Using multiple devices on the printer port - Crossbrand

Resolving The Problem

Can I use multiple devices on the printer port?

Printer data switch boxes should only be used for printers. Consult your printer manufacturer to be sure you get one that will not damage the printer's electronics. You will get unpredictable results using a switch box meant for printers to switch between a printer and a non-printer device. Windows 95 and the parallel port give unpredictable results when the switch is used for items other than printers.

Consider adding a second parallel port card (that uses IRQ 11) to get reliable use from each of your devices. Many commonly available cards use an IRQ that interferes with an installed sound card.

The added port card is needed for the newer color inkjets or laser printers that have bidirectional printer communications and you want to use a backup drive or a scanner.

The current parallel port-attached backup devices and scanners were designed before the recent newer printers.
These new printers rely on bidirectional communications with the computer and no other devices sharing the same printer [LPT1] port.