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April 10th, 2008 12:00
968W Duplex & Scan issues
My 968 W AIO has print duplexing and scan issues. The printer WILL print and duplex (and/or scan) just fine for either one document, one day, or OCCASIONALLY a week. Then it will not duplex (but it will print) or it will not find any PC to send a scan to. The fix is to unplug the printer from the wall (not just turn it off.) For the duplexer to work, I have to unplug the duplexer and plug it back in (with the printer completely UNPLUGGED, I have never done that with it plugged in and don't plan to based on the manual.)
This problem occurs across multiple PCs, from Vista, to Vista-64, to XP Pro on 3 different PCs and laptops connected both ethernet and wireless. I've also tried plugging in the printer in and making it as a device on my wireless network. None of this makes any difference.
I think I have a flaky printer. I am dreading placing a phone call to Dell Support and have some person I can barely understand step me through turning the printer on and off, etc. I suppose I need to find a day when I am feeling particularly patient. Any suggestions?
twinpeaks
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April 10th, 2008 12:00
PudgyOne
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April 10th, 2008 15:00
First, you didn't mention how you are communicating with the printer. Follow the instructions below and try to fix the issue. If networking, you have to install the drivers in each computer. I have 4 laptops, 3 XP's and 1 Vista Ultimate, using WPA Security and following the instructions below, have no trouble with printing and scanning to every computer.
If scanning using USB, open the Dell All In-One Center, click on scanning and copying and scan from there.
If scanning wirelessly, use the scan buttons on the printer.
Because most people don't post enough information, like computer make and model, operating system, printer make and model and how they're connected. These are basic printer installation instructions. If using USB, then only do the top section. If using a print sever, then I would recommend Fixing the network first. Then follow the instructions below. If printer has a network card, the skip past the print server part and install the printer.
How are you connected to the printer? wired of wireless?
If wired, Disconnect your printer. Go to start/programs/Dell printers and un-install your printer. If using Vista, go to drivers and downloads and download the patch and install the patch. This will remove the printer and files. Be patient. When done, it should prompt you to restart your computer.
Restart your computer.
Now go to drivers and downloads/select product/printers/select your printer. Download drivers, Utilities and firmware.
Install your printer drivers. You'll be prompted when to connect it.
Then install the firmware.
If wireless, fix your network first.
Update the firmware in your wireless router. Manufacturer's website, make & Model needed.
Broadcast SSID(You may want to change this to make it easier to connect)
Use WPA security
Mixed b and g mode(n if available)
Use channels 1, 6 or 11. Most devices work better on these channels.
After router is done, now setup your wireless print server/printer.
If wireless printer server is used, Plug USB cable into computer and print server. Insert the print server disk. Choose Network, then choose print server and follow the instructions. If the disk does not work for Vista, you may have to go to drivers and downloads and download the 3300 drivers and install from that program.
Now setup the printer.
Now go to drivers and downloads/select product/printers/select your printer. Download drivers, Utilities and firmware.
Install your printer drivers. Choose Network. Follow instructions.
Everything should now work.
twinpeaks
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April 10th, 2008 18:00
Thanks , this has all been done. I am using drivers dated 04/01/08 on my router , WPA, channel 6 when I go wireless on the printer. I am NOT having trouble printing. The scanning/duplexing issue occurs after either printing 1 properly duplexed or properly scanned job. Or it can work fine for an entire day. Or, for an entire week. Then it stops working.
I have currently wired the printer via ethernet with the same issue.
I do not plan on using the USB cable. Ever. For anything having to do with this printer.
my symptoms are exactly the same on an Xp Pro laptop (wired or wireless), a vista ultimate desktop (wired) and another different type Xp Pro laptop (Wired or wireless) with the printer either wired or wireless with all the combinations above.