Converting LPT1 to Com port

dave2kdh · 16 Aug 2006 at 14:15

Hi to all.
Quick query... I am currently rolling out some laptops under windows xp sp2 and i've had an issue where by some of our CAD software requires the laptops to have comms 1 port in order to download new data from the server (which there isn't and it only see's lpt1). Is there any way of configuring LPT1 port under xp so that it thinks it is a comm port? I.e COM1? Thanks in advance.

Cheers,
Dave.

M0KUJ1N · 16 Aug 2006 at 14:18

Errr...no, as the LPT port is a parallel interface and COM ports are serial you'd probably have more luck converting dogs into cats than doing this.

However, all is not lost, as you can get USB dongles that replicate serial (COM) ports and I would suggest this is a more viable option.

dave2kdh · 16 Aug 2006 at 14:25

M0KUJ1N said:
Errr...no, as the LPT port is a parallel interface and COM ports are serial you'd probably have more luck converting dogs into cats than doing this.

However, all is not lost, as you can get USB dongles that replicate serial (COM) ports and I would suggest this is a more viable option.

Hi,
thanks for the quick reply, thats exactly what i said to their technical support *sigh*

- I shall have a look and see if i can find a converter!

Cheers again,
Dave.

MehulLakhani · 16 Aug 2006 at 14:28

Try disabling the LPT1 ports in the bios, it might push things up a bit, and force the software to see the COM ports.

R

mehul

Belly · 16 Aug 2006 at 17:57

M0KUJ1N said:
Errr...no.....you'd probably have more luck converting dogs into cats than doing this.

That's an absolute gem, it really made me laugh and I'm still laughing now (I wish I'd thought of it!)