Rickie,

It has been almost 9 years since I last used 8255. But a careful study of the data sheet should reveal you the majic word, to be programmed to the control register.

For parallel port programming, you must use a bi-directional port if you wish to read from 8255.

A little search (using google) will show you thousnads of links to prallel port porgramming. e.g.

www.lvr.com

has some excellent links and articles from Jane Axleson.

Good Luck

IA

PS: This is an 8051 forum