Why can't I use a printer with a USB cable?

Question

Hi, I have given an old Dell Dimension XPS to my son, but I can't get a printer to work with it.  The printer attaches through the USB port, which seems to be the problem.  I get the error message that the software is not set to a usb port.  But when I try to change that, the only ports listed to select from are LPT1, COM1, and FILE.  How do I select the usb port?  I'm sure you can tell from this message that I am a computer idiot...any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Dev Mgr · Answer

More information is needed: - which XPS model? - what version of Windows? - what brand and model printer?

Marbet99 · Answer

It is a Dimension XPS T500 (is that what you wanted to know?) running windows 98 SE. The printer is a Lexmark inkjet z715. I downloaded the driver for it from the Lexmark website and it says it is compatible with Windows 98 but who knows. The driver seemed to install fine... I can see the printer icon and everything.... just can't make it work with the USB port.

Thanks for trying to help!

Marbet99 · Answer

There appears to be no other way to connect this printer but by USB cable...It has no other slots on it for connecting different types of wires.

VCraig · Answer

Is there a reason you don't want to use the LPT1 standard printer port? The problem could be W98 has USB 1.0 compatibility and the printer requires USB 2.0. The printer driver does state it's compatible with W98 - but nothing about being USB compatible. Message Edited by VCraig on 06-01-200612:31 PM

Marbet99 · Answer

No, but I can get it from the website.  What am I looking for?  Thanks so much for trying to help with this.

VCraig · Answer

Do you have the printer user/setup guide?

VCraig · Answer

I was just looking at the Lexmark web site for a user guide for the z715.....and what I found is rudimentary at best, i.e., a pictorial only of the steps to take to setup the printer. And yes, the printer is USB connectivity only. Basically it shows connecting the printer USB cable to the computer USB port, then go to Start | Settings | Printers and Faxes to initiate setting up a new printer and also shows loading a printer setup CD as the last step. The second page contains multiple non-english verbiage even though I had english version selected. What isn't spelled out - at least I couldn't find anything in the FAQ/Knowledge base - is W98 setup instructions. As I noted your problem may be the printer is not USB 1.0 (or USB 1.1) compatible. If your setup CD program doesn't have a W98 section, your only alternative is to call Lexmark....assuming it's a free service. Other than this, I'd suggest you also post this in the Software - Other Software forum.

Message Edited by VCraig on 06-01-200602:07 PM

Marbet99 · Answer

There is a section in the online manual under troubleshooting, but all it says for Windows 98 is if the USB port is not listed, uninstall and reinstall the software.  Which I did...multiple times.  No luck.  Thanks anyway!

BELL BOY · Answer

Marbet99

Lexmark Inkjet Z715 specification indicates Operating Systems Supported includes W98 SE & ports are USB compatible with USB 2.0 specification. As already mentioned W98 SE doesn’t have USB 2.0 USB Controller drivers & will be USB 1.0 or 1.1. But since USB is both forward & backward compatible all this means is, your printer cannot utilize USB 2.0 capabilities on W98 SE thereby will operate at slower USB 1.1 speed. Even then this is no big deal since basic printing mode does not require USB 2.0 Hi-speed data transfer speed. (If really necessary you can always buy & install a USB 2.0 card).

Did you install downloaded Lexmark Inkjet Z715 exe driver B4 connecting the printer? According to Lexmark the correct exe driver for W98 should be CJ9X700EN.exe, version 1.1.1.0

Have you checked if printer appears as a USB device in Device Manager USB Controllers & checked USB driver information there?

Marbet99 · Answer

Bell Boy

Thanks for trying to help. Yes, I did install the Lexmark driver you mentioned before I connected the printer. The printer is not listed as a USB device. Under the heading Universal Serial Bus Controllers it has three items listed:

Generic USB Hub

Intel 82371AB/EB PCI to USB Universal Host Controller

USB Root Hub

Which might as well be in Spanish for all I can understand it...

So are you saying it should work it would just be slow? Sorry, I'm computer challenged...

BELL BOY · Answer

Marbet99

To see if printer is USB Controller connected, first you will need to change from Device Manager default (view devices by type) to view devices by connection then open click PnP BIOS > PCI bus > Intel 82371AB/EB PCI to USB Universal Host Controller > USB Root Hub (shows all USB devices connected to USB Root Hub ports).

You indicate a Generic USB Hub is present, which indicates you have an external USB hub connected, presumably to give additional USB ports? If not already done try connecting the printer direct to a USB Root Hub port (normally located on PC rear panel) & not to an external hub port.

Normally after software is installed a Plug & Play (PnP) device is auto detected as soon as device is attached to the PC. Or did you open Start > Settings > Control Panel > Printers then click on Add Printer (starts install wizard)? The wizard default port is normally LPT1 (not the one you want). When you right click printer icon & select Properties there should be a Details tab showing “Print to the following port” option box, what does it show? If it shows LPT1 then try the dropdown option & check if there’s a USB port

Finally you would not be able to measure any difference in PC to printer data transfer speed (even if you used a very accurate stopwatch).

Message Edited by BELL BOY on 06-02-200607:20 PM

Marbet99 · Answer

I think the problem is my usb port. ? It is as if it does not exist...

We have the printer attached directly to a USB Root Hub port on the rear panel. We don't have any external ports that I know of. Yes, usually, when I plug anything new into the computer, it is auto detected and a wizard comes up right away. For some reason this does not happen with anything plugged into the usb port.

When I click on Printer Properties and the Details tab showing “Print to the following port” option box, there is no usb port listed. My only options are LPT1, COM1, or FILE. I know the printer and the usb cable are ok because I hooked it up to my laptop with no problem.

I contacted Lexmark customer service and they tell me it is not a problem with the printer and I should contact the computer manufacturer. Is it time to give up or does anyone think there is some way to make this work?

BELL BOY · Answer

Marbet99 You say quote 'For some reason this does not happen with anything plugged into the usb port' so I assume this means you have checked other USB devices in this particular USB Root Hub port & they don’t work? If this is correct then it is bad USB port. If not then you should try other USB devices on that same port to determine if it’s OK. I’d guess your PC has at least two USB Root Hub ports so have you tried the other port? Did you go to Device Manager & change the default (view devices by type) to view devices by connection then open click PnP BIOS > PCI bus > Intel 82371AB/EB PCI to USB Universal Host Controller > USB Root Hub? This view displays All devices attached to the USB Root Hub ports. And if you see a Generic USB Hub present then an external USB hub must be connected to your PC either as a standalone hub or as an integrated hub (built into monitor or keyboard or even the printer), again you can investigate this hub properties etc & if see if there are any device conflicts whilst in Device Manager view devices by connection. It will also let you gather relevant information that may assist in seeking help with your PC & USB Printer problem.   Message Edited by BELL BOY on 06-05-200607:40 PM

TheFlems · Answer

I have similar problems, but with the twist that XP correctly identifys the printer. The software gets installed, but when I click 'Finish' I get the message: 'Unknown port'. I've tried 4 or 5 different USB-printers that works fine on other PC's. The USB-ports works fine too, everything I connect is correctly identifyed.

Printers

Why can't I use a printer with a USB cable?

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