How can I link computers through the parallel port using preinstalled drivers to make the direct connection. Also schematic for cable would be nice.

Thanks Guys

It's called "Direct Cable Connection".

The following URL tells you how to set it up in Windows XP:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/305621

The cable itself was (is?) commonly referred to as a laplink cable. Laplink is the name of the software that first allowed this sort of parallel-to-parallel connection years ago, and it came with a cable wired in a certain way.

You may find the pinouts for a parellel-to-parallel cable here:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q142324/

i need it for win 98

See here for Windows 98:
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000246.htm

It uses the same cable as Direct Cable Connection for Windows XP.

See here also for Windows 98:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;298446

thanks

I'm rather curious, what are you using the connection for?

These days the parallel port connection is so slow it is not really that useful. Back when a "big" hard drive was 80 meg they were OK. I would just get a couple Ethernet cards and a crossover cable. once you actually see a real network go you will be hooking all your machines together.
I have 9 on my network these days.

That Parallel Cable will be similar to the Serial Port version of the same technique:
"Null Modem"

Each end will be DB 25 connectors, and similar pinouts.

You might find it much better (and less headaches), to simply install NICs in your Computers, then link together via a simple CAT5 patchcord.

Greg mentions this in the reply above mine.

Scott35

I can probably come up with a full duplex parallel patch cable and the software to run it in full duplex but, alas, this is DOS stuff so it will clobber your long file names. I don't think Intrlnk/Intrsrvr or cable connection wizard use full duplex. They end up importing the data via the control inputs in a fairly inefficient manner.
BTW I never tried this with DOS 7.1. It may actually work on LFNs.

It's to hook an old laptop to a computer. Basically for fun (Educational purposes).


[This message has been edited by Wizzie Electric (edited 10-10-2006).]

Back when I was working for CAD-CAM company the biggest thing on the market was a 40meg NEC.

The thing was as big as a e-lite battery.

Oh how technology changes..

[This message has been edited by Dnkldorf (edited 10-10-2006).]

Wiz
The half duplex cable is 2 male DB25s wired this way.
5--15
6--13
7--12
8--10
9--11
10--8
11--9
12--7
13--6
15--5

18-25 are grounds, be sure at least one of them get connected on both ends.

I used these pin outs
[This message has been edited by Wizzie Electric (edited 10-11-2006).]