USB to LPT1 using win 7 32

Greetings, I have a new laptop and need to use some older software that will only print to LPT1. I have a tripp-lite usb to parallel adapter how can I redirect lpt1 to usb001 Thanks, Michael

mlanierjr, Welcome to the windows 7 forum.

There are lots of solutions to your problem. just google USB to LPT1
and you will be pleasantly surprised.

I have done this for a user who uses an old dos word processing program that only prints to lpt1:

there are pay ones but the free suggestions do work.

One suggestion was:

You can trick Windows by using the USB printer as a dummy "network" printer connected to LPT1.
The dummy "network" is created using the Microsoft Loopback Adapter, which is basically a software-based network adapter that simulates a real live network. This "network" will only exist on your computer, which will also be the only computer connected to it.
Here are the step-by-step directions on making this work:
Install the Microsoft Loopback Adapter

1. In Control Panel, double click on Add Hardware, then Next.
2. Select "Install the hardware that I manually select from a list (Advanced)", then click Next.
3. Select "Network Adapters", then click Next.
4. Select "Microsoft" under the Manufacturer list, then select "Microsoft Loopback Adapter" in the Network Adapter list, and click Next.
5. Click Next, then 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 in your network, such as 192.168.1.100 / 255.255.255.0
Share the USB printer
Use a share-name easy to remember, such as "Printer".
Connect the shared printer as LPT1
NET USE LPT1: \\[Computer-Name]\Printer /PERSISTENT:YES That should help you.

One thing to remember is to keep the names short so that the printer is easy to remember.

Rich

thanks richnrockville, I've had read about that one, dosprint and several others, however seven forums has many highly knowledgeable members and if I can do it for free I would generally rather use that option. Sometimes it not worth it but most of the time open source programs or short "tips" like the one you wrote here are just as good or not better. Thanks again for the info. I plan to try it today.