I have Windows XP SP2 and have this old IBM Network Printer 4317.  It is hooked up 
to my computer via parallel port and the printer stays on all the time.

The problem is that whenever I reboot or turn on the computer, it triggers my printer 
to print a page with three zeros at the top left corner and it's been annoying me 
for very long time...

Any idea how to fix this behavior?

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Your printer is either sensitive to transiants or spikes on the data buss or your 
computer is spiking the data interface.  Older printers sometimes had this problem, 
and it seemed to follew certian brand/models.  Nothing you can really do about it. 
 A better insulated cable may help in some cases.

Now if it is happening, after Windows is starting to load, you have a driver issue 
which only the printer manufacturer can address, but on older peripherals, I doubt 
they will offer any help.

Other than that, you could use a parallel port printer switch to isolate the printer 
when you turn on your machine, but only the electronic switch models would help. 
 A mechanical switch might spike the interface and produce the same problem and isn't 
recommended on some printers, especially older laser printers..

Only other thing to do is turn off the printer and only turn it on after Windows 
starts and stablizes..







On Friday, October 12, 2007 at 9:31 am, Ki wrote:

>I have Windows XP SP2 and have this old IBM Network Printer 4317.  It is hooked 
up 

>to my computer via parallel port and the printer stays on all the time.

>

>The problem is that whenever I reboot or turn on the computer, it triggers my printer 

>to print a page with three zeros at the top left corner and it's been annoying me 

>for very long time...

>

>Any idea how to fix this behavior? 

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

You might install a dummy printer -- print to file -- and make it the default, but 
it probably is a hardware problem; either the cable or the printer.

Otherwise, just re-use the paper. Usually face down (in-tray) prints on the same 
side (those 000's you hate). Put the 000's face up to actually print on the other 
side.

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I remember this problem.. A LONG LONG time ago when parallel ports existed still.. 
:)

I'm fairly sure that this problem is resolved by changing your parallel port type 
in the BIOS... Try changing it from EPP or ECP, to SPP.  Anyways you do it, I believe 
that changing that specific setting to one of the other available settings will solve 
your problem.

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Thank you all for your suggestions.
I'm am away from that computer today, but I will try switching the bios setting to 
one of the other parallel port setting and if that still fails, I will see if setting 
the default printer to PDF writer helps.  And if that fails too, I guess the only 
option that I have so far is just to keep the printer turned off and turn it on when 
I need to use it.

Than you all for the suggestions and I will update with which solution worked or 
not next week.

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Seems how this is a problem with your PC sending out some stray data to the printer 
when you power it on, changing the settings in Windows that are only effective after 
the computer is fully booted, will not do anything.. So, I wouldn't worry about changing 
your default printer. :)

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

OK. I looked at the bios for Parallel Port Type, but this particular computer didn't 
have SPP (I do remember seeing this in some other computers that I've used) as one 
of the options.   Anyway, it was set to ECP originally and switching to EPP resolved 
the problem!  Thanks, appleoddity!

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Yeah, I used to have this problem on a printer of mine a long time ago.. It wasn't 
until years later that I accidentally stumbled across that little piece of information 
about changing the parallel port type.. By then, that old printer was long gone.. 
:)

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