Configuration/Troubleshooting ECP Parallel Port in Win 95



Document ID: 97110021

 

Posted Date: 1998-05-01

 

Last Updated: 1998-05-01

 

Distribution: View Public Website

 

Applicable Models
Satellite 305CDS
Tecra 550CDT

 

Issue
  • The printer prints garbage or prints half a page
  • Tape/Zip Drives not being recognized
  • Parallel port Network Interface Cards (NIC) not configured properly
Resolution
The following procedure will enable Bi-directional communications utilizing the Parallel Port. Note: The following procedure is for any device attached to the Parallel Port (printers, scanners, tape drives, floptical drives, NIC Cards and Parallel Port CD-ROMs.)
Procedure
  1. If the device attached to the Parallel Port is not a printer skip steps 2--24. If the computer does not have TAP (Toshiba Access Panel), skip steps 1--3.
  2. Click Start/Settings/Control Panel. Double click "Toshiba System"
  3. Click the "Miscellaneous folder." In the field for "Parallel Port Mode," change the setting from "ECP" to "Standard Bi-directional." Click "OK" and restart Windows 95.
  4. If the computer does not have TAP, click Start/Programs/Toshiba Utilities/Hardware Setup.
  5. Click "Hardware Options" and click the "Parallel/Printer" folder.
  6. In the field "Printer Port Type," change the setting from "ECP" to "Standard Bi-directional". Click the "Reboot" button.
  7. Once Windows 95 restarts, a " new hardware" message will display for the Parallel port.
  8. Try to print. If the printer prints garbage or does not print, follow the next steps. If the printer prints, then the procedure is completed.
  9. Click Start/Settings/Control Panel. Double click the "System" icon. Click Device Manager.
  10. Double click "Ports (COM and LPT)" and single click "Parallel Port (LPT1)".
  11. Click "Remove" and "OK" to remove from Device Manager. Restart Windows 95 to redetect parallel port.
  12. Once Windows 95 restarts, click Start/Settings/Printers. Single click Printers icon and press the DEL key on the keyboard to delete the printer icon.
  13. Double click Add Printers icon to reconfigure the printer.
  14. Click "Next" on the welcome screen. "Local printer" will be highlighted, click "Next".
  15. Highlight the manufacturer and model of printer and click "Next".
  16. In the "Available ports" screen, highlight "LPT1" and click "Next". Click "Yes" for default printer. Click "Yes" for test page and click " finish".
  17. If the printer prints garbage data or does not print, then follow the next step. If printer works, then the process is complete.
  18. Restart Windows 95 and press the "F8" key to access "Windows 95 start-up menu." Choose "Safe mode command prompt only".
  19. At the "C:\DOS>" prompt, type "TDIAGS" and press "Enter" to start Toshiba's Hardware Diagnostic program.
  20. A message will display to run the Toshiba's Diagnostics. Press "Y".
  21. For the message "Test the FDD," press "N"; "Test the HDD," press "N"; "Test the printer," press "Y"; "Compatible with IBM," press "Y".
  22. The next 15-20 screens will display video tests. Press "Enter" on each screen until message for "printer test in progress" is displayed.
  23. If the printer does not print, verify that the printer and cable work. If printer and cable work on another computer, take PC to a "Toshiba Authorized Service Provider" for service.
  24. If the device is not a printer but is a tape drive, scanner or any type of parallel port media, verify that the port is changed to Standard Bi-directional.
  25. If the port is on bi-directional, try changing to ECP mode. If the device is not recognized in either setting, open Device Manager.
  26. Double click "Ports (COM and LPT)". Highlight "Printer Port LPT1." Click "Remove" and "OK" to remove the port from Device Manager. Restart Windows 95.
  27. Once Windows 95 restarts, try running the device. If the device is not working at this time, refer to the hardware manufacturer of the parallel port device for configuration information.
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