Help with information about any printer?

Laptop can't use network printer?

• Hi, Scenario: The laptop (Windows 7) used to print normally to the network printer (On main computer running Windows XP). A new computer (not the aforementioned laptop) was added to the network, and was unable to recognize the printer. So new updated drivers were installed on the printer in order to perhaps resolve the problem. But now, the laptop no longer prints to the network printer. Again, the network computer is running Windows XP while the laptop is Windows 7. But they were compatible before. So, I uninstalled all the drivers off the network computer and also the laptop. Then, the latest driver for the printer was installed on both of them. The driver stated it was compatable with XP and Windows 7. The driver stated it was for 32-bit Windows 7. The Laptop in question is 32-bit. The network computer running XP can currently use the printer. The laptop reconizes the printer and its network and states its current status is "Ready". But when something is printed, the network printer does not detect the request. After trying to print something, the laptop then states the only error is "A print job in the print queue is preventing other print jobs from printing". Which is false, do to the fact the print queue was clear before attempting. So, I am confused at to why it reconizes it and used to work, but now plays out the above scenario. If it's any help, the printer is an Epson Workforce 30 with the following driver installed: http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/support/supDetail.jsp?oid=108883&prodoid=63075465&infoType=Downloads&platform=Windows The first one listed is the one installed both on the laptop and main network computer. And yes, they are both on the same workgroup and firewall is not causing the situation. I hope I provided enough information, just let me know otherwise.

• Answer:

  windows workgroup makes no difference for printers. you could try to rollback your printer drivers or reinstall your printer drivers that came on your cd/dvd if those worked. deleting the printer MAY delete the printer drivers and allow you to reinstall AFTER you clear the jobs. with network printers, a fixed/static IP address usually works better, however, some printers can work over DHCP just fine. if you do go with a static IP, make sure it is outside of the range of DHCP addresses of your router (check your router's settings to see what those are - some are 1-100 or 50-100 for linksys). you may be able to fix the printer by simply selecting the right IP port. you made one when you installed the printer last time. it starts with EPSON_192.168.1.105_CA3467FG or IP_192.168.1.105 or something similar. it's in printer properties (not preferences), under ports. you should be able to ping your printer from a cmd shell and get a decent response time back. you could also try turning off the printer and turning it on again after changing settings, sometimes this clears the problem, like printer errors. I have software which will clear print queues when nothing else will. one part is a batch file which works for lexmarks, based on something written by Brad Kovach (I improved it and added more platforms), the other part is software I wrote in C for modern windows computers. did the network plug fall out partially? sometimes those don't get in all the way or the boot precents the plug from getting into the jack all the way. if you are using wireless, try rebooting your router! router firmware is surprisingly buggy/flaky. my linksys and belkins had to be power-cycled every week or 3 days. until I put dd-wrt firmware on my linksys. now it's rock solid. http://dd-wrt.com make sure you read the peacock thread first before flashing dd-wrt firmware! [I have a wireless printer, and I was just on the phone with HP, and they showed me a neat trick to find the new IP of your printer. simply do start, printers and faxes, right click on your printer icon, pick properties, ports tab, configure port.]