1.

Solve : Parallel Port connection of computers?

Answer»

I have a custom built PC which is used to monitor the operation of a gas turbine, it's an HMI.

The PC does not have a cdrom installed but does have a floppy drive and a parallel port connection (not used)

If the PC crashes i am unable to rescue the operating system using the rescue floppy discs because the rescue sequence requires a cdrom to be fitted to the PC and aborts the recovery.

Fitting an internal cdrom is not an option and would like to fit an external cdrom via the parallel port, however, parallel port cdrom drives seem to be extremely rare.

is it possible to connect a laptop to the PC via the parallel port and use the laptops cdrom to recover the PC in the event of a failure.

The PC uses Windows NT40

Many THANKS

DaveWhy is installing a CDRom not an option ? ?

There are many ways to connect the laptop to the other machine including a parrallel cable, crossover cable with NIC cards, USB data transfer cable etc.
More info on the situation and we can get you moving in the right direction.An internal cdrom could be fitted, however it is important that the PC is not dismantled at this moment.

USB, although the scenario i am anticipating is an operating system failure i don't think NT supports USB but i must find out if the bios recognises the USB devices.

i know that the bios recognises The parallel port though, and that's why i thought it might be an option.

Many thanks indeed for taking interest. what would i NEED to do if i connected a laptop to the PC whilst unbootable, will it help, can it be done.

Thanks againNT supports USB...
2 NIC cards and a crossover cable would work as well...
Parallel network connection would be the slowest of these options...
Again more info.

We still don't know whether you need to just recover data in case of a CRASH or rebuild the OS or both... Quote

...The PC does not have a cdrom installed but does have a floppy drive and a parallel port connection (not used)...


Parallel port hard drive can be used to "image" the entire hard drive using Symmantec (Norton) Ghost.  Boot to floppy disk and perform backup or restore.

Quote
NT supports USB...
...

NT4.0 does not support USB.

The scenario i'm trying to prepare for is the need to restore the operating system should it crash, recovering data would be a welcome bonus. Forgive me if i seem to be labouring the point but i do feel that i'm making progress here, with your help.

The PC is custom built and is used to monitor the operation of a gas turbine via RS232 link.

If the PC crashes and won't boot, i'm concerned that i cannot communicate with it, except via the floppy drive.

I have three restore diskettes and the NT40 operaring system on cdrom. The floppy disks run ok until the restore sequence calls for a cdrom to be fitted, it then aborts.

If i connect a laptop to the PC using the parallel port and boot the PC with the floppy disk, will it recognise the laptop as a cdrom?

(Parallel port hard drive can be used to "image" the entire hard drive using Symmantec (Norton) Ghost.  Boot to floppy disk and perform backup or restore)

I checked out Symantec Ghost and it seems perfect for my application, would very much appreciate a bit more info on how to apply it in the event of a system crash.

Many thanks Patio, Computer_Commando for your help.I was not aware that NT4.0 did not support USB, thanks Computer Commando.We use ghost here at the college over a ghost server. With about 5,000 computers on campus, we have many different images with many different configurations and I must say, it is awesome. I simple log onto the Novell net in dos and select the ghost server then run ghost. I scroll through a few selections to get the image I need and presto chango, I have a new computer in under 30 configured just the way I want it. I have a question though about a cd install. Is the compute rin an awkward location that you dont want to open it? I understand it is probably in use now, but if it crashes, good time to upgrade. Quote
...
1.  The scenario i'm trying to prepare for is the need to restore the operating system should it crash, recovering data would be a welcome bonus. Forgive me if i seem to be labouring the point but i do feel that i'm making progress here, with your help.

2.  The PC is custom built and is used to monitor the operation of a gas turbine via RS232 link.

3.  If the PC crashes and won't boot, i'm concerned that i cannot communicate with it, except via the floppy drive.

I have three restore diskettes and the NT40 operaring system on cdrom. The floppy disks run ok until the restore sequence calls for a cdrom to be fitted, it then aborts.

4.  If i connect a laptop to the PC using the parallel port and boot the PC with the floppy disk, will it recognise the laptop as a cdrom?

(Parallel port hard drive can be used to "image" the entire hard drive using Symmantec (Norton) Ghost.  Boot to floppy disk and perform backup or restore)

5.  I checked out Symantec Ghost and it seems perfect for my application, would very much appreciate a bit more info on how to apply it in the event of a system crash.

Many thanks Patio, Computer_Commando for your help.


1.  CREATE separate partitions for OS and Data.  Use Symantec (used to be Powerquest) Partition Magic.

2.  I used to design ECM's, but they were not PC's.

3.  NT4.0 is not very stable compared to WIN2K or WinXP.  Is it possible for you to upgrade?

4.  Not with NT4.0.  Maybe with FastLynx or Laplink using DOS.

5.  Ghost creates exact image of hard drive or partition.  I use it weekly from DOS boot disk.


Discussion

No Comment Found

Related InterviewSolutions