hotshot2
asked on
How do I Install Another Parallel Port?
I am an older lady who has been using computers for many years.. however, I'm not too familiar with the "innards", I would like to install a second printer port, and would like step-by-step instructions. What kind should I buy? Price? and is it as simple as just putting the card in the slot and turning on the computer? Is there software? Would a USB port be preferred? This question is very easy for those of you who know how to do it, but I'm hesitant to try it without some input.
Thank you.
Thank you.
It kind of depends on the system configuration you already have. If you have an open ISA slot inside (long black one), I would buy a card that has jumpers to set the IRQ and I/O address manually. It is much more reliable than plug and play and you have control over what goes on in your machine. Dolphin makes a decent card, as does SIIG. They are about $30 and the instructions with them are clear. What type of device are you wnating to add to your system that requires a second parallel port?
If you have a PCI slot free, get a PCI Parallel Port Card,
Part no. 62713
from: http://www.dalco.com/
If you have a 16 bit ISA slot free, get an ISA Parallel Port
Card, Part No. 61540
from: http://www.dalco.com/
Part no. 62713
from: http://www.dalco.com/
If you have a 16 bit ISA slot free, get an ISA Parallel Port
Card, Part No. 61540
from: http://www.dalco.com/
Both of these cards from DALCO come with full installation
instructions, in easy to understand format.
instructions, in easy to understand format.
Plug and play cards cause issues with other devices in the system. It is better to be able to configure them manually.
ASKER
I don't know what kind of slot I have.... it's about 3 inches long..
ASKER
I don't know what kind of slot I have.... it's about 3 inches long..
I have two printers and the color Canon does NOT want to share a port!! I also have a HP LaserJet that I would like to use - - tried a bi-directional switchbox, but the Canon wouldn't work on it. I have a USB port that is being used by a scanner..
I have two printers and the color Canon does NOT want to share a port!! I also have a HP LaserJet that I would like to use - - tried a bi-directional switchbox, but the Canon wouldn't work on it. I have a USB port that is being used by a scanner..
ASKER
I have a DELL Dimension XPS Pentium II D266 - 5.1G hard drive, 64mg RAM, CD and tape internal tape back-up. Just added a ZIP external - got it for Christmas..
System was purchased 5/98
System was purchased 5/98
If it's only 3 inches it is a pci slot. You'll have to get a jumperless Plug N Pray card. Good Luck.
If your port is not Plug & Pray, this is, you must configure it manually. In this case, as LPT1 is at address 378 (hex), your new port will become LPT2, at address 278. As a rule, LPT2 often uses IRQ5, but that can conflict mainly with audio cards. Check your system to see what IRQ is free.
After you have installed the port, Windoze will recognize it automatically; then, you simply will say that <your chosen printer> is now connected to LPT2 and ¡¡voilá!!
After you have installed the port, Windoze will recognize it automatically; then, you simply will say that <your chosen printer> is now connected to LPT2 and ¡¡voilá!!
ASKER
I'm sorry, I'm not getting the DETAILED instruction I wanted - you say, "check your system to see what IRQ is free", "jumperless plug and pray card (I know it's really "Play") ", "pci slot", "ISA slot", "I/O address", etc, - - as if I should know what you're talking about... I really DO appreciate the assistance you all are trying to give me, but I need more "minor details" than you're providing. I'll up the points for step-by-step
instructions.... and I mean "baby steps"!! or a website where I can find this information...
instructions.... and I mean "baby steps"!! or a website where I can find this information...
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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ASKER
THANK YOU - - I've used this site before and am very pleased with the help it provides. Until next time . . . . . .
You are welcome.
>>I am an older lady who has been using computers for many years..
I misunderstood those words, and I (wrongly) thought you perhaps should have a bit greater knowledge of a machine (not only its innards); such a lady doesn't need words like "Put the cover back on your computer, install the cover screws, plug in the power cord, and turn on your computer"
As I can see, it seems as if you have been using a computer since last week only... :)
I misunderstood those words, and I (wrongly) thought you perhaps should have a bit greater knowledge of a machine (not only its innards); such a lady doesn't need words like "Put the cover back on your computer, install the cover screws, plug in the power cord, and turn on your computer"
As I can see, it seems as if you have been using a computer since last week only... :)
ASKER
I have used computers for about 15 years - but have not taken them apart. I've left that up to those who are more familiar with the insides...I HAVE cleaned the inside, and replaced a floppy drive - - so I feel I CAN install a port - - just needed more detailed instructions to feel secure about doing it. My first PC was a 286 - if that tells you how long I've had them. This is my third system from DELL - and that's not counting the first one. I use them for virtually everything I do = spreadsheets, graphics, text, communications, information, fun, fax, etc...
And I greatly appreciate the time satwa took to do the instructions for me...
And I greatly appreciate the time satwa took to do the instructions for me...