OT: Printer problems

It would help if we new what type of computer you were using (PC, Mac, some other etc.) and what operating system (windows 98, XP, Mac OS, Linux, etc.) so that we at least started in the right ball park. Its no use us talking about motor racing if you are playing baseball! ;-)

The first thing I would do is delete the printer from the printer selection menu and the drivers (if possible) and re-install both and then see where that got you.

It is not unknown for printers/drivers to become corrupted.

One more thing......how is the printer connected to the computer you use? Direct connection via LPT cable or USB or is it on a network that you have to access?

Dear Larry,

The computer is a Dell Dimensions 2400. The first printer to fail was an Epson. The one that just failed is an HP Photosmart 8050. My platform is Windows XP.

When I said everything has been tried, I meant it. Your suggestions were the first. I downloaded a different driver from the HP site, uninstalled and re-installed the printer numerous times, followed all instructions from the Dell tech as well as the HP tech. Believe me, that's why I think that Dell has somehow instructed my computer to not recognize any other printer. I got messages every day asking if I wanted the Dell printer as my default. I even changed the cables to make sure that they were not at fault.

The Dell tech suggested that I do a complete diagnostic. The error messages I received all had to do with the printer. One error said no interrupts were generated (when I was prompted to unplug and replug the printer); the second said there was a status error, and the third code said that a new device had been found but was not now responding.

Whatdyuyhthink???

Teri

I doubt that is the case as I cannot think of any way a tech could force those 'rules' to be applied unless Dell use their own bios systems (which again I very much doubt). It sounds like an XP/driver/printer issue for sure but I don't use XP so can't give you specifics unfortunately.

Do you know any knowledgeable computer geeks in your area who could take a look at it? If you take it into a store they are going to sting you big time for what could be (in all honesty) a simple 'glitch' to fix *IF* you know what you are doing with XP.

It's always difficult trying to give advice from a distance especially over usenet but I wish you luck with it. There has to be a way to get them talking to each other again!

From what you have said, I would start to suspect the cable. If you used the same cable for all the printers, that very well could be it. The good news is that it is a cheap fix, if it is the cable.

Marilyn

snipped-for-privacy@yahoo.com wrote:

Used a brand new cable, so it's not that. It just seems strange that the Dell printer works in any USB port, and the other two printers aren't recognized, even with different drivers.

Well, thanks for your advice. I guess I'm stuck with the Dell printer, at least for now.

Teri