Parallel port with XP

[Guest]

I have a Dell Inspiron 4100 Notebook, with Microsoft XP SP2, and a HP
LaserJet 1200 printer.
I was told that I should not connenct my printer's parallel port to the
computer while the computer is on, and if I do I will damage my parallel port.
Rather I should shut down, then connect the printer's parallel cable, and
then start up again.
This is extremely nconvenient.
Is this really true? If yes, is it always a problem, or only with certain
computers or printers?
Please Help. Thank you!

 

[Chuck]

Some laptops could care less. Others may have a chip failure. There is no
practical way to tell which is which without a risk of killing the parallel
port.
(Yes it's a good practice to turn things off.)

 

[Tom Ferguson]

Rule No 1 for computer connections:

Unless you are certain that it is safe to plug/unplug with the device
"hot" (power or signal being supplied), make sure power is off, and
better still, disconnected, before either making or breaking a
connection between a computer and any peripheral.

That being said:

USB connections and FireWire connections are almost always
hot-pluggable.

Parallel ports ("Centronics" parallel ports), serial ports, PS2 ports
are _NOT_ hot-pluggable. Always make sure connections are made
power-off.

Also, although it rarely results in any problem, do not connect or
disconnect any monitor of any type from its port unless power is off for
both the monitor and computer.

And, as always, RTFM (read the friendly manual).


Tom
MSMVP
Windows Shell/User





:I have a Dell Inspiron 4100 Notebook, with Microsoft XP SP2, and a HP
: LaserJet 1200 printer.
: I was told that I should not connenct my printer's parallel port to
the
: computer while the computer is on, and if I do I will damage my
parallel port.
: Rather I should shut down, then connect the printer's parallel cable,
and
: then start up again.
: This is extremely nconvenient.
: Is this really true? If yes, is it always a problem, or only with
certain
: computers or printers?
: Please Help. Thank you!