Microsoft KB Archive/120033

BIOS Multi-Function Cards Require BIDI Be Manually Activated

PSS ID Number: Q120033 Article last modified on 12-31-1996

1.00

WINDOWS

= 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.