R730 & Parallel port..

Question

I need to add a parallel port to my R730 (to connect an old Rainbow security dongle).  I purchased a PCIe card (see here) and installed it in the riser, and everything seems fine, but ESXi (v8) does not show a 'Physical Parallel Port' option when creating a VM (It shows physical Serial ports).  I understand ESXi allows access to the physical parallel port in a VM, so I am assuming this is an issue where R730 not presenting the add-on port to ESXi. Any comments, advice?   Basically, I need to run a Windows XP VM that can access the physical parallel port.

Dell-Dheeraj · Answer

Hi @CU.Dell.User,   I would suggest you check and confirm the card compatibility with the ESXi.   I am also attaching the below configuration guide which may help you.   https://dell.to/3wJ6qJI

CU.Dell.User · Answer

Thanks for the suggestion. I have seen that page previously & it didn't help much.

While I cannot access the physical parallel port from a VM created on ESXi, I can access the physical port from a VM created in Workstation 17 Pro running under Windows Svr 2019 on the same hardware. I was hoping to avoid the unnecessary Windows layer by going to ESXi but at least one config works.

DELL-Young E · Answer

Hello, since STARTECH PEX1PLP PCIE LP PARALLEL CARD 1 PORT -> this isn't a Dell part, there's nothing much we can help you with. What you could do is you can test slot by slot.

PowerEdge Hardware General

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