A Siemens OP 15 C1 rejects a ProTool configuration transfer with E4017: Protocol error with serial connection for lines FFFF021BH. The reported setup uses panel order number 6AV3515-1MA20-1AA0, firmware 2.30, ProTool in a Windows XP virtual machine, and a Windows 7 x64 host.
Confirm the Transfer State
The previous configuration was deleted by holding ESC + RIGHT + DOWN during power-up, and the panel was reported to be in transfer mode. Confirm that transfer mode remains displayed immediately before starting the ProTool download. This separates a panel-state problem from a serial-path problem.
Identify What E4017 Establishes
| Item | Evidence | Engineering conclusion |
|---|---|---|
| ProTool message | E4017: Protocol error with serial connection for lines FFFF021BH | The attempted serial transfer did not complete; the evidence does not identify which endpoint caused the protocol failure. |
| Selected interface | COM 1 Serial | The configured port is known, but successful end-to-end communication is not proven. |
| Execution environment | ProTool runs inside Windows XP hosted by Windows 7 x64 | The virtual-machine serial mapping remains part of the communication path. |
| Cabling | Two fabricated cables produced the same error; one reportedly followed the referenced OP 15 transfer assignment | The repeated error does not prove either cable electrically correct. |
| Panel state | Old configuration deleted; panel reported in transfer mode | Transfer readiness was addressed, but should be reconfirmed for each attempt. |
Isolate the Serial Path
- Place the OP 15 C1 in transfer mode and verify that it remains there before initiating the download.
- Verify that ProTool is configured for COM 1 and that COM 1 is assigned to the Windows XP virtual machine during the transfer attempt.
- Check the fabricated cable conductor-by-conductor against the documented serial cable assignment for transferring a configuration to an RMOS operator panel. Do not treat matching connector shapes as proof of correct wiring.
- Repeat the transfer with only one verified cable. Record whether ProTool returns the same E4017 message and FFFF021BH line reference.
- If E4017 persists, test the transfer outside the current virtualized serial path when suitable hardware is available. The evidence does not establish whether the unresolved fault is the cable, serial-port virtualization, host interface, or panel interface.
Verify the Result
A successful test requires ProTool to progress beyond E4017 and complete the configuration transfer while the panel is in transfer mode. Merely confirming that COM 1 appears or works inside the virtual machine does not verify communication through the cable to the panel. If the error remains, preserve the exact message, panel order number, firmware, cable assignment, and host arrangement for further diagnosis.
FAQ
What does ProTool error E4017 mean on an OP 15 C1?
In this case, ProTool reports “E4017: Protocol error with serial connection for lines FFFF021BH.” It confirms that the serial transfer failed, but the available evidence does not identify the defective endpoint.
How do I put the Siemens OP 15 C1 into transfer mode?
The reported procedure holds ESC, RIGHT, and DOWN during power-up. Confirm that the panel displays transfer mode before starting the ProTool download.
Can ProTool transfer to an OP 15 C1 through a Windows XP virtual machine?
The evidence confirms that ProTool ran in an XP virtual machine with COM 1 visible, but the transfer still failed with E4017. Verify COM 1 assignment, the documented cable wiring, and—if the error persists—test outside the virtualized serial path.