LPT to USB printing port.

[rubberman]

At work we have this outdated but useful program at runs in a DOS window. The problem is that the only option to print a report is via LPT port. I thought i read somewhere that i could do a virtual port LPT and make it print thru the USB printer. anyone know how?

[MrTmar]

I am not sure if this will help:

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=154498

If you don't have a server you can share your printer on your workstation and then run this:

net use lpt1: \\<your machine name goes here>\hp6300

I followed this with:

copy con lpt1:
Testing print
^Z
1 file(s) copied.

and a document appeared in my WIndows XP printer queue. I am not sure if the application actually polls the LPT port - I have seen applications where a physical printer must be connected to the LPT port for the program to begin to print - even to print to a network printer captured as above. If that is the case running a DOS emulator or VMWare should work. I have successfully used LPT based scanners in Windows XP with a VMWare Windows 98 host. The Windows HAL may be a problem with direct access to the port.

Good luck.

[Supreme2k]

I don't know if this is an option, but you may be able to simply write a new program if it is a simple printing matter.

We had a ton of DOS programs at my old job that i was able to integrate into a Word macro. Things like databases and report generators.

Also, there are often free Windows versions of the software that you would like to replace.