Hello Scooter,
Mach3 cannot use the parallel port to control your machine in any 64-bit system. You can use an external motion controller with your current computer, however. You will need a motion controller with a Mach3-compatible plugin in order for the software to be able to communicate with the hardware. You can scroll through the forum for an idea of what motion controllers you should or shouldn't use and I'm sure others will be more than happy to make a recommendation. In the meantime, I have included the system requirements for using Mach3 below. We also offer email support via our helpdesk, support.machsupport.com. That is always an option if you need some more individualized help as well.
Happy CNCing,
Bryanna
Mach3 Minimum Recommended Requirements
Requirements if using the parallel port for machine control:
Desktop PC with at least one parallel port
(Laptops are not supported)
32-bit version of Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7
(64-bit versions will not work)
1Ghz CPU
512MB RAM
Non-integrated Video Card with 32MB RAM
(Large G-code files, especially 3D files will require a video card with 512MB RAM or higher)
Requirements if using an external motion device for machine control:
An appropriate external motion controller
(options can be found on the Plugins page)
Desktop or Laptop with Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10
1Ghz CPU
512MB RAM
Video Card with 32MB RAM
(Large G-code files, especially 3D files will require a video card with 512MB RAM or higher)