Network printing

Question

Trying to set up a network printer, when I am setting up the TCP/IP port, I provide the IP address of the printer, then when I hit "next", it freezes the process and I get an error reporting message that tells me Windows Explorer has experienced an error and will be terminated.

I have tried dozens of times to set up this port, with the printer online, with it offline, with Windows Firewall turned on and with it off, with Norton Internet Security enabled and disabled, and with every combination of the above variables.

I can access the internet on the same network connection, so the connection and network drivers are good. I can print to the same printer using a parallel connection, so the print driver is good.

Any ideas???

jflewis88 · Answer

I'm not sure - this is all occuring when connecting to printers at Kinko's, so I don't know how it's set up.

NemesisDB · Answer

just to confirm, you're plugging the printer directly into a switch (or router)?  or are you using a print server?

NemesisDB · Answer

I'm not really sure then ... talk to them?

jmwills · Answer

The printer should have a network name should you should add a network printer and use the second radio button where you give the printer a name like:

\\kinkosprinter\hplaserjet

or however they have it named.

jflewis88 · Answer

Thanks for the suggestion, but the Kinkos staff insist that I should be utilizing the IP address and whatever name I choose to give the port.  Have seen other XP users doing this and having no issues.  Any other thoughts?

jflewis88 · Answer

Tried that... The Kinko's staff overall are incredibly unhelpful and in general seem as bright as a three-watt lightbulb.

My version of XP Pro came loaded with the computer and carries an OEM serial number, so Microsoft says "Dell should cover it" and of course Dell "Support" says "Microsoft should cover it".

Still at a loss.

NemesisDB · Answer

do you have SP2 installed?  I know it covered some general networking issues

jmwills · Answer

You can not add a printer by address (that I am aware of), you must know the host and device name.

NemesisDB · Answer

not sure, if you're using the Add a Printer feature in XP, are you selecting network printer or local printer?  If you're selecting network, try going to local instead and just add the TCP port on the appropriate screen

jflewis88 · Answer

Tried both.  Still locking up just after entering IP Address.

jflewis88 · Answer

Nemesis - Answers to a couple of your questions:  I'm connecting to a switch, no print server involved.  And, I do have SP2 installed. Whaddaya think?

jflewis88 · Answer

One other bit of info - the Error Report that comes up when this occurs references explorer.exe and msvcrt.dll.  Maybe this lights up a lightbulb over someone's head?

jmwills · Answer

Need the exact error message.

jflewis88 · Answer

The error signature gives me the following: Appname:explorer.exe   Appver:6.0.2900.2180 Modname:msvcrt.dll   ModVer:7.0.2600.2180 Offset: 00036834

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Network printing

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