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How can I ensure functionality with my MOTU parallel MIDI interface under Windows 2000 or Windows XP?

This document refers to the PC Flyer, Pocket Express, parallel Micro Express, parallel Express XT, and parallel MIDI Timepiece AV.

MOTU parallel MIDI drivers have been developed and tested for full compatibility within Windows 2000 and Windows XP. Before Installing the drivers for your MOTU MIDI interface, you will need to make a few changes to the LPT port and BIOS settings of your computer. If you are unfamiliar with the BIOS of your copmputer, you should contact the manufacturer of your motherboard or consult the user manual for your motherboard.

The LPT settings are located within the Device manager. First, go to the properties section for the Printer Port, which is found in the Ports (COM&LPT) directory of the Windows Device Manager. Now click on the Port Settings tab and make sure that the option "Use any interrupt assigned to the port" is selected. Also, make sure that the "Legacy" option is turned off and that LPT1 is selected. Finally, you will need to check the parallel port mode in your BIOS. We recommend choosing either Standard mode (sometimes labeled as SPP), Normal, or Bi-directional mode. These BIOS options are usually found under a section labeled "Intergraded Peripherals". It is also recommended installing the LPT refresh utility from the MOTU MIDI driver setup for testing and confirming communication of Windows and your interface. The LPT refresh utility allows you to scan your MOTU parallel interface, verifying communication between the computer and the interface.

A note for Windows 2000 users

Windows 2000 imposes a 10 port limitation with MIDI. For example, if you have 2 Express XT's connected to your Windows 2000 computer, only 10 out of the 16 ports will publish within the operating system and your MIDI software. This limitation is not present within Windows XP.