USB printer goes offline

There are several threads about the USB port on the D/Port and D/Docks.  It appears that the port will fail if you have devices that have heavy loads, like printers.  Try to plug the printer into the USP slot on the side of the laptop while it is docked and see if that fixes the issue.

There are many posts on the Inspiron Port Replicator Forum - In a nutshell, you are SOL, as Dell will not address these USB issues.

Sorry

I'm not using an Inspiron, I am using a Latitude...do you know if it the same problem?

Mavv

Thank you for using the Dell Community Forum.
If you listen to "Incognito" you will never get a solution, because he/she is telling you just to give up and die...
But, here is some information that may be useful.
If you are using the D/Port replicator, try a "self powered" USB hub.
There have been reports recently that the D/Port port replicator has been dropping or timing out with USB devices.
I have escalated these reports to Dell Engineering and they are currently looking into the reported problems with the D/Port replicator. Customers that have reported these problems, have also reported that using a USB powered hub solves the problems in most cases. Using a USB powered hub is just a temporary work around. I can assure you that Dell Engineering is looking into the problem, and will probably develop a solution.

Well, from the look of his posts (on this subject), KARELL will have you holding your breath - Dell has been "working" on this problem for 9 months now, yet still won't admit there is a problem!

They sure sell alot of these APR's, though...

Believe who you want - I don't work for Dell.

Hi Karell,

I am not sure who to believe right now.  All I know is that I have just purchased $4400 worth of laptop and APR and it is not doing what it is supposed to.  I understand that I can use a powered hub as a go around to the problem but that defeats the purpose of having the APR in the first place.  I have also heard that connectting the USB device directly to the laptop "fixes" the problem as well but, again, that defeats the purpose of the APR.

I will give you the benefit of the doubt and wait for a proper fix but I will not just quit and die.  Rest assured I will continue to check on the status of this problem.

Mavv

Trust me when I tell you that the problem will not be fixed within your 30 day return period.

If an APR is important to you, shop elsewhere.  If not, return the APR and be content with a laptop that is less than you bargained for.

Dell (Karell) will have you wait until you cannot return your system.

When you get the APR, let us know what the revision # is.  So far Rev.00 and Rev.01 have not solved the issues.

I'm on my 3rd APR, currently Rev. 01.  No help.

To All,

Dell (Karell) will have you wait until you cannot return your system.
No, actually I wouldn't.
If you are unhappy with your system, or any of the Dell products you have purchased,
and you are within your the 30 days from invoice, return them.
There is no reason to keep any product, from anyone, that you don't want.
I'm not trying to help Dell make money by "tricking" you into keeping the products.
I'm simply stating that Dell engineering is aware of the problem, and they are looking into it.
It is ultimately up to you, as the consumer, to decide what is best for you.
I apologize if you are outside the 30 days from invoice and cannot return your Dell product,
I can assure you that we are looking into this problem.

I will do that.

Mavv

I have contacted Dell Tech Support and they are sending me a new D/Port Port Replicator as a possibile fix.  I was informed that it may be a problem with the device I have now.  From what I have heard here that is probably not the case but what the heck, if I an get a new one to replace the old one for free why not.  It can't hurt.  Also, I have a full service 4 year warranty.  If it does not function and I have informed them of the problem I would expect them to honor the warranty and repair/replace the malfunctioning part.  As I stated earlier I have also informed them about the problem so that it is on record and in the future I can come back to that stating that this was a known problem from the beginning and has never been resolved.

Mavv

Just got the replacement APR and it is Rev. 02.  Haven't tried it yet but I will let you know when I do.

Mavv

Please keep us posted.  Thanks.

Well, so far it is not looking very promising.  After replacing the APR and booting the computer, the first thing I had to do was unplug and plug in the USB printer cable.  So I am going to day that the new APR has not fixed the problem.  I am going to continue to watch it and see if it was just for setup purposes that I had to reconnect after the first boot or not.  I will keep you all posted.

Mavv