Error Message Printing to an ECP Parallel Printer Port (304632)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 98
  • Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition
This article was previously published under Q304632

SYMPTOMS

When you print to a parallel (LPT) port that is configured in Extended Capabilities Port (ECP) mode on a VIA Technologies VT82C686A chip-set-equipped computer, the following error message may eventually be displayed:
There was an error writing to LPT1.

CAUSE

The VIA Apollo VT82C686A South Bridge PSIPC chip set does not allow software control of the Printer Control Register I/O Port (base port address + 2) after ECP has been negotiated with the port.

This behavior is not in conformance with the applicable specification, which is the IEEE Std.1284-1994 specification ("Standard Signaling Method for a Bi-directional Parallel Peripheral Interface for Personal Computers").

WORKAROUND

You can alleviate this problem by disabling ECP mode in the system BIOS.

MORE INFORMATION

The Microsoft Lpt.vxd driver is in compliance with the IEEE 1284 specification regarding ECP negotiations.

VIA Technologies has been notified of this issue.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:12/17/2004
Keywords:kberrmsg kbprb KB304632
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