Installing Lexmark z55

[Itai]

Hi people,

I'm really having trouble installing my lexmark z55 printer and would
be greatful for some help. I have a pretty old laptop without a USB
port, so I'm using the parallel cable. The problem is that during the
install it checks that the cable is connected to the printer. It
doesn't find it. So even though I can contiune the install, ts doesn't
work afterwards.

Points:

- The printer is on.
- I'm using the driver supplied with the printer.
- Running Windows 2000
- The port is fine. I tried connecting another printer.
- The cable is fine.

Can anyone help me?

Thank you in advance.

 

[Scott Harding - MS MVP]

Have you checked in the printers folder to see if the printer is set to use
the LPT port? Also do you have the USB cable disconnected? You should. Have
you checked the manufacturers website for support?

 

[inoam]

Thanks for the reply,

The printer is set to use the LPT1 port. I also tried the LPT2, but to
no avail. The USB cable is disconnected. I tried it with a windows xp
laptop and it worked (both with the USB and parellel cables).
Any ideas?

 

[Peter]

Since you're dealing with an old computer and a new printer, the parallel port might not be set to the correct mode in your laptop's BIOS.
If you can get into your BIOS (typically, hitting the Del or F2 key repeatedly just as the laptop begins to boot up will take you to the BIOS setup, also called "System Setup"), look for a section named something like "peripherals" or "ports" and look for the LPT port (the bottom of the screen will typically have instructions for which keys to press to navigate and modify settings). The setting options should be "normal", "bi-directional", "EPP", "ECP", and/or maybe others. Experiment with different settings (be sure to save your changes before exiting the BIOS setup) to see if one works. Try ECP or EPP first. Also make sure the LPT port is enabled.
Be careful when messing with your BIOS. Don't change anything unless you're sure you know what it is.

hth,

-Peter