This is a customer answer based on my experience:
I'm using Windows XP.

Instructions:

1. Plug the serial device while computer is OFF
(most old device can't connect on insert of device but require restarting while device is in to enable for it to work)

2. Make sure no USB device is connected until computer is fully loaded then serial port works.
(may cuase conflictions in detecting but only until device organiser is functionally detected that you may insert back you USB device)

3. Install recommended software

4. Run PC link follow precedure from manual

5. You may notice that the connect button must be pressed first before pressing link on the protege organizer.

6. Now you can upload & download your data.

7. If you still can't connect then i advise you to uninstall com port 1 and 2 in device manager, shut down, connect device serial device if not conencted, power on, wait till windows is loaded (this is when windows reinstalls the drivers for com port 1 & 2 (its good to start fresh)), run PC link and connect.

Note: the word said in manual "Open serial port" is actually intruction no.1 & this methos was only tested with protege organizer Version 1 not Version 2.

Any word of advice or anything post here