USB Printer not working

[dezt]

I have a PC that won't allow USB printers to work. It recognises the printer and installs the drivers for it but then at the end of all the installation I get an error message saying "The port cannot be recognized"

This has happened on 2 different printers on the same PC, but the printers work on other PC's.

Has anyone come accross this problem before?

The USB ports do work because I have a IWB plugged into one of them.

[mrforgetful]

I hate USB printers, bring back Parallell!!

Did you install the drivers first then plug the printer in?

I never do this usually but when working with printers it's a lot more reliable. Was trying to get an Epson working for weeks a while back, just kept having a 'Communication Error' at the end. Uninstalled and unplugged it. Installed Drivers, plugged it in and ti worked.

[dezt]

I have taken this over from another techie, as far as i'm aware the printer was plugged in first and the driver cd was put in after. The documentation that comes with the printer tells you to do this.

Oh, i'm trying to install a lexmark at the moment. X1100 series printer.

I was trying to install an epson last time and on that 1 I installed the drivers first.

[richard]

When I have installed Lexmark printers in the past I have always installed the software first and then attached the printer even if the instructios tell you otherwise.

I know with HP printers its always software first then attach the printer.

[dezt]

The thing is, with the epson that I tried installing first, i did the software first and plugged the printer in when it told me to. The problem is that the PC itself isn't installing a usb printer port so the PC can't communicate with the printer. It doesn't seem to matter how I install the printer.

[richard]

Silly question but have downloaded the latest drivers from the Lexmark site?

[dezt]

not yet.

The problem seems to be creating the usb port for the printer to be installed on, the printer itself seems to be ok.

[kearton]

Do any other USB devices work from the *same* USB socket? (i know you already said you have an IWB in another one)

[contink]

Few things to try..

1. Look for a driver cleaner, one that completely wipes all trace of the drivers.

2. Re-assign the printers to other non-USB ports in the ports tab and then delete the USB ports (You can't delete the ports while a printer is assigned to it)

3. Obviously you've already unplugged the printers (this should be step 1)

4. Get the latest drivers and reinstall them..

5. Try a completely different USB cable (sometimes a faulty cable can create problems)

6. Pray...

[dezt]

@kearton USB devices work in the same socket.

@contink I think i'm down to number 6 now.

I've found something on the net by using google and it said something about removing usbmon.dll and copying a new version on to the computer, when i try to delete it, it throws up an error saying CRC error, i can't do anything to that file without the error coming up.

[contink]

I've found something on the net by using google and it said something about removing usbmon.dll and copying a new version on to the computer, when i try to delete it, it throws up an error saying CRC error, i can't do anything to that file without the error coming up.

Not heard of that one but perhaps booting into DOS or similar may help... I'm guessing you've already tried safe mode..

[dezt]

tried safe mode and recovery console, both wouldn't let me delete the file, gonna try dos and if that doesn't work then it's a repair install of XP.

[dezt]

And when all else fails (like now) there's nothing like a good old format and re-install, start from scratch.

Thanks everyone for all your suggestions.

[contink]

Perhaps we're going about this completely ass backwards... the problem could still be with your USB interface drivers.

I'd see if you can reinstall, update, etc.. your USB drivers, and possibly even your chipset drivers... ie: if you're using via then get the latest 4in1, etc...

worth a try if nought else..

[mac_shinobi]

Check the bios of the machine and see if there any settings in the bios relating to USB with regards to compatability and keyboard and mouse enabled for usb which I generally enable.

also www.usbman.com here : http://www.usbman.com/Troubleshooter%20General.htm

is pretty good also as before install drivers first before connecting the printer.

Also as a last resort you can check the motherboard manufacturers website to see if there are any firmware related updates for USB or anything similar that will rectify it.

Assuming that its onboard USB as apposed to a PCI usb card ?