ZIP parallel port problem

[Rich]

Hello! I have an older 100 MB Zip parallel port drive
attached to a Dell Dimension 4500 running Windows XP with
Service Pack 1.

I have problems transfering files to and from the ZIP
drive, mostly with speed. It takes a very long time to
transfer. Sometimes it takes a very long time just to see
the ZIP disk directory in Windows Explorer.

Microsoft's Knowledge Base says the 15 second hang with a
ZIP parallel port drive is fixed with SP1, which I have,
yet I still get a hang often.

What changes can I make in the parallel port settings to
improve performance, if any? Any other ideas (other than
buying a USB drive!)? Thanks.

Rich B
Ohio

 

[E.P. van Westendorp]

I don't use my old Iomega ZIP-100 Parallel with Windows XP but have
tried it because the many questions I saw in these newsgroups.

I don't have any problems, the Parallel Port is operating in EPP mode
(Bios setting) and I changed the port setting in Device Manager to allow
"Legacy Plug and Play"
I'm not using any Iomega software or drivers.
There is NO printer attached at the same time, Windows XP doesn't allow
that!!!!

This Iomega has some info I didn't completely follow:
http://www.iomega.com/support/documents/10127.html

<QUOTE>
STEP FOUR - Enable the legacy plug and play in Device Manager

1. Right-click the My Computer icon and then click Manage.

Note: In Windows XP, you will need to click Start and then
right-click the My Computer icon.
2. Click the plus (+) symbol next to System Tools.

3. Double-click Device Manager.

4. Click the plus (+) symbol next to Ports.

5. Double-click the Printer Port icon.



6. Click the Port Settings tab.

7. Within the Filter Resource Method box, click Use any interrupt
assigned to port.

8. Click Enable legacy plug and play detection to place a check mark.



9. Click OK and then close the Computer Management Window.

10. Restart your computer for changes to take effect.

11. Double-click the My Computer icon.

Note: In Windows XP, you will need to click Start and then click
the My Computer icon.

If your Zip drive is listed with a drive letter, you are
now ready to use your drive.

If your Zip drive is not listed with a drive letter
assigned, please continue with the next step.


STEP FIVE - Change the parallel port mode in the computer setup (BIOS)

Some parallel port mode settings may not allow your Zip drive and
computer to communicate properly. On most computers, the parallel port
mode can be changed in the computer setup.

1. Refer to the documentation that came with your computer or
contact the computer manufacturer for instructions on accessing your
computer setup.

2. Locate the parallel port mode setting.

3. Set the Parallel port to Enabled.

4. Set the Mode to EPP or bi-directional.

5. Set the I/O (Input/Output) address to 378.

6. Set the Interrupt to IRQ 7.

7. Save changes and exit out of the computer setup.

8. Restart your computer.

9. Double-click the My Computer icon to verify there is a Zip drive
with a letter assigned.

Note: In Windows XP, you will need to click Start and then click
the My Computer icon.

If your Zip drive is listed with a drive letter, you are now ready to
use your drive.
</QUOTE>