write fault error writing device lpt1

[geoffl]

Hi,
I use the net command 'net use LPT1: \\computername\printer ' to send my old dos stuff to the printer.
This works fine under XP and win7.
I just tried it on a vista computer and it won't work. I get the write fault error message.
I thought maybe there is something wrong with the port. Device manager does not show an LPT1 port.
Mode LPT1 says 'Illegal device name'
Net use LPT1: \\computername\printer  says 'command completed seccessfully'
I can not figure out if I have a port or not.
If this works in Win7 should it not work in Vista?

 

[soybean]

How are you attempting to start the net command 'net use LPT1: \\computername\printer '?  Are you clicking the Windows Start button and then entering that command in the Start Search box, or are you opening a Command Prompt panel to do this?

[geoffl]

I open the command prompt.
type net use and it says
status        local        remote                   network

OK             LPT1     \\computer\printer     Microsoft Windows Network

[geoffl]

Can anyone tell me if I have an LPT1 port and if not how I can get one?
Geoffl

[Computer_Commando]

Either device is turned off in BIOS or you don't have a parallel port (LPT port).

[patio]

Provide more info on the PC in question

[geoffl]

I don't have a plug on the side of the computer but net use tells me I have an LPT1 port and mode tells me I don't.
If I hit F2 on startup (is that the Bios?) there is nowhere I can see anything about ports.
Regards
geoffl