Dell 810 - Parallel port is turned off, how to turn it on

[hjlint]

I have a Dell 810. I use a software that needs to be set to LPT1 and a tool I use that uses the RS232 slot.I tried three different usb to RS232 devices and none work.
My unit shows the paralell port is turned off. doesn't give me a turn on icon
in setup. Is there a process I need to do to turn it on or replace the mother board.
Any help appricated.

[EINSTEIN_007]

I think that most usb to parallel cables or converters don't use the same pins that are expected in the db25 parallel port but are just pinned for the centronics printer pins. There is an article in circuit cellar that shows how to make a usb to a fully pinned db25 parallel port. I believe there are one or two commercially available products that will work but they involve a pcmcia card to db25 and are fairly expensive.

[hjlint]

I tried a QUATECH with PCMCIA card, that would let the tool communicate but wont let me access the software I use for GM.