Controlling parallel port via network (not for printing)

[crrm81]

Is it possible to use the parallel port of another computer via a network? Not for a printer, but to control hardware that uses the parallel port to communicate with.

I recently purchased a laptop to replace my old one.The new one does not have any parallel or serial ports, just usb. I need to program an fpga board and the software uses the parallel port to program it. Currently I require to transfer all the necessary files to the old laptop and program the fpga board on it manually each and every time.

That is why I would like to know if it is possible to create a 'virtual' port on the new computer that is tied directly to the real parallel port of the old computer?

Thank you in advance for any asistance

[TropicalBound]

Well, somehow you would have to Share the LPT port. I don't know what language the fpga board uses, but would this be possible:

Install a Generic printer on the old laptop (Generic/Text Only) on LPT1. Then, share the Generic printer making LPT1 available over the network. Then, transfer files to \\oldlaptop\Genericprinter

[crrm81]

I was thinking the same thing, but the fpga software wants to recognize a real lpt1 port on the new computer ( which it doesnt have). Is it possible to create a new lpt port on the new computer without there being any real one.

[TropicalBound]

Yes. Using my above example, on the new computer enter:

net use lpt1: \\oldlaptop\Genericprinter