To "make paper" or configure custom paper sizes for Procomm Plus Windows 11
, you must set up the paper size at the system level first. Because Procomm Plus is legacy software (dating back to Windows 95/98), it relies on the Windows print spooler and printer drivers for its formatting. 1. Create a Custom Paper Size in Windows 11
Since Windows 11 handles printer properties differently than older versions, follow these steps to add a new "form" (paper size): Open Print Server Properties
: Search for "Printers & scanners" in the Start menu. Scroll down to Related settings and select Print Server Properties Define the New Form Check the box for Create a new form (e.g., "Procomm_Special"). Paper Size
(Width and Height). Note: It is often best to set the Width smaller than the Height and use Landscape settings later if needed. 2. Configure Procomm Plus to Use the Paper Size
Once the size is created in Windows, you must tell Procomm Plus to use it: Printer Setup : In Procomm Plus, go to the menu and select Printer Setup Select Printer : Choose the specific printer you are using. Set Properties Properties (or Setup). Under the Paper/Quality tab, find the Paper Size
dropdown and select the custom name you created (e.g., "Procomm_Special"). Save Settings 3. Scripting Paper/Printing Tasks (Optional)
If you are trying to "make paper" via automation, you can use the script language included with Procomm Plus: Print Capture : Use the command printcapture on
within a script to automatically send incoming data directly to the printer. Printing Files
: To print a specific log or file from a script, you can use a system command like dos "print
Procomm Plus may struggle with modern "Program Files" security. If printing fails, try installing the software to a custom folder like C:\ProcommPlus
instead of the default directory to avoid permission issues. Are you trying to print incoming terminal data in real-time, or are you looking to print a saved log file from a past session? Windows 11 and Procomm Plus | Tek-Tips 22 Mar 2024 —
This story explores the collision of two eras: the rugged, reliable Procomm Plus
terminal software from the 1980s and 90s, and the sleek, modern interface of Windows 11 The Relic in the Machine
Elias didn't just use computers; he spoke their language—the old dialects. While his colleagues marveled at AI assistants and 4K displays, Elias spent his mornings inside a window that looked like a portal to 1992.
Resting on his high-end workstation was a legacy installation of Procomm Plus . Originally a Datastorm Technologies
product designed for the days of BBSs and dial-up modems [3, 4], it was the only tool he trusted to talk to the factory’s "Big Iron" mainframes [3]. The Upgrade Crisis
The trouble started on a Tuesday when the IT department pushed a mandatory update. Suddenly, the rounded corners and translucent taskbar of Windows 11
greeted him. To most, it was a fresh start. To Elias, it was a graveyard for his favorite tools.
He clicked the familiar icon, but the system hesitated. Modern Windows security often blocks software from the Windows 98 era
because it tries to write files into restricted "Program Files" folders [1]. Elias knew the dance. He didn't panic; he improvised. The Workaround Following advice from community forums like Tek-Tips , Elias began his restoration [1, 5]: The Custom Path
: He bypassed the standard "Program Files" directory, installing Procomm into a custom folder like C:\ProcommInstall avoid security permission errors Compatibility Mode : He right-clicked the executable, setting it to Compatibility Mode for Windows XP Privilege Control : He specifically avoided "Run as Administrator"
to ensure he could still share his screen during remote support calls without the modern security layer blocking the view [1]. A Digital Bridge
As the terminal screen flickered to life—glowing green text on a black background—Elias felt the bridge hold. He wasn't just running old software; he was keeping a vital system alive. While others looked for modern alternatives like ZOC Terminal
[26], Elias preferred the "old friend" he'd been using for decades [9].
In a world of constant updates, his Windows 11 machine was now a hybrid: a futuristic shell protecting a piece of computing history. how to set up
specific terminal emulations within Procomm Plus on a modern PC?
In the late 1990s, Procomm Plus was the undisputed king of serial communications—a Swiss Army knife for dialing into Bulletin Board Systems (BBS), managing mainframes, and automating data transfers with its powerful ASPECT script language. For many, it was the first window into a world beyond their own desktop. procomm plus windows 11
Decades later, in the era of Windows 11, Procomm Plus has become a digital ghost. While modern alternatives like MobaXterm or PuTTY have taken its place for most serial tasks, some users still keep the legend alive. The Survival Story: Procomm on Windows 11
While not officially supported, Procomm Plus can still be coaxed into running on modern hardware.
The Installation Trick: Users have found that the trick to a successful install on Windows 11 is bypassing the "Program Files" directory to avoid strict modern security permissions. Instead, installing to a custom folder like C:\ProcommInstall often does the trick.
Legacy at Work: In specialized environments—like maintaining older medical systems or industrial equipment—clients still rely on Procomm Plus for its specific terminal emulations and legacy scripts that never broke.
The "Pingasaurus Rex" Legacy: Old-school engineers still tell "war stories" of using Procomm scripts to automate network fixes for a fraction of the cost of enterprise solutions, proving that simple, robust tools often outlasted their expensive successors. Modern Alternatives
If you aren't ready to wrestle with compatibility settings, these modern tools offer a similar (but updated) experience:
MobaXterm: A powerful all-in-one terminal for Windows with a built-in X server and multiple protocols.
PuTTY: The classic, lightweight go-to for simple serial and SSH connections.
SecureCRT: A professional-grade terminal emulator that many old Procomm power users have migrated to for its advanced automation and security.
Do you need help configuring a specific script or finding a download for an older version of Procomm Plus? ProComm plus for Windows : ASPECT script language reference
ProComm plus for Windows : ASPECT script language reference : Datastorm Technologies, Inc : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive Hi everyone. Can someone give me some hints on how to
If you have legacy scripts (Aspect scripts) that you cannot rewrite and must use Procomm Plus, you will need to run it inside a Virtual Machine (VM).
Would you like step-by-step instructions for setting up the Windows XP VM on Windows 11?
Running ProComm Plus on Windows 11 is possible, though it requires specific installation workarounds because the software is decades old and unsupported. Installation & Compatibility Guide
For the best chance of success on a modern 64-bit system, follow these steps:
Avoid "Program Files": Windows 11 security often prevents old software from writing to its own folders in C:\Program Files (x86). Create a custom folder like C:\Procomm and install it there instead.
Run as Administrator: Right-click the Setup.exe file on your installation media and select Run as Administrator.
Compatibility Mode: If the installer fails, right-click it, go to Properties > Compatibility, and set it to Windows XP (Service Pack 3) or Windows 98.
Version Selection: ProComm Plus version 4.8 is generally reported as the most stable version for modern Windows environments.
Path Configuration: Once installed, go to Options > Data Options > Paths within ProComm and change the default save locations (Scripts, Capture, Downloads) to a folder within your user "Documents" to avoid permission errors. Known Issues
64-bit Drivers: Old 16-bit installers will not run on 64-bit Windows 11. You may need to copy the installed folder from an older 32-bit machine or use a 32-bit version of Windows in a virtual machine.
Hardware Connectivity: If you are using a physical serial port, you will likely need a high-quality USB-to-RS232 adapter with verified Windows 11 drivers. Modern Alternatives
If ProComm proves too unstable, these modern terminal emulators support similar emulations (Wyse, VT220) and scripting:
Waveshare USB til RS232/485 Serial Converter ... - Amazon.de
While Procomm Plus is a legacy communications tool officially discontinued in 2002, users have successfully installed and run version 4.8 on Windows 11 by using specific manual configuration steps to bypass modern security restrictions. Because the software was designed for much older versions of Windows (like 95 and 98), its default installer often fails due to the strict "Program Files" security structure in Windows 11. Installation Guide for Windows 11
To get Procomm Plus running on a modern Windows 11 system, follow these community-recommended steps:
Avoid Default Folders: Do not install Procomm into C:\Program Files or C:\Program Files (x86). These directories have write-protection that Procomm cannot handle. To "make paper" or configure custom paper sizes
Create a Custom Directory: Manually create a folder such as C:\ProcommPlus or place it within your user documents (e.g., C:\Users\Public\Documents\Procomm) to ensure the application has the necessary write access for its scripts and directories.
Custom Installation Selection: During setup, perform a "Custom" install. Users report higher success by unchecking features that are largely obsolete or conflict with modern OS components, such as the built-in web browser, FTP, and newsreader options.
Shortcut Configuration: After installation, create a desktop shortcut to the .exe file. In the shortcut properties, you may need to enable Compatibility Mode (often for Windows XP SP3).
Run without Admin: While "Run as Administrator" can solve some permission issues, it may prevent other users from controlling the application during screen-sharing sessions like MS Teams or Webex. Using a non-protected folder usually removes the need for elevated privileges. Modern Alternatives
If you find Procomm Plus too unstable on Windows 11, several modern terminal emulators offer similar functionality and ASPECT-like scripting:
ZOC Terminal: Often cited as the top replacement, ZOC supports Windows 10/11 and features a scripting language (REXX) very similar to Procomm's ASPECT.
Tera Term: A free, open-source terminal emulator that supports serial port, telnet, and SSH connections.
HyperTerminal: While no longer bundled with Windows, private versions are still available for modern systems. Windows 11 and Procomm Plus | Tek-Tips
Running Procomm Plus on Windows 11 is technically challenging because the software was discontinued by Symantec (now Broadcom) decades ago. While not officially supported, users have developed workarounds to keep it functional for legacy serial connections and ASPECT scripts. How to Run Procomm Plus on Windows 11
Modern Windows security features, specifically protected directories, are the primary barrier to installation.
Avoid "Program Files": Do not install to the default C:\Program Files (x86) directory. Instead, create a custom folder like C:\ProcommPlus to avoid permission issues.
Custom Installation: During setup, choose a Custom Install and uncheck components like FTP, News, and Web options, which often trigger crashes on modern systems.
Administrative Privileges: Right-click the PW4.exe executable, select Properties, and set it to Run as Administrator.
Compatibility Mode: In the same Properties menu, set the compatibility mode to Windows XP (Service Pack 2 or 3).
Full Control Permissions: Ensure the user group "Everyone" has Full Control over the installation folder to allow the program to write log and script files. Known Risks and Limitations Windows 11 and Procomm Plus | Tek-Tips
Procomm Plus (a legacy terminal emulator from the 1990s) on Windows 11
requires specific workarounds because the software is no longer supported and often struggles with modern security permissions. Successful Installation Steps
To get Procomm Plus 4.8 or earlier working, follow these community-tested steps to bypass modern Windows restrictions: Avoid "Program Files": Do not install the software in the default C:\Program Files C:\Program Files (x86)
folders. Windows 11's security prevents legacy apps from writing to these directories, which causes Procomm to fail when saving configurations. Recommendation: Create a custom folder like C:\ProcommPlus or use a folder within Public Documents for the installation. Run as Administrator: Right-click the installation executable and select Run as Administrator
to ensure the installer has the necessary permissions to register legacy components. Compatibility Mode:
Once installed, right-click the Procomm Plus shortcut, go to Properties > Compatibility , and set it to run in compatibility mode for Windows XP (Service Pack 3) Install from USB/ISO:
If you have the original CD but your PC lacks a disc drive, copy the entire CD contents to a USB drive or create an ISO file to transfer the installer to your Windows 11 machine. Microsoft Learn Common Features & Functionality Terminal Emulation:
Supports over 30 terminal types, including VT100, VT220, WYSE, and IBM emulations. ASPECT Scripting: You can still use the ASPECT script language to automate terminal sessions and dialogs. Telnet/SSH:
While Procomm was built for serial/modem connections, it can handle Telnet sessions for modern device configuration. Slideshare Modern Alternatives
If you encounter persistent crashes or need modern security (like robust SSH), consider these Windows 11-native alternatives: ZOC Terminal
: Specifically marketed as a Procomm replacement with a similar feel but updated for Windows 11.
: A popular free, open-source terminal emulator that works well on modern Windows. Install VirtualBox or VMware Player: These are free
The legacy of Procomm Plus on Windows 11 is a story of "digital ghost hunting," as users attempt to run a 1990s communication powerhouse on a modern, 64-bit operating system. The Relic of the Modem Era
In the late '90s, Procomm Plus was the undisputed king of terminal emulation. Developed by DATASTORM and eventually sold to Symantec, version 4.8 (released in 1999) was the peak of its powers. It was designed for a world of physical modems, BBS boards, and serial ports—technologies that Windows 11 has largely left behind. The Modern Struggle
Trying to launch Procomm Plus on Windows 11 today often feels like trying to fit a square peg in a round, holographic hole. Because it is 32-bit (and sometimes 16-bit) legacy software, it encounters several hurdles:
Restricted Permissions: The software often fails because it attempts to write configuration files directly into the "Program Files" folder, which Windows 11 restricts for security.
Hardware Abandonment: Modern PCs lack the physical COM ports Procomm expects, requiring USB-to-Serial adapters that often lack the driver stability the old software needs.
Virtual Walls: To get it running, enthusiasts often resort to "wrappers" or running the software inside a virtual machine (VM) like VirtualBox or VMware, effectively creating a "PC within a PC" just to keep the old interface alive. Passing the Torch
While some still cling to the classic ASPECT scripting language, many have moved on to modern alternatives. Tools like ZOC Terminal serve as the spiritual successors, offering the same terminal emulation and file transfer capabilities but built natively for Windows 11 security and hardware.
The "story" isn't over—as long as there is an old industrial PLC or a vintage BBS that needs a connection, someone, somewhere, will be trying to coax Procomm Plus into life one more time.
Introduction to Procomm Plus
Procomm Plus is a popular software used for data communication and terminal emulation. Developed by WCL, Inc., it has been widely used by system administrators, network engineers, and IT professionals for decades. The software provides a range of features, including:
The Rise of Windows 11
In October 2021, Microsoft released Windows 11, the latest version of its flagship operating system. Windows 11 brought significant changes, including a new design language, improved performance, and enhanced security features. As with any new operating system release, users and software developers alike were eager to test their applications' compatibility with the new platform.
Procomm Plus and Windows 11 Compatibility
Shortly after Windows 11's release, users began reporting issues with Procomm Plus. It appeared that the software was not compatible with the new operating system. Specifically:
WCL, Inc.'s Response
In response to user feedback and concerns, WCL, Inc. began working on an updated version of Procomm Plus that would be compatible with Windows 11. The company:
Procomm Plus 5.1: A Windows 11-Compatible Version
In March 2022, WCL, Inc. released Procomm Plus 5.1, which offered improved compatibility with Windows 11. The updated version:
Conclusion
The story of Procomm Plus and Windows 11 compatibility serves as a reminder of the importance of software updates and vendor support. WCL, Inc. responded promptly to user feedback, ensuring that Procomm Plus remained a viable solution for IT professionals and system administrators. With Procomm Plus 5.1, users can now enjoy a stable and secure experience on Windows 11, leveraging the software's powerful features for data communication and terminal emulation.
Procomm Plus is an older terminal emulation software originally designed for DOS and early versions of Windows. While it is not natively supported on Windows 11, users have successfully installed and run version 4.8 using specific compatibility workarounds. Installation Steps for Windows 11
Since Windows 11 security is much tighter than the older systems Procomm was designed for, the default installation process often fails. Use these steps to bypass common issues:
Avoid "Program Files": Do not install the software into the default C:\Program Files or C:\Program Files (x86) folders. Instead, create a custom folder like C:\Procomm and install it there to avoid permission conflicts.
Copy from CD to USB: If you have the original installation CD, copy its entire contents to a USB drive or a local folder first, then run the Setup.exe as an Administrator.
Configure Compatibility: After installation, right-click the Procomm Plus shortcut, select Properties, go to the Compatibility tab, and set it to run for Windows XP (Service Pack 3) or Windows 98/Windows Me.
Manage COM Ports: If using a USB-to-Serial adapter, Windows 11 might assign it a high COM port (e.g., COM 10). Procomm often only recognizes COM 1 through 4. You may need to go to Device Manager and manually remap your adapter to a lower COM port number. Potential Issues
Security Restrictions: If the program cannot save scripts or settings, you may need to grant Full Control permissions to "Everyone" or your specific user account for the Procomm installation folder.
Modern Alternatives: Because Procomm Plus is legacy software, many professionals now use modern alternatives like PuTTY, ZOC Terminal, or MobaXterm. Windows 11 and Procomm Plus | Tek-Tips
Objective: This paper investigates the feasibility, methods, and performance limitations of running Procomm Plus (versions 4.8 and 5.0) on Microsoft Windows 11, a 64-bit operating system without native 16-bit subsystem support. Methods: Three deployment strategies were tested: (1) Native execution (Windows 11 64-bit), (2) NTVDMx64 / OTVDM (16-bit compatibility layers), and (3) Virtualization (DOSBox-X, VirtualBox with MS-DOS/Windows 98). Results: Native execution failed entirely due to lack of 16-bit support. OTVDM enabled terminal functionality and Zmodem transfers but exhibited instability with high baud rates (>38,400). Virtualization offered full functionality, including serial passthrough for external modems and serial-over-USB devices. Conclusion: Direct use of Procomm Plus on Windows 11 is not viable without a compatibility layer. For hobbyists and retro-computing telecommunications, DOSBox-X with serial redirection is the most reliable solution.