Parallel Port replacement Query

[Coxside]

I think the built in parallel port on my motherboard is damaged

If I were to install a parallel port card, how would I ensure data
intended for the printer is routed through the parallel port on the
card, rather than the motherboard parallel port?

Thanks for your time and attention

[Jan Axelson]

If you want to be sure not to use the broken port, open Device Manager, click Ports, right-click the broken port, select Driver, and click Disable.

Printer installation will likely detect the port the printer is attached to, and you can set the printer's port in Windows Control Panel.

[Coxside]

Thanks for the reply Jan, but your solution requires that I am using Windows (urgh).  I use Linux!

[Jan Axelson]

I don't recall the details for Linux, but the OS typically detects which port has an attached printer.