Computer cannot communicate with printer

Ossibill,

 

Let's start with all the information.

 

Make and model of the computer and operating system, 32-bit or 64-bit, of the computer that the printer is connected to. Also include virus protection and firewalls used.

 

Make and model of the second computer and operating system, 32-bit or 64-bit, and virus protection and firewalls.

 

You want to share using the wireless network, correct? Does your wireless router have these Recommended Wireless Router Settings, I use channel 11.

 

 

Rick 

Bill,

 

Try reading...

 

Share Files and Printers between Windows 7 and XP, this works both ways.

 

You will need to allow communications past Mcafee. These settings are a little old but should get you in the right area to allow the communications.

 

Allowing Printer past McAfee

1. Open the McAfee Security Center and then click on the ‘Internet and Network’

2. To the right of ‘Internet and Network’ you would see all the services that are present under it, just below that you would have a button ‘Configure’ please click on that.

3. Now you would have the Internet and Network Configuration, in this window you would have an option ‘Firewall Protection in Enabled’ to the right of that you would have a downward arrow, click on that.

4. Then click on the ‘Advanced’ button which would have a new screen up.

5. To the left of that window you would have ‘System Services’ click on it and to the right pane of the window you would have the ports listed.

6. Please check the option which is for ‘Windows File Sharing’ then click on ‘Apply’ and then ‘Ok’

7. Restart the computer 

 

 

Rick

Hi Rick

As I said in my last message because the lap top with XP had gone I only wanted at this stage to get my printer back on my computer.

I read the document that you referred to and noted its content for thr future.

I then followed your instructions, except that item 3 had a downward facing arrow but the next step was as you indicated.

 

I am sorry to say it did not work, I got the message "Communication not available"  There was one change though, when I "kissed" the error message, the print instruction was cleared whereas before this course of action it could not be cleared. Have you any more ideas? Please?

 

Bill

Bill,

 

Please tell me the make and model of the computer and operating system of the problem computer. 32-bit or 64-bit?

 

If Windows 7, was the computer purchased with Windows 7 or did you install Windows 7?

 

If using a language other than USA English, can you please tell me as the drivers will be different.

 

 

Rick

Bill,

 

The printer can copy a document, so that rules out the printer. Sorry I accidentally asked for the make and model of the computer a second time, I really should read some of these threads over.

 

Try running Delete Print Jobs I have seen print jobs stuck in the queue and it would not allow the printer to be removed.

 

First, let's make sure your computer has the latest Windows Updates, especially .net framework, needed to run many applications and the latest Java.

 

Disconnect your printer.

 

Download and run this patch to completely remove the printer from your computer. Run the patch, a MUST on Vista computers, until it prompts you to restart your computer.

 

Restart your computer. Make sure the printer is removed Manual Printer Driver Removal

 

Download the XP Drivers

 

 

 

Install the XP drivers. You'll be prompted when to connect your printer(powered on). If the printer does not install, try a different usb port.

 

I suspect usb port and/or the printer cable might be an issue, but not sure. I have a tweak for the usb ports after we get the printer installed and working for a few times.

 

Go to device manager(right click my computer, left click properties, left click hardware, left click device manager)

Go to the USB Controller section and click the + sign.

Go to each USB Root Hub and right click on it, left click properties, left click power management. Uncheck the box, allow computer to turn off this device to save power.

Restart your computer.

 

 

 

Rick

The computer which will not communicate with the printer is a Dell Dimensions 3000.

The operating system is Windows XP Sp3,Home edition 2002, 32 bit

The printer is a Dell 924 all in one

The language used will be English/english

The problem arose when I was trying to network with an IBM Laptop. The attempt failed and the IBM machine sold.

I have followed the procedures specified in the various Dell troubleshooting pages, like Disconnecting USB Cable, Disconnecting mains cable, Uninsatalling the printer using windows uninstall, Dowloaded new Driver and installed it.

But whtever I have done when I try to print from the computer I get the message Communication not available.

Off-line I can print an alignment page and also copy a document.

The printer was working perfectly before I tried to network it

 

When I go to "my computer", This printer appears under Scanners and  Cameras although it is named as Dell 924 AIO Printer, is this significant?

Regards

 

Bill

Hi Rick, Thanks again for coming back.

I have downloaded the latest Java, and a couple of updates for windows xp.

I have disconnected the printer, but when I clik on "this patch" I arrive at the Dell site for the 924 Driver download. I just want to check that this will uninstall the printer driver in my computer as I have downloaded the driver several times recently without any change to the problem.

Regards

Bill

Bill,

 

The patch(printer cleanup utility) will remove the printer from the computer. After you restart your computer, it will be clean for you to have a fresh start.

 

Make sure to download the drivers using Internet Explorer(in your browser) How to by-pass the Dell Download Manager

 

 

Rick

Hi Rick, it's me again

 

I have carried out all your instructions but still have the problem.

The printer will not communicate....it says.

When I go to My Computer the printer is named correctly but it is shown as being in Scanners and Cameras.

I can print locally, and I can scan using the Dell All In One Centre it only recognises the printer as a Scanner or Fax machine.

When I go to Control Panel and Right click on the printer icon and then Printer preferences, all seems normal except that the cartridges are shown as empty or at least they have a red cross over them. When I copy locally it works normally.

I think this eliminates the usb cable and usb port possibility.

Any more ideas please?

 

Rgards

Bill

Hi Rick

At last, it works.

In desperation before I threw the printer out of the window I tried a printer uninstall, a rebbot, then a printer install.

It worked. I have my printer back.

I wish I new quite what happened and why but I don't really care as I have my life back again.

Thank you so much for your help, I wish I could say I would do the same for you one day but I think that unlikely, so again many many thanks.

A grateful   Bill

Bye the way, What does "Capture this thread to a wiki." mean?

Bill,

 

Glad you got it working!:emotion-21: Thanks for posting back.

 

Capture this thread to a wiki means...

At one time anyone could make a wiki. I have some wiki's like the Manual Printer Driver Removal. Dell has recently changed permissions to the wiki's because people were asking for help in the wiki's and no one was responding. Now only people that have over 1500 posts and 50 verified solutions(Gold members) can make and edit wiki's. We asked the forum manager if this could be removed from the emails.

 

Take care,

 

 

Rick