Windows Forum

Ask something
Discussion Locked

NT4 Server reports Printer Busy or Error

0 helpful
9 replies

by msillers 1 view

Closed to new repliesThis discussion is closed. It stays readable, but it takes no new replies.
I have 5 print queues on an NT 4 server. Two queues frequently report a "Printer Busy or Error". The print server appears fine and the printer reports ready. One is an HP 5si. The other is an older dot matrix generic. I've tried various drivers and used HP Jet Direct as well as Axis print servers. Recovery can be achieved sometimes by resetting the print server, printer or spooler service. I was origionally using SP 6a but backed down to 5 in an attempt to remedy this. I've seen this mentioned several times in various places but the only solution I've found is to remove SP 6a which didn't help. Please help.

9 replies

by rg11

Did you try changing out the printer cables connecting the printer to the network?
Did you try re loading the drivers on the server?

by komplex

I've gotten that problem with LPR ports, only solution that worked for me is to delete the ports and recreate them.

by msillers

Unfortunately, this didn't halp. I've even tried moving the ports to another server and the same trouble occurs - even more frequently. Thanks anyway.

by mikeanselmi

This happens when you use HP Jetdirect port and DHCP to dynamically assign IP addresses. Either set a static or lease for these devices or set a TCP/IP port for each of the printers instead of Jetdirect ports.

by msillers

I've tried HP Direct Jet port and an Axis print server (TCP/IP port) both giving the same results. We use a static IP address for all of our printers. Thanks for the info though.

by curacao_dejavu

Hi,

First here is the official MS answer.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;185355

2nd, I can tell you about the hp5si, since I solved that about a month ago.
Nothing really helped, I slowed the error message down by installing the hp4l driver. (btw I moved the printer queue to another drive , and also installed a intel networkprint server) In the end we replaced the printer.
My feeling is, that it has to do with the amount of memory installed on the printer, and indeed we more people/apps are using that printer.
I had no problem with xerox printers queues on the same server.

Leopold

by msillers

Not a great alternative but from the asnwers and what I've found elsewhere it looks like replacing the printer may be the only alternative so I'll reward you the points. Many people seem to have experienced this problem but neither HP not Microsoft acknowledge it.

This discussion is closed to new replies.