Hi Rick. It's a Dell Inspiron 518 (2.6 ghz cpu, 3 gb ram). And yes, the OS is Windows Vista 64-bit. (I believe it's the Home Premium version but it may be Home Basic.)
Since my last post, I tried the following:
* Disabling UAC in Vista
* Uninstalling printer & rebooting
* Installing the drivers fresh (and these are the latest drivers from Dell's website)
But I still get the same error message when I attempt to print a test page. Cannot communicate with the printer.
In the list of Printers, the AIO 948 shows up, and is listed as "Ready". If I unplug the USB cable, the status changes to "Offline". If I plug it back in, the status changes back to "Ready". Clearly the computer and the printer are communicating on *some* level. So I don't understand why it can't print.
Did you use the patch to remove the printer? I have this thread so if you have a wireless card in the printer, you can set it up. You'll just need to install the proper drivers, which is the Vista 64-bit drivers I provided, and you'll be prompter when to connect the [printer.
Please follow the instructions below and then tell me what happens.
First, let's make sure your computer has the latest Windows Updates, especially .net framework, needed to run many applications and the latest Java.
I recommend that you use these Recommended Wireless Router Settings to get the best communications between the printer and all the computers.(This printer can be used wirelessly if the printer has the wireless card)
Disconnect your printer.
Download and run this patch to completely remove the printer from your computer. Run the patch(a MUST on Vista machines) untiul it prompts you to restart yopur computer.
Install the proper drivers. You'll be prompted when to connect your printer(powered on)
***To install drivers, sometimes the file unzips and does nothing. You have to look for the setup.exe file, right click on it, then left click run as administrator***
As for scanning, if you have the disk that came with the printer, then insert the Printer disk and stop it from running. Go to My Computer and double click on it. Look for the drive with the Dell disk in it. Right click on it, left click explore. Look for the OCR Folder. In the OCR Folder, there is an Abbyy Folder. right click on setup.exe, that's in the Abbyy Folder and left click run as administrator. This will install the OCR program.
Scanning
Scanning using USB connection, open the Dell All-In-One Center, click on scanning and copying and scan from there.
Scanning wirelessly, use the scan buttons on the printer.
Choose your printer. Beneath your printer, select your operating system. You'll be redirected to another page. Then click on show all steps. It will walk you through the installation process.
I had the same problem with my948 printer. I found that the only way that I could get it to work was to totally disable the UAC reboot, then uninstall the printer, then reboot, and disable the automatic download, and then download the 10/2/09 patch from Dell. Works fine after that. Personally, I think that the key it the UAC. You might just try disabling the UAC, reboot, and then see if your printer works.
I did disable UAC, and though that in itself did not solve the issue, it may have helped, and in any case it's nice to have it off.
What worked for me was running the PATCH linked in Rick's post. I had tried it before, but aborted because it seemed the program was frozen. This time I let it run it's course, and it took forever, but when it was done I rebooted and re-installed the latest drivers, and oila! Printer works. Thanks Rick -- this printer is used in a small office, and we were on the verge of just buying a new one, so your help saved us time and money, and enabled us to get back to work today.
I am also having problems with my Dell 948 all-in-one printer. Basically, all the problems that others have experienced and solved - I have been unable to fix!
I've done every single thing relating to the previous posts. Still does not communicate. I'm ready to throw it out the window. It worked just fine for over 3 years, then I got rid of my internet cable for 3 months, went to dial-up (big mistake), then printer refused to work, went back to internet cable, printer still does not work. I'm not as computer savvy as some others, but I'm not the village idiot either. Can you please look over my efforts and give me some direction? I would really appreciate it.
Troubleshooting history: (some of this is borrowed from a previous post)
* The printer itself is powered on correctly.
* I've also tried rebooting the computer (numerous times).
* To make sure the problem was not with the computer's USB port, I tried plugging a flash drive into the port, and it worked fine.
* To make sure that the issue was not the USB cable to the printer, I replaced it with a cable known to work.
* I disabled the McAfee firewall protection.
* I uninstalled the Dell 948 software completely from the computer.
* I downloaded the latest drivers from Dell (for Vista 32 bit), and also downloaded the "DellCleanUpUtility" and the newest firmware for the printer.
* The new firmware DID NOT INSTALL successfully.
*Installed the latest driver from Dell
*Installed the latest version of Java (per your recommendation)
*UAC in Vista was not "on" so I didn't have to change anything there
I see in another post that someone "download the 10/2/09 patch from Dell" - I didn't find this to download (unless I just missed it)
You'll need to disconnect the printer, download and run the patch(printer cleanup utility) until it prompts you to restart your computer. Restart your computer. You then need to allow the printer past McAffee, instructions below.
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’
No luck so far. Completed the steps you recommended and still nothing.
Under the System Services in McAfee, there are three things checked off:
Common Operating System Ports, Universal Plug & Play, and Windows File Sharing.
Is this correct?
I did let the printer cleanup utility run completely (for the 2nd time) and I also turned off the firewall completely (for 15 minutes) to see if I could open the downloaded Dell 948 printer software, still nothing.
Usually when a printer doesn't install, it either has an issue with the USb Ports. Try going to Drivers & Downloads, enter your service tag number and then download the chipset drivers and install them. See if this correct the problem.
I'm back again! Well I downloaded the chipset drivers and installed them. I tried running the printer's software again and the same thing. It asks me how I'm connecting the printer and when I click on the USB box, it then asks me to plug the cable from the printer into the USB port on the computer. I plug it in, still nothing. I know for a fact all the USB ports are working and I've checked and re-checked all the connections from both machines. I can't believe how many hours I've spent trying to fix this problem. Your help is most appreciated because at this point I'm completely in over my head!
If you're sure that all the USB Ports are working, then you need to check where the USB Cable goes in to the back of the printer. Make sure it's ok. It's possible ot could be the USB Cable but before we try things, what type of virus protection and firewall are you using?
I'm running McAfee - don't know what version. I've tried installing drivers with the firewall turned on and off. As far as I can tell, the firewall is at "recommended" settings. I did bring up the McAfee Security Center. Then I clicked on Reports & Logs, then Recent Events...I went down the list and I found something interesting:
Program AIOC exe is blocked from access to the Internet, then below this under "Details" it lists the following: "This program is blocked from access to the Internet and cannot establish inbound and outbound connections. Location: C:\Program Files\Dell AIO Printer 948\dldfaiox.exe
So I clicked on: I Want To Allow Access --> it then asked "Are you sure you want to grant full access for this program?" I clicked Yes and then nothing happened. In the recent events box above - nothing changed. I restarted the computer, still no change.
Then I went into Windows Firewall settings. I have two Firewall programs listed here. I found where the Firewall in WINDOWS is OFF and it lists the Firewall for McAfee is ON, and under the "Exceptions" tab (it says: Exceptions control how programs communicate through the Windows Firewall). Add a program or port exception to allow communication through the Firewall. To enable an exception, select its check box: Program or Port: the box for AIOC exe is currently checked.
When I tried to install the driver again I remembered to write down the exact wording for you: I right click the driver and it looks like it is installing the software for the printer, then it asks how I am connecting and I click USB, then it says connect USB cable to computer, I do this then I get this dialog box:
AIO Firmware Update Utility
Communication Error: Check that the device to be updated is powered on. Check that the USB cable is connected, then run this utility again. Exiting Firmware Update Utility.
I hope all this helps in some way! Oh, I did check all connections too and they were fine.
devzoo
3 Posts
0
November 16th, 2009 16:00
Hi Rick. It's a Dell Inspiron 518 (2.6 ghz cpu, 3 gb ram). And yes, the OS is Windows Vista 64-bit. (I believe it's the Home Premium version but it may be Home Basic.)
Since my last post, I tried the following:
* Disabling UAC in Vista
* Uninstalling printer & rebooting
* Installing the drivers fresh (and these are the latest drivers from Dell's website)
But I still get the same error message when I attempt to print a test page. Cannot communicate with the printer.
In the list of Printers, the AIO 948 shows up, and is listed as "Ready". If I unplug the USB cable, the status changes to "Offline". If I plug it back in, the status changes back to "Ready". Clearly the computer and the printer are communicating on *some* level. So I don't understand why it can't print.
PudgyOne
9 Legend
•
30.3K Posts
0
November 16th, 2009 16:00
devzoo,
What is tyhe make and model of your computer and it's Vista 64-bit?
Rick
PudgyOne
9 Legend
•
30.3K Posts
0
November 16th, 2009 17:00
devzoo,
Did you use the patch to remove the printer? I have this thread so if you have a wireless card in the printer, you can set it up. You'll just need to install the proper drivers, which is the Vista 64-bit drivers I provided, and you'll be prompter when to connect the [printer.
Please follow the instructions below and then tell me what happens.
First, let's make sure your computer has the latest Windows Updates, especially .net framework, needed to run many applications and the latest Java.
I recommend that you use these Recommended Wireless Router Settings to get the best communications between the printer and all the computers.(This printer can be used wirelessly if the printer has the wireless card)
Disconnect your printer.
Download and run this patch to completely remove the printer from your computer. Run the patch(a MUST on Vista machines) untiul it prompts you to restart yopur computer.
Restart your computer.
Download the proper drivers.
XP Drivers
Vista 32-bit Drivers
64-bit Drivers
All other drivers
Install the proper drivers. You'll be prompted when to connect your printer(powered on)
***To install drivers, sometimes the file unzips and does nothing. You have to look for the setup.exe file, right click on it, then left click run as administrator***
As for scanning, if you have the disk that came with the printer, then insert the Printer disk and stop it from running. Go to My Computer and double click on it. Look for the drive with the Dell disk in it. Right click on it, left click explore. Look for the OCR Folder. In the OCR Folder, there is an Abbyy Folder. right click on setup.exe, that's in the Abbyy Folder and left click run as administrator. This will install the OCR program.
Scanning
Scanning using USB connection, open the Dell All-In-One Center, click on scanning and copying and scan from there.
Scanning wirelessly, use the scan buttons on the printer.
Also try reading...
How Do I Connect a Dell™ Wireless Printer to a Wireless Network
Choose your printer. Beneath your printer, select your operating system. You'll be redirected to another page. Then click on show all steps. It will walk you through the installation process.
Rick
HaroldinCA
1 Rookie
•
34 Posts
0
November 17th, 2009 05:00
I had the same problem with my948 printer. I found that the only way that I could get it to work was to totally disable the UAC reboot, then uninstall the printer, then reboot, and disable the automatic download, and then download the 10/2/09 patch from Dell. Works fine after that. Personally, I think that the key it the UAC. You might just try disabling the UAC, reboot, and then see if your printer works.
devzoo
3 Posts
0
November 17th, 2009 14:00
Thanks Harold and Rick,
I finally got it working a few minutes ago.
I did disable UAC, and though that in itself did not solve the issue, it may have helped, and in any case it's nice to have it off.
What worked for me was running the PATCH linked in Rick's post. I had tried it before, but aborted because it seemed the program was frozen. This time I let it run it's course, and it took forever, but when it was done I rebooted and re-installed the latest drivers, and oila! Printer works. Thanks Rick -- this printer is used in a small office, and we were on the verge of just buying a new one, so your help saved us time and money, and enabled us to get back to work today.
PudgyOne
9 Legend
•
30.3K Posts
0
November 17th, 2009 16:00
devzoo,
Thanks for posting back. Glad you got it working.
Take care,
Rick
JadeCat112
6 Posts
0
March 20th, 2010 18:00
Dear Rick,
I am also having problems with my Dell 948 all-in-one printer. Basically, all the problems that others have experienced and solved - I have been unable to fix!
I've done every single thing relating to the previous posts. Still does not communicate. I'm ready to throw it out the window. It worked just fine for over 3 years, then I got rid of my internet cable for 3 months, went to dial-up (big mistake), then printer refused to work, went back to internet cable, printer still does not work. I'm not as computer savvy as some others, but I'm not the village idiot either. Can you please look over my efforts and give me some direction? I would really appreciate it.
Troubleshooting history: (some of this is borrowed from a previous post)
* The printer itself is powered on correctly.
* I've also tried rebooting the computer (numerous times).
* To make sure the problem was not with the computer's USB port, I tried plugging a flash drive into the port, and it worked fine.
* To make sure that the issue was not the USB cable to the printer, I replaced it with a cable known to work.
* I disabled the McAfee firewall protection.
* I uninstalled the Dell 948 software completely from the computer.
* I downloaded the latest drivers from Dell (for Vista 32 bit), and also downloaded the "DellCleanUpUtility" and the newest firmware for the printer.
* The new firmware DID NOT INSTALL successfully.
*Installed the latest driver from Dell
*Installed the latest version of Java (per your recommendation)
*UAC in Vista was not "on" so I didn't have to change anything there
I see in another post that someone "download the 10/2/09 patch from Dell" - I didn't find this to download (unless I just missed it)
Thank you for any help you can give me!
PudgyOne
9 Legend
•
30.3K Posts
0
March 20th, 2010 19:00
JadeCat112,
How are you trying to connect the 948 printer to your computer, wired or wireless?
If wireless, make and model of your wireless router, type of security and channel you're using is helpful.
Also the make and model of your computer and opearting system is also helpful.
Rick
PudgyOne
9 Legend
•
30.3K Posts
0
March 21st, 2010 15:00
JadeCat112,
You'll need to disconnect the printer, download and run the patch(printer cleanup utility) until it prompts you to restart your computer. Restart your computer. You then need to allow the printer past McAffee, instructions below.
Try following the instructions located at...
948 All-In-One (PRODUCT) RED™ Printer owners thread (W7)
Then let me know what happens.
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
JadeCat112
6 Posts
0
March 21st, 2010 15:00
Hi Rick,
I have a Dell Inspiron 518 with Windows Vista. I'm trying to connect using a wired USB cable. All the USB ports
seem to be working. I've connected other things into the ports and everything runs as it should, (MP3players, camera docking station, etc).
My anti-virus software is McAfee.
JadeCat112
6 Posts
0
March 22nd, 2010 16:00
Hi Rick,
No luck so far. Completed the steps you recommended and still nothing.
Under the System Services in McAfee, there are three things checked off:
Common Operating System Ports, Universal Plug & Play, and Windows File Sharing.
Is this correct?
I did let the printer cleanup utility run completely (for the 2nd time) and I also turned off the firewall completely (for 15 minutes) to see if I could open the downloaded Dell 948 printer software, still nothing.
thanks for helping!
PudgyOne
9 Legend
•
30.3K Posts
0
March 22nd, 2010 16:00
JadeCat112,
Usually when a printer doesn't install, it either has an issue with the USb Ports. Try going to Drivers & Downloads, enter your service tag number and then download the chipset drivers and install them. See if this correct the problem.
Rick
JadeCat112
6 Posts
0
March 24th, 2010 17:00
Hi Rick!
I'm back again! Well I downloaded the chipset drivers and installed them. I tried running the printer's software again and the same thing. It asks me how I'm connecting the printer and when I click on the USB box, it then asks me to plug the cable from the printer into the USB port on the computer. I plug it in, still nothing. I know for a fact all the USB ports are working and I've checked and re-checked all the connections from both machines. I can't believe how many hours I've spent trying to fix this problem. Your help is most appreciated because at this point I'm completely in over my head!
PudgyOne
9 Legend
•
30.3K Posts
0
March 25th, 2010 01:00
JadeCat112,
If you're sure that all the USB Ports are working, then you need to check where the USB Cable goes in to the back of the printer. Make sure it's ok. It's possible ot could be the USB Cable but before we try things, what type of virus protection and firewall are you using?
Rick
JadeCat112
6 Posts
0
March 25th, 2010 18:00
I'm running McAfee - don't know what version. I've tried installing drivers with the firewall turned on and off. As far as I can tell, the firewall is at "recommended" settings. I did bring up the McAfee Security Center. Then I clicked on Reports & Logs, then Recent Events...I went down the list and I found something interesting:
Program AIOC exe is blocked from access to the Internet, then below this under "Details" it lists the following: "This program is blocked from access to the Internet and cannot establish inbound and outbound connections. Location: C:\Program Files\Dell AIO Printer 948\dldfaiox.exe
So I clicked on: I Want To Allow Access --> it then asked "Are you sure you want to grant full access for this program?" I clicked Yes and then nothing happened. In the recent events box above - nothing changed. I restarted the computer, still no change.
Then I went into Windows Firewall settings. I have two Firewall programs listed here. I found where the Firewall in WINDOWS is OFF and it lists the Firewall for McAfee is ON, and under the "Exceptions" tab (it says: Exceptions control how programs communicate through the Windows Firewall). Add a program or port exception to allow communication through the Firewall. To enable an exception, select its check box: Program or Port: the box for AIOC exe is currently checked.
When I tried to install the driver again I remembered to write down the exact wording for you: I right click the driver and it looks like it is installing the software for the printer, then it asks how I am connecting and I click USB, then it says connect USB cable to computer, I do this then I get this dialog box:
AIO Firmware Update Utility
Communication Error: Check that the device to be updated is powered on. Check that the USB cable is connected, then run this utility again. Exiting Firmware Update Utility.
I hope all this helps in some way! Oh, I did check all connections too and they were fine.