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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - parallel port
- Which operating systems are supported by the parallel port connection?
- I'm getting download error 4 on WinXP! How can I fix this?
- What kind of cable do I need for the parallel port connection?
- Why doesn't Total Commander support the USB port?
- Back to overview
Q: Which operating systems are supported by the parallel
port connection?
A: Total Commander supports connections between any combination of Windows 95, 98, ME, Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, Windows 3.1 (16 bit version), and now also Windows XP (see remark below). Furthermore, there is a
parallel port server for DOS available on our addons page, which doesn't support any long file names, though.
Q: I'm getting download error 4 on WinXP! How can I fix this?
A:
Windows XP comes with its own parallel port connection. If you have installed this on the same port on which you try to use Total Commander's parallel port connection, the two will interfere and prevent the transfer of some files.
Solution: Remove Windows XP's own parallel port connection from this port!
Q: What kind of cable do I need for the parallel port connection?
A: You need a parallel port cable with crossed lines, a
so-called 4 bit or nibble mode cable. The cable has a 25 pin connector with pins (not holes) on both sides and is most often sold as parallel port cable for Interlink or parallel port cable for direct cable connection. At least the
following lines need to be connected:
2 <----> 15
3 <----> 13
4 <----> 12
5 <----> 10
6 <----> 11
10 <----> 5
11 <----> 6
12 <----> 4
13 <----> 3
15
<----> 2
25 <----> 25 (ground)
Q: Why doesn't Total Commander support the USB port?
A: USB is a non-symmetrical bus - this can be seen from the cables, which have two completely
different connectors. Therfore for a connection of two machines by USB, a device needs to be put in between, which forwards the data. Unfortunately there is no standard, so every manufacturer of such a cable bundles it with his own
software. Good software emulates a small local area network, so you can use any program (including Total Commander) to access the remote computer. If you buy such a cable, make sure you can return it if it doesn't emulate such a local area
network. The cable is often labeled as supporting TCP/IP connections or LAN connections.