT) without an error.
   • Right-click → Properties → Driver tab → Driver Version should be 3.2.0.0 dated 2021-03-22.

Frequently Asked Questions (2021 Edition)

Q: Can I use version 32.00 on Windows 11?
A: Yes, but only by disabling driver signature enforcement and using the legacy installer. Microsoft does not recommend it for daily use.

Q: The driver installs, but my serial device doesn’t respond. Why?
A: Version 32.00 disables certain high-speed modes on older chips. Lower your baud rate to 9600 or 19200 in your terminal software (PuTTY, Tera Term).

Q: I lost my installer. Is version 31.00 the same?
A: No. Version 31.00 (2019) lacks support for Windows 10 20H2’s USB stack, causing random disconnects. Always get version 32.00.

Q: My adapter has a PL-2303TA chip. Will this work?
A: Yes, but TA chips were frequently counterfeited. If you get Code 10 with v32.00, your chip is fake. Buy a genuine adapter from StarTech, Plugable, or ATEN.

Safe Download Options (2021 timeframe)

In 2021, the most common sources for 3.2.0.0 were:

1. DriverGuide / Station-Drivers – archived legacy driver packs.
2. Prolific’s official site – but they removed old versions; only 3.8.x+ available now.
3. Chip’s GitHub / driver backup repositories – user-uploaded, but check hashes.

⚠️ Warning: Many “driver download” sites bundle malware. Avoid driver-solution.com, drp.su, etc.

The Legacy

By late 2021, Prolific had released v3.4.0.0 and v3.5.x drivers, but v3.2.0.0 remained popular because it struck a balance — newer than the very old drivers (which Windows Update might block) but before more aggressive counterfeit blocking in later versions. How to Download and Install Prolific USB-to-Serial Driver

Final Caution (Important)

If you still need this specific driver today, always scan the downloaded .exe or .zip with VirusTotal or Windows Defender. Many sites claiming to offer “PL2303 v3.2.0.0” actually bundle malware. When in doubt, use the Windows Update Catalog or Microsoft Update — Prolific drivers are often pushed through Windows Update as optional updates.

Would you like help identifying whether your adapter has a genuine or counterfeit PL2303 chip?

Fixing the Prolific USB-to-Serial "Code 10" Error: A Guide to Driver Version 3.2.0.0

If you have tried to connect an older Prolific USB-to-Serial adapter recently, you have likely encountered the dreaded yellow warning triangle in Device Manager or a "This Device Cannot Start (Code 10)" error. This usually happens because Windows automatically updates your driver to a newer version that intentionally lacks support for legacy or "phased out" PL2303 chips.

The most reliable solution as of 2021 is to manually "backdate" your driver to Version 3.2.0.0. Why Version 3.2.0.0?

Newer drivers (often versions 3.8.x and above) are designed for the latest chip revisions and will often block older hardware. Version 3.2.0.0 is widely recognized as the "magic" legacy driver that restores functionality for older PL2303 HXA/XA and TA/TB chips on Windows 10 and 11. Step-by-Step Installation Guide

To get your adapter working again, follow these steps to force Windows to use the older driver version: Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port (COM4) Driver for System