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