Connect printer to COM1 in windows??
 

Can anyone tell me if this is at all possible and how to go about doing this?
I need to connect two parrallel port printers to a PC with one 'printer' port, but I've got two small (9 pin) ports available.
I've already tried doing this with a 9pin to 25pin adapter, but no luck so far.

linmix; try http:tldp.org/HOWTO/HOWTO-INDEX
& open section parallel processing 4.1.7,
printing 4.1.10 then hardware section
printers/scanners 4.3.15 & serial ports 4.3.18 ; while there look at the single lists & mini howtos. open(expand) each section for complete detailed information some of which are step by step!

Thanks for the detailed link. Looks like its all linux though and its windows that I need to configure.

I've found a (very) old i/o card with a 25pin printer port and I'm trying to configure it so it works with my hardware. Looks like I might have a sollution there.

linmix; try microsoft knowledge base for that info. or do u have w onboard if so then from startup ck help, look for parallel printing (something like that), also config dual printers. this may help
use y splitter that accomadates 9 & 15pin to 25pin. try Cyberguys.com they may have those in stock.

I have a splitter but it won't work. Windows allows me to choose COM! as printer destination in the control panel, but although it sends the information (or so it says) the printer doesn't respond.

"or do u have w onboard if so then from startup ck"
Not sure I understand what you're trying to say.

linmix; that remains to be configured by
u or system. just as windows configures
via controlpanel with linux it is also (in graphical mode) controlpanel( gnome/kde). that is where ur knowledge of what u would like to have it preform. question? do u have any resource or guide/start-up manual from os? unless u downloaded maybe not.
u do look up procedures on configuring.

It isn't linux I'm trying to make it work on it is Windows

linmix; ok now i get it! windows ok via control panel use the hard ware wizard
to find and install printer, then via the printer icon config the printer for preformance to ur specs. even use the
hardware wizard to find and install printer port. that is why w is so additictive for many user does not have to config any-thing.

Did that but the printer doesn't come up un the hardware search when connected to COM1, only when connected to LPT1 and that's the reason I posted...

linmix; that is the correct port under windows: LPT unless u manually designate it to a serial port which then
would become COM 1,2,3,4 ;which ever
u designate it. that is what i,ve got with dual boot w & mdk8.1, lpt =w & cups=l!

... which is the reason why I posted here bacause... I connected my printer to LPT1 and configured it: it worked fine. I connected the same printer to COM1, went to the control pannel and configured the printer for COM1 (selected the port, increased the transfer speed trying several different ones) but got absoluteluy no reaction. When I try to print the document is sent but the printer never receives it.

linmix; please take time to read these
howto,s: http://tldp.org./HOWTO/HOWTO-INDEX
hardware section on serial ports & printers/scanners(open/expand) to have complete detailed information on howto for these devices. important information u can use! thank you.

Any hardware converters (small appliance like commodities) around your area? (I've seen stuff that connects Serial-->USB & parallel-->USB for using pen drives).

What about LapLink and other possibilities?

Is it possible for your friendly neighbourhood hardware mechanic to solder a cable? Dunno too much about this.

The basic problem all the readers have to get is that you are in windoze and your computer has 1 less parallel port and 1 serial port to spare. So can you enhance the hardware on the PC?

End

ananthaP; yes but that is alot of work(tedious) at least. there is an abundance of cabling of all types even Y
cables to fit most needs of multiple devices. use google & yahoo search engines to find all different cable mfgs.
some if u r rolling in green will mfg special cables 4 u!

Looks like I've finally made my point (hooray)

I've seen a parallel->USB cable and somebody told me it works fine. But before I go and spend money I'd just like to know if it can be done the way I initially imagined:

In WINDOWS connect a PRINTER to a 9-pin COM port.