printer port failure

[mikemac13]

I have a computer running win98. To the lpt1 port is connected a scanner which then connects to the printer. Both have worked satisfactory until the scanner failed(power light out). I cannot get it operating by itself & neither will the printer. I have tested the printert on another machine & it is fine. The scanner appears to have caused a problem in the LPT1.However when I check the system settings, they tell me it is working fine. Could someone advise me how to either check or change settings on that port to verify its condition? As well, if it is faulty, is there anything that can be done or will i have to replace the motherboard.

 

[edfair]

The system settings can test the printer port to the CPU pathway. They can't test the path between the printer port and the external connector.
It is likely that the printer port driver hardware has failed. My normal solution would be to cripple the onboard LPT and install an ISA LPT card with the address LPT1. There are also PCI based LPT cards you can use if the machine is short of ISA slots.
This is one of the pitfalls of the all in one motherboard design. Ed Fair
unixstuff@juno.com
Any advice I give is my best judgement based on my interpretation of the facts you supply. Help increase my knowledge by providing some feedback, good or bad, on any advice I have given.

 

[ANFPS26]

You said the power light was out on the scanner. Does this scanner have an A/C power cord or is it powered through the LPT port? If it is A/C powered are you sure the cord is seated good in the back of the scanner and is also plugged securely in the wall? The lack of power is probably why your printer doesn't work. Does the printer share the same AC outlet or power strip? Does it have power? These sound like simple things, but more often than not can be the problem. The LPT cable goes to the scanner and then to the printer, so the dead scanner would probably also kill the printer. Make sure you have power. If you are losing it from the computer, then the LPT1 port is probably bad. "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing....."