Dell AIO 948 communication problems...

Question

Honestly, I'm sick to death of re-installing this printer over and over. This is brand new printer being used with a brand new pc. Here's the deal:   We have a Dell Inspiron 531 (Windows Vista Home Premium, 32bit) and a Dell AIO 948 printer; both are new as of December 18, 2007. Today, for some unknown reason, the printer stopped working.   I attempted to print a Word document and got a pop-up window stating that the computer could not communicate with the printer. Remembering the fiasco I went through when initially getting this new system and all the BSOD nightmares we've had so far (don't ask) my first thought was to check for driver updates.   I logged-on to Dell support, found the necessary driver updates, and read the instructions relating to the communication problem (apparently, Dell is aware of this). I followed those instructions to the letter, not once, not twice, not thrice...but five times. And even though I can install the printer without issue and even print a test page, no sooner do I return to print a Word document and the communication errors begin anew.   After printing a test page, the printer does it scan of applications for 'first time use' of the printer. The Dell AIO Center opens-up afterward and from within that I tested the printer (one last time): I selected an image and printed it out without a problem. I then opened-up Documents, selected a Word document and you guessed it, right back to the communication error.   FYI, I ran the diagnostics within Word to see if there was an error there but found nothing. What's worse, I can't even print from Notepad.   I have no idea what to do next. I haven't called Tech Support (yet) simply because right now, it's late at night and I have a 5-month-old daughter whose needs come before my own or this computer.   Can someone please help me? Thanks.

otoko_uno · Answer

Hi

Most likely this is not a driver issue.

Here are some tips.

STEP 1: Make sure that the proper drivers are installed (Vista or XP). If you're using Vista and you're installing XP drivers, download one from Dell Support website support.dell.com. Check also if the printer is being detected in the Device Manager (right click My Computer, choose Manage, then choose Device Manager). Open Device Manager after you installed the printer. Your printer should be under Imaging Devices. Check also under "USB Controllers" (on Device Manager) if there is an entry for "Printing Support". If none, most likely it is the USB cable. Try to reseat and clean off dust from the USB cable. If no go, purchase a compatible USB cable (USB 2.0). If "Printing Support" is under USB Controllers and still unable to print, go to Step 2

STEP 2: Make sure that the Printer is configured to print using a USB port. Go to Contol Panel -> Printers and Faxes. Right click the Dell AIO 948 Printer and then select Propperties. One the Ports tab make sure that the USB001 is checked as the port for the printer. If no luck, proceed to Step 3.

STEP 3: Make sure that the dldf_device service (or anything similar) and print spooler services are started. To make sure they are started, click on the Start (Pearl button) on Vista. On the Search Bar type in "services.msc" and then press enter. Alternatively, you can just type "services" and click the Services program (with the gears icon) on the Start Menu. The Services window will appear. Look for the dldf_device and print spooler services and make sure that both of them are Started. If not, make sure they are set to Automatic and not "disabled". If no go, try STEP 4

STEP 4: After restarting the services, make sure that the Firewall is allowing the computer to communicate with the printer by allowing exceptions for the printer (AIOC.exe). This depends on your Firewall Software. Your firewall could be the Microsoft Firewall (check under Control Panel), Anti-Virus Firewall (McAfee, Norton etc) or a standalone firewall software. If you don't know how to make exceptions, disable the firewall entirely. If you still don't know how to disable firewall, call the Software Manufacturer. If still no go, STEP 5.

STEP 5: Worst case scenario: Reinstall the Operating System.

GOOD LUCK

Message Edited by otoko_uno on 01-02-2008 08:42 AM

Message Edited by otoko_uno on 01-02-2008 08:44 AM

Cavan · Answer

Thanks for the tips.   I've previously checked everything you've listed before coming here; sorry, I should have mentioned every solution I've tried thus far. As for your suggestions, I checked again today:   I've already installed the proper AIO 948 driver for Vista 32-bit (my system uses this).   The printer shows up in Device Manager, under Imaging Devices.   Printing Support shows up under USB Controllers (in Device Manager).   I've reseated the USB several times already (very first thing I checked).   The printer is configured to use USB and is set to USB001.   I have both of these printer services set to Auto and both are running.   I have McAfee and AIOC.exe is set to 'full access' under program permissions.   The computer and printer still aren't communicating.

Asereje · Answer

That's  exactly my problem, but I have a Dell AIO 928 and an Inspiron 510m with Windows XP. The printer appears in the control panel and the software is installed but when I try to print it seems as the USB port doesn't work properly and the printer don't receive the document to print it.

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Dell AIO 948 communication problems...

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