If your printer doesn't print, the fault could lie with its software or hardware. A quick way to check your hardware connection is to print from DOS. From Shutdown select Restart in MS DOS mode to get to the C:> prompt. Then type dir C:\windows>lpt1. If you get a printout, the hardware connection to your printer is fine and the trouble stems from the software. Try reinstalling the printer from the Add Printer icon in Control Panel. Also check the CMOS setup program for the proper EPP or ECP settings.

FIGURE 1: Stock up on proper PC cleaners and housekeeping tools, available at all good computer stores.

FIGURE 2: Retain old drive letter assignments when you add a new hard disk by creating -- as shown in Configuration 3 -- only logical partitions on the new drive, using a utility like PartitionMagic.

PartitionMagic 5