Parallel port driver - Windows Vista Service
Parallel Port Driver by Microsoft Corporation.
This service also exists in Windows 10, 11, 7, 8 and XP.
Startup Type
Since Parallel port driver is a kernel mode driver, its startup might be configured depending on installed hardware. Changing its startup configuration might cause hardware issues. In the table below you can see how it is configured on my system, but your default settings might differ from mine.
| Windows Vista edition | without SP | SP1 | SP2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | Disabled | Disabled | Disabled |
| Home Basic | Disabled | Disabled | Disabled |
| Home Premium | Disabled | Disabled | Disabled |
| Business | Disabled | Disabled | Disabled |
| Ultimate | Disabled | Disabled | Disabled |
Default Properties
| Display name: | Parallel port driver |
| Service name: | Parport |
| Type: | kernel |
| Path: | %WinDir%\system32\drivers\parport.sys |
| Error control: | normal |
| Group: | Parallel arbitrator |
Default Behavior
The Parallel port driver service is a kernel mode driver. If Parallel port driver fails to start, the error is recorded into the Event Log. Windows Vista startup proceeds, but a message box is displayed informing you that the Parport service has failed to start. At least one service depends on Parallel port driver. Therefore I do not recommend you to disable it.
Dependencies
If Parallel port driver is stopped, the Parvdm fails to start and initialize.
Restore Default Startup Type of Parallel port driver
Automated Restore
1. Select your Windows Vista edition and Service Pack, and then click on the Download button below.
2. Save the RestoreParallelportdriverWindowsVista.bat file to any folder on your hard drive.
3. Right-click the downloaded batch file and select Run as administrator.
4. Restart the computer to save changes.
Note. Make sure that the parport.sys file exists in the %WinDir%\system32\drivers folder. If this file is missing you can try to restore it from your Windows Vista installation media.