Legacy Parallel Devices May Not Respond After Resume (242939)

SYMPTOMS

When you suspend and resume a computer that uses Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI), legacy (non Plug and Play) parallel devices may stop functioning.

NOTE: Plug and Play printers that you do not turn on before the computer starts may also stop working. This problem affects any device that is connected to a parallel (LPT) port on a computer running Windows 98 and Windows 98 Second Edition.

CAUSE

This issue can occur because Virtual Communications Device (VCOMM) does not attempt to put LPT ports into the D0 power state (full power) when the port is opened; it is assumed to always be powered on. This is a problem, because VCOMM puts the LPT port into the D3 power state (powered off) when you suspend your computer, but does not put it back to D0 after you resume your computer.

RESOLUTION

A supported hotfix is now available from Microsoft, but it is only intended to correct the problem that this article describes. Apply it only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem.

To resolve this problem, contact Microsoft Product Support Services to obtain the hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services telephone numbers and information about support costs, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/?ws=support

Note In special cases, charges that are ordinarily incurred for support calls may be canceled if a Microsoft Support Professional determines that a specific update will resolve your problem. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for the specific update in question.

The English language version of this fix should have the following file attributes or later:

Date Time Version Size File name Platform
----------------------------------------------------------------------
9/27/99 11:06pm 4.10.2018 33,107 VCOMM.VXD Windows 98
Windows 98 Second 
Edition

MORE INFORMATION

VCOMM checks the initialization of a device to see if it is an LPT port or a COM port. If the port is an LPT port, VCOMM does not enable power management for the port. This means that the LPT port is in the D0 power state and is assumed to always be powered on. In contrast, VCOMM manages the power state of COM ports. COM ports are normally in the D3 power state until you open the port. They are then put into D0. They return to D3 after you close the port.

For additional information about Windows 98 and Windows 98 Second Edition hotfixes, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: