Resolved Need to create virtual parallel port on windows 7

I have new computers for my POS system but they do not have parallel ports on them for the receipt printers (Epson TM T88III).

I purchased a parallel to USB cable and installed the latest print driver for the printer but it won't print.

I then read a bunch of info about creating a virtual printer port but I really am not to clear about this. This obviously isn't my forte.

Do I have to create a virtual machine inside my Win 7 machine?

I followed the instructions below but still no print.

1 - Right-click the USB printer, and then click "Printer properties. "
2 - Click the "Sharing" tab, and then click "Change Sharing Options. "
3 - Click to check "Share this printer," and then type in a share name. Click "OK" to save the setting.
4 - Click the "Start" button, and then type "cmd" (without quotes). Press "Enter. "
5 - Type "net use lpt1: "\\computername\sharedprinter" /persistent:yes" (without quotes around the outside). Replace "computername" with the computer name noted earlier, and replace "sharedprinter" with the shared printer name set previously. Press "Enter. "

Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

 

How many POS and printers are we speaking about?

It maybe cheaper to replace the printers with usb/wifi versions.

 

Two terminals with a printer at each one

 

Save yourself a heartache, change the printers.

 

I'd like to try something before spending the $400 to do so.

 

Fair enough, but IMO you're going to cause more costs with the route you want to take.

It's your choice though.

 

What are the costs with a virtual solution other than a $12 cable?

 

I think by asking here you already know the answer.

If your tills are close to each other then you could get away with a single wifi printer.

 

they're not

 

Fair enough, additional costs would include technical support (which I'm sure you understand this can be expensive). IMO It's better to upgrade rather than force old IT to work with new. Especially where a business is concerned.

 

While I appreciate the concerns, I might be best to rephrase my original question.

Can I install the printer in XP Mode and access it from Win 7. Is that a possibility?

 

OK, I'll do some research and get back to you, But I will once more attract you attention that this is the wrong way to approach this situation.

 

Right,

Either switch back to your old tills or upgrade your printers. This is a no brainer for me.

I'm sorry but I'm not willing to help further.

In answer to this, that would be no,

 

OK, thanks for your input

 

Assuming your printers have win 7 drivers available - looks like they do -have you thought about a parallel add-on card for the new computers?

 

A non starter ephemarial, that route would only add to running costs.

 

The units are Tiny form factor... not room for an add on card.

 

That limits the options. Understand why you tried the USB – parallel cable. Unfortunately (my experience) those usually don’t work. All depends on what the printer is looking for from the parallel connection and how fast it needs it before timing out.

All software emulation is slow compared to direct hardware interface. So even if get that virtual port working printer may still not work.

Looks like wildfire nailed it – gotta do the whole upgrade along with thermal printers.

 

I have a HP LAserjet 6P that is connected to my desktop via parallel-usb cable and it works fine but that is a horse of another colour.

I have read about others who have had success by disabling bidirectional printing in the properties but, that didn't help me.

As much as I hate to admit it, I will likely have to succumb - too bad

Thanks for the thoughts