BIOS Multi-Function Cards Require BIDI Be Manually Activated
  
PSS ID Number: Q120033
Article last modified on 12-31-1996
 
1.00
 
WINDOWS
 

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The information in this article applies to:
 
 - Microsoft Windows Printing System version 1.0
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SUMMARY
=======
 
Some newer BIOS and multi-function I/O cards have an option to enable or
disable bidirectional (BIDI) communications on the communications (COM) and
LPT ports. The Microsoft Windows Printing System version 1.0 requires that
BIDI be enabled to ensure full functionality.
 
MORE INFORMATION
================
 
Windows Printing System 1.0 uses bidirectional communications for the
printer to provide feedback to its host computer. This information is used
for various dialog boxes, printer status, and current job information.
Although the Windows Printing System works without bidirectional
communications enabled, doing so does degrade performance and has been
known to cause sporadic installation problems on some configurations.
 
Refer to the manufacturer's documentation for instructions on enabling BIDI
functionality.
 
KBCategory: kbprint
KBSubCategory:
Additional reference words: 1.00 WPS error errors install BIDI BIOS
bi-directional turned on turned off multifunction
 
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Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1996.