I have the same problem. I use an Inspiron 6000 with a Dicota Harbour Port Replicator. When I connect the printer via parallel cable the computer recognizes the printer and is able to set it up. But as soon as I send data to the printer (ie. print the test page) the printer tool hangs and must be stopped in the Task Manager.

When I connect the same printer via USB cable the computer recognizes new hardware and installs automatically the needed drivers (I do not have to install the drivers from disk).

So for my opinion it looks like the printing via docking station and parallel cable does not work.

I find this strange...Can you tell me what it says in the printer queue? Do you have the printer spool service running? I am able to print the test page and other print jobs but only about half of a print job.

I re-installed the printer last night step by step. I had the same effect. When I connect thru the parallel cable I have to start the setup program and it installes the drivers. I get the confirmation that the printer uses the USB-port (which is correct, as the printer is connected via USB-port to the port replicator.

When I start printing the file is shown in the spooler, but then I get a connection error.

Printing thru USB connection works fine.

As I need a second port replicator for the office I will now order another model and try this one (I do not need printing in the office). So I can check if possibly the parallel port of the port replicator does not work correct.

I will let you know what happens.

I have tried 2 port replicators (Keyspan and Targus) and it still won't print. I don't think buying another one will solve your problem. In your set to online or offline? I know that makes a difference.

Good to know that; I use the Dicota Harbour 2.0. So there are three different port replicators that do now work correctly. I'm not sure about your question. The printer is set online when I try to print; do you mean anything else that could be set to offline? Or might it possibly be a problem with the firewall?

I think it may have something to do with the printer spooler. I'll look into it when I have a chance. Yes, I did mean is your printer set to online. Your firewall shouldn't have anything to do with it. Your firewall is meant for the internet and shouldn't interfere with anything else. Also when you click on printer properties, go to the advanced tab and make sure the following is checked: spool print documents so program finishes printing faster, start printing immediately, print spooled documents first, and enable advanced printing features.