Desktop

Ask something
Discussion Locked

Printing Problem

0 helpful
7 replies

by tjaco

Closed to new repliesThis discussion is closed. It stays readable, but it takes no new replies.

Running windows XP; home built system; ASUS p4b266 motherboard.

Whenever I try to print nothing happens. I eventually get an error message "Document failed to print" and the print status window appears with the name of the printer and document and "Error" under status.

This problem occurred after a power outage during a thunderstorm. At first I thought the printer had been fried (Epson C62) but I just tried again with an old HP Deskjet 560c and am having the same problem. I am able to print to the HP just fine from my laptop so I know the printer and cable are ok.

I have gone through all the windows troubleshooting steps including trying to print from command prompt but still no luck getting any response from printer. I lookedin the CMOS and the settings seem to be in line with what everyone recommends.

I have also tried uninstalling both the printer and the LPT1 drivers and reinstalling but again no luck.

Is it possible that there is something defective with theparallel port itself and if so is it possible to replace it?

Alternatively could it be that by using the USB connection option for the Epson C62 I could avoid whatever problem is occurring with the parallel port? (I would just go ahead and try this but now the Epson appears to be out of ink and I don't want to spring for another cartridge if there is not a pretty good chance that the USB route will work.)

Sorry for the length of the post but didn't want anyone to waste time suggesting things that have already been tried.

Thanks

7 replies

by tduval

To test your lptx port, just make a dos windows (start/execute/cmd). Then type dir >lpt1, you should get a print of your directories. repeat twice if necessary to obtain at least one page.
If you get an error message, or hang the dos session, your port is dead.
Use instead your usb cnx to print

by tjaco

I was a little confused on how to ask a follow up question so sorry for the Unacceptable Rating. Its not that the answer didn't help me its just I am a bit clueless with DOS. I got to the C: prompt and typed "dir >lpt1". After I hit enter I didn'tget an error and it didn't hang it just returned me immediately to the C:\ prompt. Does this mean that the port is dead or am I just doing something wrong?

by tduval

You did it right. Your computer behavior is wrong. You can try same thing after safe mode boot (F8) or DOS diskette boot, but I think your parallel port is dead

by ignaciocortez

if this happened after a power outage, that might have been your problem, normally when power comes back up, even if you're behind a surge protector you're still gonna get a SPIKE, in wichever case, the moma board might be damaged, b4 replacing it, you can try buying a LPT port of the shelf and installing in inthe machine, that could get you going, though you will prolly have other problems caused by the original POWER SPIKE

This discussion is closed to new replies.