Parallel Port Configuration Errors On Trent Based Machines

It has been identified that problems may occur when connecting ECP aware devices to "Trent" based computers with the product codes MM (MS), LA(VS) and VG(VS). The problem was identified whilst attempting to connect Canon printers Model type BJC4000 and the BJC4100, but it is possible that it may affect other devices. The fault symptoms exhibited are that the printer will print very slowly i.e. about 1 line every 5-10 seconds. The reason for this is the way Windows 95 configures the Extended Capability Port (ECP).

Windows 95 has been programmed so that it can make full use of the benefits of ECP, and this allows it to identify printers and scanners that are connected to the parallel port. For instance, when a printer is connected to a machine, Windows 95 will detect it as a new device when it next reboots. It will then install the correct driver if it has one or prompt for the drivers disk. This is only possible if Windows 95 is able to ask the printer what type of printer it is and the printer is able to reply. This two way communication also enables the printer to tell Windows 95 when a problem has occurred (paper jam or out of paper) and so alert the user.

Unfortunately Windows 95 sometimes does not get the information about the ECP port quite correct and the two way communication fails. A solution to this problem is very simple to implement.

1. Select BIOS configuration by pressing F1 when the PC is booting.
   
   
2. Select the "DEVICES AND I/O PORTS" option.
   
   
3. Check the following settings:
   • "PARALLEL PORT" should be set to [AUTO-CONFIGURE],
   • "PARALLEL PORT MODE" should be set to [AUTO],
   • "PARALLEL PORT IRQ" should be set to [AUTO],
   • "PARALLEL PORT DMA" should be set to [AUTO].
     
     
4. Save any changes and exit BIOS configuration.
   
   
5. Boot into Windows 95.
   
   
6. Select "START", "SETTINGS", CONTROL PANEL", "SYSTEM", "DEVICE MANAGER".
   
   
7. From the Device Manager list, select "PORTS (COM & LPT)" and click on the + sign once.
   
   
8. Select The "ECP PRINTER" and then Press the Properties button.
   
   
9. Click on the "RESOURCES" tab.
   
   
10. If there is a tick in the Use Automatic Configuration box then click on it to remove it.
    
    
11. Next set the Settings Based On to be "BASIC CONFIGURATION 0005".
    
    
12. If Basic Configuration 0005 is unavailable, then change it to 0004, save the settings by clicking on the OK button and reboot the PC. When the system restarts then return to step 6 and repeat the procedure. You will find that Basic Configuration 0005 should now be available.
    
    
13. Check that when Basic Configuration 0005 is set that the values for the input/output Range is 03BC-03BF and that the Interrupt Request is 07.
    
    
14. Restart the PC and try printing a test page.

The above settings have been found to work when using Canon printers on Trent based machines, but other Parallel port products may benefit from this procedure.

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