Disappearing LPT1

[chiam]

When attempting to install an Best Data CABO Desk MP3 player on my computer the software appears to have removed my LPT1 port, which my printer is attached to. I've tried basically everything I can think of to get the LPT1 back, but nothing appears to work. So far I've restored the system 3 separate times, back to 5 days prior to the install attempt. Nope. I've done the start, programs, accessories, system tools
then system information to check the reports and see if there is an existing LPT1 someplace. Nope. I've deleted the printer and attempted to add a new printer, complete with drivers hot off the Printer CD, but there is no LPT1 to attach it to, so I can't add one. I am completely hosed and I know there must be a simple answer but I'm fresh out of ideas. HELP!

The printer has been unplugged, turned off, turned on, reconnected to the computer. That didn't work. It is definately connected at both ends. When I tried to create a new LPT (the computer doesn't think LPT1 or LPT2 are valid names, for some reason) the computer spooled all the files I tried to print, but nothing printed. The printer is not paused. It is the default printer. I've tried creating new drivers for a similar printer (Epson Stylus 400) but that didn't work.

I'm now down to thinking that I've got to reinstall windoze, which I desperately DO NOT want to do, because it means backing up my entire system and then restoring it, which could take way too much effort and time. Is there anything that I'm missing? Is there anything that I can possibly do besides reinstalling windows? How do I just install a port?

Chiam Margalit
margalitc@yahoo.com

[bassvax]

A couple of things that I can think of to check: Enter BIOS setup and check to see if for some reason your LPT1 port is disabled (there are different settings also try changing them I think ECP is one). I don't know if a registry entry by the mp3 software could effect the lpt1 port, but it is a thought. You said you checked in the system info for the lpt1 port, by this do you mean you went into the device manager or the actual sys info tab? I think if you check the device manager (right-click on "my computer and select properties) you may find the port listed with some sort of conflict. If this is the case you can remove the port from the device manager and reboot to have it reinstalled. Keep us up to date and good luck. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

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Jerry

[This message has been edited by bassvax (edited 11-27-2000).]