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Using Parallel Port trackers under Windows NT/2000/XP
What is the problem?
Under these versions of Windows, the operating system does not allow user-mode programs such as WXtrack to have direct access to the parallel printer port. It requires that all access be through a device driver, so that the actions of one program do not interfere with the actions of another, and normally this protection is a "good thing". However, this also prevents WXtrack for driving parallel port trackers.
What can I do about it?
A program is available from this URL http://www.embeddedtronics.com/design&ideas.html called UserPort which "is a simple kernel mode driver for Windows NT/2000/XP that will give programs access to I/O ports. This makes it possible to access the hardware I/O ports directly under Windows NT/2000/XP just like 95/98/ME." (to quote from their Web site). Download and install UserPort if you need to run a parallel-port tracker under these versions of Windows.
How do I configure UserPort?
UserPort comes with an excellent document describing how to configure and use the program. Although the document does not mention Windows XP, the program works correctly under either XP Home or XP Pro as well as Windows NT or 2000. When running UserPort.exe, you are presented with two columns which contain a list of port addresses to which programs will be granted access. You need to add your printer port to the left column (the right column is for specially written programs). When the program first starts, or the Defaults button is pressed, the port list reads:
200 - 37F
3BC - 3BF
3E8 - 3FF
This includes the printer ports, so no further action is required. Should you have non-standard ports, you will need to add them at this point. Click Start to enable access to these ports. You may then exit the UserPort.exe program - the device driver stays running. To prevent access to these ports, simply reload UserPort.exe and press the Stop button.
For more details, please see the documentation that comes with UserPort.zip.