TITLE
    Macintosh Computers: Printer Port Reset (4/97)
Article ID:
Created:
Modified: 		21145
4/9/97
04/09/97
TOPIC


    Whenever I try to select the Printer Port in my Chooser, for my serial printer, I keep getting a message saying "port in use", or "port currently in use by another application", or "port already in use". Why am I getting these messages and how can I release the port from whatever application is using it?

DISCUSSION


    If the printer port has been in use by a QuickTake camera or by AppleTalk, then the serial printer is not going to work from the Printer Port until the port is reset.

    You can reset the printer port by:

    1). Selecting AppleTalk Inactive in the Chooser and restarting. If, after restart, AppleTalk shows "inactive" but you are still getting this message, your next step would be to reset the parameter RAM.

    2) Resetting Parameter RAM (PRAM)
    Restart the Macintosh and when you hear the startup sound, hold down the COMMAND-OPTION-R-P keys and continuing to hold the keys until the computer has "chimed" four times.  AppleTalk will be "active" after this procedure so you will need to make it "inactive" in the Chooser and restart again.

    3) If the Chooser shows AppleTalk "inactive" but you are still getting the "port in use" message your next step is to select the Imagewriter printer driver in the Chooser, then select the Printer Port.

Document Information
Product Area: Computers
Category: Troubleshooting
Sub Category: General Topics

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