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Printer won't install after upgrade

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Name: jinx
Date: January 14, 2008 at 16:30:05 Pacific
OS: XP Home
CPU/Ram: PIII/128
Product: HP Pavilion
Comment:

A while back I couldn't get my modem installed right after I upgraded ME to XP. After enterring the BIOS and changing the set configuration to default, and then trying to disable the serial ports, the modem now works. I went back in and enabled the serial ports, and the modem still works, but now my printer doesn't. It goes through installing it normally, but when it comes time to print the test page - nothing.

I did use the updated XP driver, I also checked the cables and re-plugged them in. I followed Troubleshooter's advice and tried the command prompt to COM4 (where my printer says it's installed) and it could not communicate.

The thing is, I don't think I HAVE a COM 4. In Dev. Man. It shows my ports as COM 1, COM 2, and LPT1. It also has a branch called IEEE compatible printers, and my printer is listed there. The FAX is listed for LPT1, but shouldn't this be the printer?

There's something going on with the Ports here, but I'm not sure what, and I'm not sure how to get my printer back working.

Also - the printer works fine as a stand-alone copier.

Any ideas?



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Response Number 1
Name: Jennifer SUMN
Date: January 14, 2008 at 16:45:54 Pacific
Reply:

What is the physical connection from the printer to the computer? Parallel? USB?

Life's more painless for the brainless.


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Response Number 2
Name: aegis
Date: January 14, 2008 at 16:54:27 Pacific
Reply:

Yes, we need to know what is connected where. You probably should leave the com ports disabled unless you have something connected to them, which I doubt.

Hardly anyone uses the com ports anymore.


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Response Number 3
Name: jinx
Date: January 14, 2008 at 19:32:34 Pacific
Reply:

I don't actually know what COM ports are. What's an example of something that would use one? Why did my computer "attach" the printer to a COM port I don't have? (COM4). Anyway, the CPU is connected to the printer via printer cable. I guess you call it parallel? It's not USB. Is there a way to attach a photo to these messages - I could show you what my Device Manager looks like if that would help....


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Response Number 4
Name: aegis
Date: January 14, 2008 at 19:36:48 Pacific
Reply:

Com ports aren't normally used for anything these days. Some people might have an external modem connected to one.

Disable the com ports. There might be a conflict with the interrupts between one of the com ports and your parallel printer.


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Response Number 5
Name: jinx
Date: January 15, 2008 at 18:04:41 Pacific
Reply:

Disabling the COM ports in the BIOS (and leaving LPT1 enabled) did the trick. Printers working fine now. Thank you for your help!


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