How to: Install a plug-and-play parallel port card.
Solution:
Observe ESD considerations, and install the internal plug-and-play parallel port card.
WARNING: Electrical shock hazard! Make sure the power is turned off and the external power cables have been disconnected before removing the computer cover.
CAUTION 1: This task should be performed by a qualified computer technician.
CAUTION 2: Please observe steps to reduce the potential damage to computer components from electrostatic discharge.
NOTE 1: If you are adding a second parallel port card, the new parallel card must be setup as LPT2.
NOTE 2: Standard parallel ports (LPT1 and LPT2) use standardized interrupt request (IRQ) values. Use steps 1) through 12) to determine if there are any devices using and IRQs 5 and 7.
NOTE 3: Sound cards and some Ethernet network adapter cards commonly use IRQ 5 and 7.
1) Click the 'Start' button to display the 'Start' menu.
2) Select 'Settings' and select 'Control Panel'. (The 'Control Panel' window appears.)
'Control Panel' window
3) Double-click the 'System' icon. (The 'System Properties' dialog box appears.)
4) Click the 'Device Manager' tab. (The system devices are displayed.)
Device Manager
5) Select the 'Computer' icon.
Select Computer and click properties
6) Click 'Properties'. (The 'Computer Properties' dialog box appears.)
Computer Properties
7) Select the 'Interrupt request (IRQ)' radio button. (The dialog box lists the devices with interrupt assignments and radio button name.)
IRQ
8) Record the interrupts that are not assigned.
9) If IRQ 5 and 7 are currently being used, do the following:
NOTE: If IRQ 5 and 7 are being used by another parallel port card or a parallel port embedded on the motherboard, you have to configure the new card as 'LPT2' or remove or disable the existing parallel port. For additional information concerning configuring or disabling parallel ports, contact next-level support or refer to the computer's technical manuals.
a) Click the 'Reserve Resources' tab.
NOTE: If you attempt to reserve a resource currently assigned to a device, a 'Resource Conflict Warning' message will appear stating if you reserve a resource in use that a resource conflict may occur. If possible, choose a different value to reserve.
b) Select the 'Interrupt request (IRQ)' radio button, and click 'Add...'. (The 'Edit Resource Settings' dialog box appears.)
'Edit Interrupt Request' dialog box
c) Enter '5' in the 'Value' list box, and click 'OK'.
d) Enter '7' in the 'Value' list box, and click 'OK'.
e) Click 'OK' to close the 'Computer Properties dialog box.
10) Shut down Windows 95, and turn off the computer.
11) Disconnect the external power cord from computer.
12) Remove the computer cover.
13) Determine the expansion slot type for the parallel card.
14) If you are replacing an existing parallel port card do the following:
a) Locate the existing parallel port card.
NOTE: The external edge of a parallel port card will have a male 25-pin port.
25-Pin Parallel Port Connector
b) Unplug all of the cables connected to the external ports.
c) Remove the screw securing the parallel port card to the computer case.
d) Lift the parallel port card from the expansion slot with both hands.
CAUTION: Be careful not to snag any cables or scratch components when lifting the parallel port card from the computer.
15) Align the parallel port card parallel with an empty slot matching the card, and insert the card into the slot.
Aligning a card with a expansion slot
CAUTION: Keep the card vertical while inserting it into an expansion, and be careful not to bend the parallel port card. Bending the parallel port card can damage the circuitry.
16) Replace the computer cover.
17) Reconnect the external computer power cord, and turn on the computer. (Allow Windows 95 to load normally.)
NOTE 1: Windows 95 will auto-detect the new parallel port card and auto configure system drivers for the parallel port card.
NOTE 2: To verify whether the parallel port card is working properly, configure a parallel port device (printer, or Iomega Zip drive) to use a port on the new card.
