Problem Changing Parallel Port Setting to EPP

Question

I have a Dimension B110 in my office.  A hardware device I am using to record EEGs requires that the parallel port be set to EPP.  I have gone into BIOS and changed it, saved my changes.  However, in System Devices it still shows up as ECP.  The hardware I am trying to run still thinks it is in ECP mode and will not work properly.  I have changed it 4 times in BIOS, saved my changes, and when I go back into BIOS it automatically comes up as EPP.  Why it does not do so in System Devices, I have no idea.  The hardware manufacturer stated they had found this problem will Dell computers.  Does anyone have any idea how to change the parallel port setting to EPP other than what I have tried? Thanks!

dbramlet · Answer

In control panel device manager have you selected the LPT1 printer port and looked at properties? You can select to use any port assigned to it or go with PNP options. You may need to change the properties also in control panel device manager.

Message Edited by dbramlet on 02-06-2007 06:56 PM

RoHe · Answer

I've had a similar problem with my Dimension 8400 since day 1. Doesn't matter if I set the port in BIOS to ECP or EPP, it always shows up in XP as ECP, and changing the PNP settings doesn't do anything. Dell replaced the motherboard early on, but that didn't solve the problem. I suspect they just didn't implement parallel ports correctly in BIOS.

For me it means the PC doesn't respond to input from the HP4L printer. If the printer runs out of paper in middle of a job, and is refilled, the PC doesn't reset the printer status and won't allow printing until I reboot.

Sorry, but I don't have any solutions...

Ron

Aegnon · Answer

Ron:  Would adding a parallel port PCI card be a way of working around the problem?  Do you think it would work?  (Sorry about duplicate post, but I wasn't sure where to post this one!)  You've been far more helpful than hours of working with Dell Tech support!!  Thanks!

RoHe · Answer

Been off line for a few days...

Adding a parallel port PCI card sounds like a simple solution to the problem. Just make sure it supports EPP. Get the card installed and functioning before attaching any peripherals to it. Be sure to assign it to a different port than the built-in parallel port which is probably LPT1. If the two ports start conflicting, I suppose you can turn the on-board port off in BIOS. Ron

Message Edited by RoHe on 02-12-2007 03:03 PM

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Problem Changing Parallel Port Setting to EPP

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