Virtual LPT Port in DOS?

Question

I have just bought a new Dell computer which does not have parellel port or serial port. Therefore I do not have LPT1 port and COM port. Now, the problem is, there is no way for me to map LPT1 port for DOS printing. I cannot not use the command of NET USE LPT1 \\ServerName\PrnterName to map my network printer. What can I do?

Please help and advice.

Answer 1

If you have USB ports, they would appear as mapped to USBLPT1 or something similar to that in DOS.

Net use command should work, but you need to be logged in as administrator.

Answer 2

I found this:

Printing from DOS applications in Windows XP to a non-Parallel printer



In order to print from DOS in an offline environment in Windows XP, you will need to first install the Microsoft Loopback Adapter. Note if you are on a LAN, skip steps 1 and 2, and use your computer's IP address in the command in Step 4.

Install the Microsoft Loopback Adapter
In Control Panel, double click on Add Hardware.
Click Next
When the scan finishes, select "Yes, I have already connected the hardware"
Click Next
Scroll to the bottom of the list and select "Add a new hardware device"
Click Next
Select "Install the hardware that I manually select from a list (Advanced)"
Click Next
Select "Network Adapters"
Click Next
Select "Microsoft" under the Manufacturer list.
Select "Microsoft Loopback Adapter" in the Network Adapter list.
Click Next
Click Next
Click Finish
Configure the Adapter
The loopback adapter is a virtual network adapter and can be configured the same as a regular network card.
Set the adapter to have a static IP address such as 192.168.1.1/ 255.255.255.0
Share the printer. We recommend you use a share name that you will remember. I used ìPrinterî in the new machines that are already deployed.
Capture the printer port.
In the start menu, select Run
In the run dialogue box, type the following:
NET USE LPT1: \\[IP Address from step 2b]\Printer /PERSISTENT:YESClick OK
You may now print to the LPT1: port as if it were a normal printer, and it should work with most DOS applications.

Answer 3

basically some printers would be utilized via making use of extra effective than one laptop at a time. while your usb is plugged in you laptop lpt port is disabled and vice versa. a extra valuable option for you would be to connect your printer on your domicile community. this is completely risk-free.

Answer 4

Try using a switch or router and turn the printer into a network printer, you will need to get an external print server depending on the type of printer you have