Re: HP Laserjet stopped working for XP computer only

"TVeblen" <killtherobots@xxxxxxx> wrote:
My Laserjet IIP Plus printer stopped working on this computer suddenly after
many months of reliable service. When I try and print anything the printer
que icon in the system tray immediately shows a red X and a balloon
announces "This Document failed to print". Status: Error-Print.
This happens for every application, including "Print Test Page" for the
printer's properties under Printers & Faxes.
*Attempts to print from DOS prompt results in nothing. No action or message.
*I have connected the printer and the cable to another computer. They both
work fine.
*I have deleted and restarted to reestablish the LPT1 port from device
manager.
*I have deleted the printer and reinstalled it.
*I have tried to start the spooler (NET START SPOOLER) from a DOS prompt.
*I have toggled all the port settings, one at a time, and restarted.
*I have scanned for viruses, spyware. Did a file cleanup (Temp files, etc).
*I have check BIOS settings and LPT1 is listed.
Still no printer.

It seems I need a diagnostic to see if this is a hardware problem or a
software problem. Does anyone know how to determine this?
If software, any ideas or instructions?

Note: once, I simply reinstalled the drivers. Then when I tried to print the
test page the print que went into a kind of loop. Spooling - stopped -
spooling - stopped, that kind of thing, forever, until I canceled it. Never
did it again.
TIA

OK back to basics.
Have you tried replacing the parallel cable? They rarely fail but I have seen
it a few times.
Check your BIOS settings to make sure the Parallel port is enabled (some
motherboards allow you to disable the port).
Check the Control Panel/System/Hardware/Device Manager properties and ensure
the port is present and is operational. It should say something like (under
Ports COM and LPT) "ECP Pinter Port LPT1", if there is an error against that
line the port is not configured correctly (deleting the port and a reboot may
fix that).
Do you know anyone with a printer that has a parallel port so you can see if
their printer works with your hardware (any parallel printer will do), if it
does not work you may have a hardware failure in the port on your PC.
There are some hardware diagnostic tests available for PC's (some are free),
and most of them should test the parallel port but may need an installed device
attached to complete the test. You can google for these.
One last thought - do you have a scanner attached to the same port (looped
cable through the scanner to the printer)? If so, remove the scanner from the
loop and see if that fixes the problem.
Good luck and please keep us informed.
Tony

.

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