Adding second parallel port [Archive] - The PC Guide Discussion Forums

gatech73

01-30-2001, 02:17 AM

Hi, I am new here and at adding on to computers. I bought a parallel port off of Ebay but there were no connecters with it. I know I need to connect it to the motherboard. What do I need to connect it and were on the motherboard would I connect it. Also were would I get what I need.

Thanks!!!

Please help me if u can!!!!!!

Paleo Pete

01-30-2001, 05:01 AM

Look at the card, it should have gold contacts at the bottom. Open the case, with the power shut down, and locate an open slot that fits the contact strip, remove the metal tab that serves as a slot cover and push the card in. Usually it helps to wiggle it back and forth, but don't force it. Put the screw that came out of the slot cover into the tab on the card to hold it. Snug is fine, it's not an axle on a '64 Dodge...

Depending on the computer you may have one or several ISA slots. They will be two sections, one about 4" long and one about 2" long. If the card only fits in the longer part of this slot it's an 8 bit card and won't work on a Pentium computer. If it has both contact strips, you're in luck. If you're not sure, take it to a computer shop and ask them if it's ISA, 8 bit or PCI. PCI is the white slots about 4" long, but the metal strip on one end of the card is placed differently so it won't fit in an 8 bit slot.

To connect a device to the card, such as a printer or scanner you'll need a parallel printer cable, available at most electronics stores such as CompUSA, Radio Shack or Office Max among others.

You may also have to do some tinkering in BIOS to disable the onboard parallel port, and enable the card. Drivers for any devices attached to it will usually be necessary.

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