Reference number: CH000442

Installing a PC parallel port computer scanner.

Question:

Installing a PC parallel port computer scanner.

Answer:

Buying tips and help
Before getting started
Connect cables
Set mode in BIOS
Install Software / Drivers
Troubleshooting

Memory buying tips

If you have not already purchased the scanner please see our scanner buying tips section help before continuing.

Before getting started

1. Difficulty of installing computer scanner should be a 1 out of 5.
2. When connecting the scanner, ensure the computer is off.

Connect cables

Note: If you have any parallel devices such as a printer, zip drive, etc... connected to the computer, we recommend that you temporarily disconnect these devices while installing the scanner to help prevent issues or the scanner from being detected. Once the scanner is successfully working these devices can be connected.

Begin first by connecting the parallel data cable to the back of the scanner. It is likely that the scanner will have two places to connect the parallel data cable.  Ensure that you connect the cable to the IN, Computer In or Computer connection.

Once connected, follow that cable to the back of the computer and connect it to the parallel port. When connecting the scanner, be careful not to disconnect any other cables. If cables need to be disconnected to access the parallel port, ensure that those cables are connected back to the place that they were disconnected from.

Once the data cable has been successfully connected to the computer and scanner, connect the power cable to the scanner.

Set mode in BIOS

Once the computer and scanner have been successfully turned on, as the computer is booting enter the BIOS setup. Verify within the setup that the LPT port mode is properly set. It is generally recommended that a LPT port mode be set to Bi-Directional. Unless your scanner manufacturer specifies a specific scanner port, we recommend that Bi-Directional be selected if available.

Additional help and information about BIOS can be found on our BIOS page.

Install Software / Drivers

When a scanner is purchased it should be included with drivers and software used to install the support for the scanner with your operating system. Once you have followed the above steps, use the diskettes or CD to install your scanner drivers to allow the computer to work properly.

If your scanner did not include drivers or you believe that the scanner drivers do not work, please visit our scanner drivers page for a listing of computer scanners as well as links to where to download the drivers.

Note: Software is different from drivers, many scanners are packaged with software such as imaging software or OCR software. Unless you already have this type of software installed on the computer, it is recommended that this packaged software also be installed.

Troubleshooting

If additional issues are encountered during or after the installation of the computer scanner, please refer to our main scanner page for additional help and information.