Stump the Puzzler

Message Log 05.30.1998

Problem: I have a presario 7234 and just purchased a hp deskjet 890c
and a hp scanjet 5100can not get them to work together with my
computer..each will work separately..I was told by compaq that I have
to change the bios..I have to chane from ecp tp epp printer driver but
it has to be done in the bios...any help you can give will greatly be
appreciated...

thanks 

Kathy

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Hi Kathy,

I'm not sure, but try this first. With the computer turned off, turn on the
monitor first so you will be able to see all the beginning "stuff" as the
computer starts up. After the monitor warms up, turn on the computer and
watch the screen. When you see a blinking "square" cursor in the upper
right-hand corner of the screen, press the "F10" function key on your
keyboard. This action tells the computer to go into the BIOS Setup Screen.

So far, so good. Time for a little ranting on my part. At this point you
will not see the real BIOS setup screen, but Compaq's cutsey little GUI
interface to the BIOS setup. Unfortunately, all the settings of a modern
BIOS do not seem to be available from this interface. My gut feeling is
that Compaq restricts access to "protect us from ourselves". On the other
hand maybe I'm "all wet" because I have been unable to find much info on
this subject yet.

I'm working from a Deskpro 2000 here and I'm hoping your Presario 7234 BIOS
screen is different from mine, because mine does not have a setting for EPP
(other non-Compaq machines I work with do have the setting). Let's get on
with it.

The first screen you should see after pressing the F10 key, and waiting a
moment, should be a "Language Selection" screen. Select "English:" and
press the "Enter" key. The next screen is a "Welcome Screen". Press the
"Enter" key. The next screen should be "Compaq Utilities". Select the
"Computer Setup" line item (using the "arrow" keys, if necessary) and press
"Enter" again. After a moment or two you should be transported to the
"Computer Setup" Screen. Click the "Communications" Icon/Button to open the
communications screen.

This is where I hope you have different choices than I do - My screen only
allows me to change I/O addresses, DMA channels, and IRQ settings. There is
no mention whatsoever of ECP or EPP for the Parallel Port. If there is a
checkbox or picklist in you setup for EPP, make your changes and work your
way back out of the setup screens by selecting the OK buttons and saving
your changes. The computer will reboot and the BIOS will have been changed.
It is a good idea to note existing settings before making a change. So you
can come back here and reverse any changes that "mess up" your computer.

Let me know how you do.

I Remain,
L. R. Kephart
LAROKE Microcomputer Consultants
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