Direct Cable Connection

[zakary]

I am trying to get a laptop and a desktop to link via direct cable connect with the printer ports. the desktop says that it is listening for the other computer, and the lpatop says that it is trying to find the host computer, but they never do anything, it wont connect at all. could someone please help me fix this problem or tell me what i am doing wrong <img src="confused.gif" border="0">

[Gollo]

I'm guessing your using win9x or are you using a third party software? Anyways if your using win9x make sure that you are using the correct port (lpt1 for the printer). Also are you sure the cable is a good one?

[zakary]

win 98se on both and the cable is good, using direct cable connection

[confus-ed]

Right kind of printer ports at both ends?

You need at least bi-directional, preferably ECP or EPP type port enabled at both ends or one machine cannot "hear" the other.

Can you confirm this is ok?

[zakary]

i tryed rearanging the ports on both computers, tried ecp on both epp on both, my desktop doesnt say "bi-directinial" as the laptop does the desktop says normal, i tried the entire range of port settings, no dice on any of them
i am currently tring to find a diagram on making a null modem cable, with my printer cable that i have
any suggestions would be greatly appriciated

[Gollo]

Check the bios of the desktop. Usually there is an option to set the printer port to ECP and/or EPP.

[zakary]

i had to make a null modem cable, thx odly enough to microsoft for posting the diagrams.

<a href="http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q142324" target="_blank">http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q142324</a>