How are you actually connecting ? Serial, PSTN or Ethernet ?
Before starting up RSS ensure that the comm's server has been shut down in the Windows system tray. When it asks about shutdown, enter 0 to shut down immediately.
Then start up RSS by right clicking comms server and front shell and running as administrator. Click 'ok' to allow the comms server to start up, then login with manager and password.
Then open the site in question, right click the comms and setup the connection you require. COM / Ethernet / Etc.