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April 9th, 2012 15:00
Adding PCI Parallel Port Card to Inspiron 531
I have older accounting software which does not support printing to USB devices for certain functions like checks. Since this is the only issue I have with this software, I don't want to go through the hassle and expense of upgrading, not the least of my reasons being that my archived data would no longer be usable with the upgrade. I have tried all sorts of cable converter gyrations to try to interface the USB to a parallel printer, hoping that would be a workaround, but to no avail. I have purchased a PCI parallel port card (StarTech.com, MOSChip) and have attempted to install it, but I can't get the Inspiron to recognize it. Is there something else I need to do?
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speedstep
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April 10th, 2012 12:00
Manufacturer Part# : PCI2S1P | Dell Part# : A0504547
osprey4
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April 9th, 2012 17:00
Hi Driena,
When you say your Inspiron 531 does not recognize it, where are you looking? Did you check to make sure the card you bought is supported by your operating system?
By the way, what is the software you are using?
DrienA
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April 9th, 2012 18:00
Looking in the device manager. Also does not see it as new hardware to be installed. Yes, the card is supported by WinXP. Was online chatting for over an hour with their tech support. The software I am using is Peachtree Accounting 6.0. And I don't want to upgrade it - I've seen lots of headaches with that, and besides, they radically changed it so it no longer even matches my business model. :(
DrienA
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April 10th, 2012 13:00
Well, I worked on this most of yesterday, and then finally decided to recheck the card. It had come out of its proper seating, so once I pushed it back in, it was recognized, it installed with the drivers I had gotten from the manufacturer, et voila! I have a parallel printer port. Still have to make sure my software likes it, but the big hurdle is done.
Thank you to all who responded; thanks too for the Dell part number, which I may need if I have to do this again.