Dongle switch and MFP's

[Rich]

I am going from version 8 to 9 in the next few days hopefully and I need to add another parrallel port because I use an HP 700 Office Jet for a printer. This MFP causes problems with the dongle. I have never added a parrallel port before. Do I just plug in the new card, restart the computer and let plug and pray grab it? I am using Win95 for the OS. After that do I just plug the dongle onto the new port and everyone is happy? That is how it makes sense to me but I am stupid when it comes to this stuff. Thanks for the help.

[Chippp]

I didn't know you could have more then 1 parallel port .

[Rich C]

It is and it isn't that simple. Read the instructions as you may have to switch a jumper setting or two so you won't have conflicts. I've put them in where I just pop it in and then I've put them in where you have to flip a few switches.Also, do you just have the one PC or two? If you have Helios networked you can share the printer on your computers and eliminate the whole duel card thing all together.

[Andy]

Rich C is right on the money.My first suggestion is to have a Hardware Tech install it for you. This should assist in ensuring no conflicts.It is possible for you to do it yourself. As Rich C stated - the jumpers need to be set on the new LPT card to ensure no conflicts of IRQ etc.Normally your current installed LPT port will hold its' designation of LPT1 and the new card properly set will be LPT2. BUT one of the mysteries of computers SOMETIMES then switch - be ready for that.Best to place the dongle on LPT1 and the printer on LPT2All the best

[Rich]

To Rich C.; I have 2 computers networked. Are you saying that there is a way to eliminate this problem of the MFP without adding a second port? I do have the printer set up to be shared on the network but that does not seem to have an impact on the dongle being upset by the MFP. Also, the HP 700 Office Jet is not a machine meant to be shared on a network, they don't like it. To Andy; I agree that it will be best to have a tech do it, I will have to go back and change the printer port settings for the printer by moving it to LPT2 and that can get hairy. Just so I am clear, if I put the dongle on LPT1 and nothing else is connected to it, and the printer cable will go on the new port designated as LPT2, is that correct?

[Andy]

First let me clarify that I have limited experience with MFPrinters - and most of that experience is negative.The least expensive option in the long run may well be to go buy a HP deskjet and get the MFP out of the loopHowever, back to your question - logic would agree - install the 2nd LPT port - reconfigure your MFP to LPT2 - connect the dongle to LPT1 - if you have a Star receipt printer that will work fine on LPT1 with the dongle.

[Rich C]

Rich,Try plugging the MFP into one of your 'puters that doesn't have the dongle and share it off of there. Or, put your dongle on a different one and change your mapping or configuration. We're really not running large networks here, just linking a few computers together so your printer should be ok with that. Just remember you have to install the printer driver on each computer you want to have access to the printer.Probably easiest to read the instructions with your port, they aren't too hard to put in and usually walk you through it. Tech's are begining to understand people a little better and the support doc's I've read w/equipment seems to verify that. Again, you may not have to change anything. It'll usually ask you to look at your device manager and look for your irq settings. It should also tell you what settings work best and give you a diagram of what those settings should look like (with the switches). After reviewing your information from the device manager and looking at your card, you may find you're ok and can just pop it in and let Window's do the rest.

	Superior UV

[Rich C]

Yo Rich, how'd it turn out????

[Rich]

I have not done anything with it yet. We just made the decision to close one of our slow salons and sell off some beds while replacing some older ones. Been sort of busy with that and haven't gotten to the computer change over yet.

[Rich]

I have not done anything with it yet. We just made the decision to close one of our slow salons and sell off some beds while replacing some older ones. Been sort of busy with that and haven't gotten to the computer change over yet.[ August 10, 2001: Message edited by: Rich ]