Parallel port not detected in Device Manager

Question

Dear experts,

I need to retrieve the physical address of my parallel port to send event triggers to external hardware (BIOPAC recording system) acquiring physiological data (i.e. heart rate). I am using a Dell Precision 5820 PC with Windows 10 Education (as I am a researcher).

In Device Manager, the parallel port connection has not been detected at all even though the cable is plugged in correctly to the I/O port of the external hardware (i.e. there is nothing showing under 'Ports (COM1 or LPT)' or 'Other devices', or in fact any other headers. I have seen similar posts: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/1164109/parallel-port-address-windows-11 but these seem to at least be able to see the parallel port connection, whereas mine is not even picked up.

This makes me think this is a driver issue, but when I try and click to search for/update driver, it does not pick up anything. I cannot find much online and have no idea where to start. The university IT department are in charge of installing the parallel ports and so I do not currently have information on what model etc it is.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Dr Rosie Donaghy

Answer 1

Hello,

It appears that 64-bit versions of Windows do not include a Parallel port driver.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/parports/features-of-system-supplied-parallel-drivers

Darrell

Answer 2

Hello R Donaghy (Psychology)，

Thank you for posting in Q&A forum.

Here are some steps you can follow to troubleshoot this issue:

1. Enable Plug and Play Detection:

• Right-click the My Computer icon on your desktop and select Properties.

• Click the Hardware tab and then click Device Manager.

• Expand Ports (COM & LPT), right-click Printer Port (LPT1), and select Properties.

• Go to the Port Settings tab, check the box for Enable legacy Plug and Play detection, and click OK.

• Restart your computer to apply the changes

2. Check BIOS Settings:

• Enter your computer's BIOS setup during startup (usually by pressing a key like F2, F10, DEL, or ESC).

• Ensure that the parallel port is enabled in the BIOS settings.

3. Check for Hardware Issues:

• Ensure that the parallel port hardware is properly connected and not damaged.

• Try using a different parallel port device to see if the issue persists.

Reference:

Enable Plug and Play for parallel port devices - Windows Server | Microsoft Learn

I hope the information above is helpful.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to let us know.

Best Regards,

Daisy Zhou

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