Windows XP detects incorrect device on COM1

>Status New XP Pro Box with Updates current as of 8-26-03.
>
>I am a software developer and I have a program that I
>have moved to XP from W9X and NT2K. The program
>communicates to an electronic scale on COM1 (user
>selectable). The scale is a standard Com device running
>at 1200-N-8-1, also it sends a poll message every .5
>seconds to the host device of the current weight.
>
>The problem occurs as soon as I connect the scale,
>windows immediately detects a new device and installs
>a 'Microsoft Serial Ballpoint' device, it never asks if
>it is ok, it just does it.
>
>When this happens the Com port is opened by this device
>and my software is unable to open the com port because
>the port is already open.
>
>To attempt to work around I have disabled the device
>under device manager, this works temporarily until the
>computer is restarted. After reboot device manager still
>shows the 'Ballpoint' disabled, but the com port is
>unable to open due to it already being open by
>the 'Ballpoint' device. I can then disable the Com port,
>boot windows and re-enable the com port after boot and
>all is well again. This has to be done every time windows
>is booted.
>
>The only thing that I can think is happening is that
>Windows sees the string sent from the device at Boot and
>decides it is a 'Ballpoint', it then installs the device
>making the Com port unuseable. There must be some way to
>keep windows from looking at this com port at boot up?
>
>If anyone can help please email me (sspr123@hotmail.com)
>or respond to this message.