I've been using Windows XP for 10 years with Mach3.   I'm trying to use autoleveller software for PCB cutting. It basically surface maps the Z axis.  The issue I have is the Autoleveller software requires Java 8 and XP doesn't support Java.  So what's the newest Windows operating system will work with Mach3 / Parallel Port and Java 8.  I just installed Windows 8.1 only to find it isn't compatible.

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)

I believe that Windows 7 can support the parallel port, but not sure if it supports Java8.  I have just upgraded my shop PC to a mini Win10 machine using UC100 motion controllers and it works fine, requiring very little reconfiguration.

Another approach would be to use a separate pc to generate the gcode file to do the probing and correct you pcb gcode?

Windows 7 seems to be having issues also.  I downloaded a windows 7 ISO and installed it on a spare drive. 30 days to try it out.  Re-installed a fresh version of Mach3 / Java and Autoleveller.  However, the system crashes and reboots at every attempt to open Mach3.   So I'm a bit stuck.  Seems the parallel port driver might be causing issues.

However, the system crashes and reboots at every attempt to open Mach3.   So I'm a bit stuck.  Seems the parallel port driver might be causing issues.

This thread refers;
https://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php?topic=38269.msg259712#msg259712

Perfect.  That fixed it. 

Has anyone tried the autoleveller program to surface map for cutting PCB?  Looks interesting.

Hi,

Has anyone tried the autoleveller program to surface map for cutting PCB?  Looks interesting.

I uses it daily and have done for seven-eight years, first with Mach3 and Windows 7/parallel port and for the last seven years Mach4/ESS. I'd be lost without it.

Craig