i bought a used electronic item on ebay (DOPE!!! lesson learned....) that uses the parallel port and I find out later it has "trouble" connecting with Windows XP. I've got it to communicate only one time in a stroke of luck, but I have no idea what I did.

By connect I mean using the software on the computer that controls it. I open the program and it says "Failure to Communicate" and it closes.

I am currently tampering with the parallel port options in the F1 setup hoping to strike a lucky combination. but I would appreciate any advice or suggestions.

the device is an IC programmer used to program chips in digital electronics. it's called Superpro Z by Xeltek

Not sure if it would help and they are a bit pricey but you can get parallel to USB adapters.

try testing the parallel port with a printer... if it works then there's something wrong in the xeltec product... and obvioulsy u cant avail any of the warranty services they provide!! ... its ebay.....

I guess it might be a problem to find a relevant printer... u find USB one's only these days.... good luck with it

and as far as i've heard.. xeltec products are good.