After the driver is fixed, ensure your software is configured to talk to the cable: 9600 (Standard for Cisco/Console). Data bits: 8 Stop bits: 1 Parity: None Flow Control: None Summary Checklist Potential Solution Yellow Exclamation Mark Install Prolific/FTDI Driver Code 10 Error Roll back to an older driver version No COM Port assigned Change USB ports or check "Hardware IDs" Garbage Text in PuTTY Match the Baud Rate (usually 9600 or 115200)
Once identified, download the official driver from the manufacturer: awm 20251 console cable driver download fix
Select .
Go to the tab, select Hardware Ids from the dropdown. Look for VID_XXXX&PID_XXXX . VID 067B: Prolific Chipset (Most common for AWM 20251). VID 0403: FTDI Chipset. 2. Download the Correct Driver After the driver is fixed, ensure your software
Choose an older version (e.g., version 3.3.2 or 3.8.x from 2008–2015). Look for VID_XXXX&PID_XXXX
The "AWM 20251" text on the cable jacket actually refers to the wiring standard (UL rating), not the internal chip. To fix the driver, you must identify the hardware inside the USB connector: Right-click and select Device Manager . Expand Ports (COM & LPT) or Other Devices . Right-click the problematic device and select Properties .
If you see "This device cannot start (Code 10)" after installing the driver, you are likely using a legacy Prolific chip. Windows automatically updates to a newer driver version that intentionally disables older chips. Right-click the device in Device Manager > Update Driver . Select Browse my computer for drivers .