What's the current status on 966

Question

Looking for the needle in the haystack!  Using the search I finally found out there's a patch for the 966 posted by Gina. Installed it. Unblocked the program in McAfee. The 966 still doesn't print. Does everything else. The print icon on the operator pad is still greyed out. Does anyone know the deep dark secret of how to make this work? Are there any satisified customers out there?

m_a_rem · Answer

hi genie Z, not a saisfied cx myself.. but still :)

reset printer to defaults.

restart print spooler service [ start - run - services.msc - look for print spooler :-stop it, start it, restart it ] try printing again.

clear startup items from windows [ start - run - msconfig - startup - uncheck all boxes there except for antivirus that u have...u shud find printer programs listed there as well.. uncheck them also ] - restart computer

please do reply here as to wht happened, thanks!

Genie Z · Answer

Hi.  Thank you, thank you!  What worked?  'clear startup items from windows [ start - run - msconfig - startup - uncheck all boxes there except for antivirus that u have...u shud find printer programs listed there as well.. uncheck them also ] - restart computer' For right now my wayward printer is obeying.   I am always so surprised when people take time out of their busy lives to help. I had no idea what 'clear startup items....' is, but you gave all the steps! AND IT WORKED! I've been searching for an answer for this for months!  8 ^ ) Bless You!   Genie Z

m_a_rem · Answer

Thank You, u r too kind, keep posting here for any of ur queries, i m sure u will find solutions and much more.

Skutr · Answer

G'Day m_a_rem,   Thanks 4 the tips - I have been fighting my 966 since the day I received it.  It has even been replaced under warranty but the same problems persist.  It has the ethernet/wireless card installed and it is ethernet connected .  I have assigned the printer a fixed IP address.  I am running XP SP2 on a Dell D600.    The really crazy part is my old Dell Lattitude C600 can print to the 966 without any sign of a problem (am I tempting fate by saying this?).   My main problems are with PRINTING from my Dell D600.  Sometimes it works - sometimes not - the error is ALWAYS 'Printer Communication System has encountered a problem .....  bla bla bla'.    A complete reboot may or may not give a temporary fix and even when I finally get it working - mid session at some apparently randon point it will again fail with the same error.  Looking at the Microsoft error report it seems to have something to do with dlcqcoms.exe and/or netapi32.dll failing.  Like most here I have spent hours - no - days - on the phone to tech support and all they really offer is to uninstall then reinstall drivers - seems root cause analysis is not what they are about.   I tried the stop and then restart of the print services and then when I tried printing it seemed to initially work - no 'Printer Communication' error message but in the Dell monitor box the print progress bar got to just 2% then froze - then windows reported a print failure! Urg!!   I also tried your fix of unchecking the startup items but when I rebooted i received an error message indicating my machine was in diagonostic mode and when I clicked OK i was taken to the statup section and prompted to reenable all I had disabled - so back to the start!   I also, from time to time have problems scanning but I am prepared to live with that - if only I can resolve the print problem(s).   Skutr

m_a_rem · Answer

i apologize for not replying earlier.......

u must have tired a couple of steps these days - did anything work???

if not

reinstall drivers: (eventhough this is a 966 with wireless feature ..try connecting with USB cable first)

basic uninstall and reinstall procedure :

download the files from support.dell.com
drivers and downloads
enter svc tag for ur printer - saves a couple of mins....

select Windows vista 32 bit 1st - EVEN IF U HAVE XP SP2

there is a file called dell pacth / upgrade - download it - it basically acts like an uninstaller - the name also suggests that - dellXPcleanup utility..
run that to uninstall previous versions of drivers.

rename a couple of folder in windows

1. windows\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86 rename the w32x86 to either "old" or "backup"

2. windows\system32\spool\prtprocs\w32x86 rename the w32x86 to old or backup.

restart the computer ( after running the dell patch .. it gives u an option to reboot the computer ..u can rename either before or after rebooting the computer )

BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH INSTALLATION _ ONE SMALL THING.

the firewall software that u have- we'll have a check on this :
now, dell computers come with some sort of a mcafee / norton trialversion pre-installed.
if u r still running that by purchasing a subscription from them / if u r still under the free trial period .. no issues - go to INSTALL DRIVERS.

if u have installed another firewall software on this computer after the trialversion expired - then we'll have to take care of removing some old dirt (traces of mcafee/norton) - run mcafee / norton removal tools to completely uninstall them - the files are available in google search or on the respective vendor websites. (THE REASON I AM SAYING THIS IS BECAUSE - AT ANY INSTANCE ONLY 1 ANTIVIRUS or FIREWALL SOFTWARE IS SUPPOSED TO RUN ON THE COMPUTER - OTHERWISE ITS A REAL PAIN IN STARTING OR RUNNING APPLICATIONS - IN THIS CASE PRINTER COMM SUBSYSTEM)

INSTALL DRIVERS:
go to support.dell.com again
download drivers for XP-RUN WIRELESS SETUP FIRST DIRECTLY IF U WANT TO
run them on the computer ( connect the USB CABLE ONLY WHEN IT PROMPTS U TO)
enter the wireless security key correctly ..
install and print!!!

do check the firewall for blockages (printer applications being blocked ..or A GOOD IDEA wud be to disable the firewall and re-enable it once wireless printing is confirmed)

do reply as to wht happened , thanks!

Skutr · Answer

Since day one I have had problems with the D600 printing to or receiving scans from the 966. The D600 has a standard Unisys world wide SOE installed on it – no chance of ANY preinstalled Dell software remaining. Anti-virus is Symantec corporate edition version 10.1.0.401. Firewall is Symantic Protection Agent 5.1 – The following applications are allowed full access by the firewall:

Device Monitor: dlcqmon.exe
Printer Communication System: dlcqcomms.exe
Printer Status Window Interface: dlcqPSWX.EXE
Spooler SubSystem App: spoolsv.exe

This brings us to today and your message:

Read your latest message.
Download the Dell 966 Patch/Upgrade listed for VISTA on the Dell support site
Download the latest 966 drivers for XP from the Dell support site.
Extract the dell patch/upgrade – actually extract as DellCleanUpUtility.exe
Run DellCleanUpUtility.exe – runs to completion without any error messages.
Reboot PC
Rename windows\system32\spool\drivers\w23x86 to windows\system32\spool\drivers\w23x86_OLD
Rename windows\system32\spool\prtprocs\w23x86 to windows\system32\spool\prtprocs\w23x86_OLD
From Start Menu – selected Printers and Faxes; deleted all entries for the 966 printer.
Reboot PC
Run downloaded driver WEB32966.exe; follow defaults till extract of files completed.
Run extracted Setup.exe, selecting Ethernet Cable connected ( this is how the printer is connected to the network)
Setup finds the printer OK – displaying the correct IP address and correct MAC address
Setup runs to completion without errors
Test print works fine.
Scan to the D600 works fine. This is starting to look good!
reboot PC
Print a MS-Work Document – FAILED!!! Error Message: “Dell Photo Printer 966: Dell_966_0407DB… Communication Not Available. The printer cannot communicate with the computer. Try these solutions: – ensure the printer is powered on – Disconnect and reconnect the USB cable – Disconnect and reconnect the printers power cable – restart your computer”
ARGHHHHHHHHH ! You must have expected that reaction?
Open up active printer dialogue box and delete pending print job
Disconnect (wait 30 seconds) then reconnect printer power cable – wait 2 minutes for all to stabilize.
Print a MS-Work Document – FAILED!!! Error Message: “Dell Photo Printer 966: Dell_966_0407DB… Communication Not Available. The printer cannot communicate with the computer. Try these solutions: – ensure the printer is powered on – Disconnect and reconnect the USB cable – Disconnect and reconnect the printers power cable – restart your computer”
Try to scan to PC – and again the Scan to ms-word works!!
Open up active printer dialogue box and delete pending print job
reboot PC
Try to scan to PC – Scan to MS-Word works fine
Print a MS-Work Document – FAILED!!! This is SO frustrating. Error Message: “Dell Photo Printer 966: Dell_966_0407DB… Communication Not Available. The printer cannot communicate with the computer. Try these solutions: – ensure the printer is powered on – Disconnect and reconnect the USB cable – Disconnect and reconnect the printers power cable – restart your computer”
Can ping printer OK
Put the printers IP address into my web browser – can open printers management utility ok.
Open up active printer dialogue box and delete pending print job.

Let’s try setting up as USB connected – far from an ideal solution for me – but will give it a go.

Run extracted Setup.exe for the latest XP driver, selecting USB connected - but no USB cable in place just yet.
Connect USB cable when asked by install procedure
When asked, chose to install another copy of the driver
Printed Test page OK
Can ping printer OK
Try to scan to PC – Scan to MS-Word works fine
Print a MS-Work Document – It Works.
Reboot PC
Try to scan to PC – Scan to MS-Word works fine
Print a MS-Work Document – It Works.

OK so it looks like we at least have USB working – let’s wait n see if it remains stable. Is it that the Ethernet card is simply unstable when used in conjunction with a Dell D600 PC???? Should I be asking for a FULL refund of the cost of the Ethernet card????

m_a_rem · Answer

its not something to do with the D600 in particular

i noticed this on another computer ..

everything works fine after installing it wirelessly

u think its gonna work.....

BUT doesnt do it after computer is restarted .. ( router for network was a netgear) - in that case wht had happened was after restarting the computer - the computer wont recognize the printer - the 966 is listed but as soon as we clik on that - it just gave amessage saying drivers not found :O.. installed the generic drivers for 966 built in XP and it started working again --never thought of restarting the cpmputer after that .

so........doesnt look like problem with D600 in particular .. but with wireless losing connection after computer restarts .i am sure the usb is gonna work even after u restart the computer 10 times.

check this :
norton firewall after restarting the computer - anything blocked or not..
try to print wirelessly after resuming computer from sleep or standby..

while i was typing this .. i re-read this :

12. Run extracted Setup.exe, selecting Ethernet Cable connected ( this is how the printer is connected to the network)
13. Setup finds the printer OK – displaying the correct IP address and correct MAC address

i am guessing it asked u to disconnect the USB cable after the port was created , right??

if u still have the manual TCP IP enabled on the printer - switch back to DHCP turned ON..even that shud work

let me explain the basic procedure that happens thru setting the printer wirelessly.

laptop connects to internet thru a wireless router at your place , right??
now - printer is setup in such a way that printer is made available on the home network..while running with the wireless setup - make sure u select " create / modify printer's wireless settings " rather than " keep current wireless settings of the printer " .during wireless setup - dell wireless configuration utility starts ... looksup the name /SSID of your wireless router - when u select tht only then it shows the printer name - connect the cable - after that port is created - asks u to disconnect the cable -- everything goes well.

lemme see if i find anything abt this and u too make any observations : wireless is the problem . USB will work anytime and anyday.

i came across a couple of google results for wireless connction lost after computer restarts..
try to see if u find anything useful. cheers!

bbc0 · Answer

I have never been able to get my 966 working either wirelessly or with USB reliably since I bought it in September.  Dell sent a replacement which took so long to reach me that it was too late to ask for a refund.  They only allow 30 days.  So here I am 90 days later with no way to print.  So far I have spent at least 20 hours online with a series of 'technicians'  who mainly try to prove that I have other wireless/networking problems, but finally have to admit that the issue is a Dell one.  I have received such bad support from Dell that my focus now is to warn as many folks as possible of the potential problems of making online computer/electronics purchases.  In future I will buy locally where I will get the required attention.  Meanwhile I have had to purchase an HP printer to use.  Half the price of the Dell 966 with wireless!!!

Skutr · Answer

Thanks 4 the reply: as to your questions:

ONE:

12. Run extracted Setup.exe, selecting Ethernet Cable connected ( this is how the printer is connected to the network)
13. Setup finds the printer OK – displaying the correct IP address and correct MAC address

i am guessing it asked u to disconnect the USB cable after the port was created , right??

Nope wrong - I do not have the USB cable connected when I am trying to install the MFD with an ETHERNET connection. As I said earlier I am not interested in connecting the MFD to my network using wireless.

TWO:

laptop connects to internet thru a wireless router at your place , right??
now - printer is setup in such a way that printer is made available on the home network..while running with the wireless setup - make sure u select " create / modify printer's wireless settings " rather than " keep current wireless settings of the printer " .during wireless setup - dell wireless configuration utility starts ... looksup the name /SSID of your wireless router - when u select tht only then it shows the printer name - connect the cable - after that port is created - asks u to disconnect the cable -- everything goes well.

Yes and No: The laptops connect to the router wireless BUT the MFD connects to the router via an Ethernet cable only. Wireless is disabled within the MFD on-board setup screen.

I now have all but the D600 printing , scanning etc OK over the non-wireless ethernet network. I have the D600 working as well , but via USB. For the D600 this means evry time i want to print I need to move the PC from where I am working into my equipment and printer room.

Am still waiting on an update from DELL - will post anysignificant developments as they happen,

regards

Martyn

Dolyrerw · Answer

My home net is a DSL router/modem and have connections to my two desktops and a Cisco AP, which has a conenction to a DELL 3300 Printer Adapter, with a AIO 996. My non DELL desktop prints fine but my DELL D600 keeps having the same problem as you have described...It is driving me mad, I have uninstalled and re-installed the drivers more times than I care to remember.

Did you ever resolve this issue???

:smileyhappy:

bbc0 · Answer

Dell finally replaced the 966 with a wireless 968 which worked perfectly right out of the box. Why didn't they do this when they first knew that the 966 was junk you may ask.......?

This printer works good but I still will never buy another Dell product becaus I have not been compensated for the over 50 hrs I put into trying to get the 966's to work(all 3 of them).

Dolyrerw · Answer

Thanks for the information I had a 962 that worked fine but the FAX card kept blowing so they replaced it with the the 966 and I have been losing my hair ever since.   Regards

bbc0 · Answer

Yes.  They don't seem to be very good at what they do.  Most of the people I know agree that Dell has fallen to the ranks of the 'mail order' rip off outfits.  Too bad, I was expecting so much more.  Incidently when they finally replaced my 966's with a 968, I lost the 4 months warranty that was in place during my problems.  Hope the 968 doesn't break in the next year!

Genie Z · Answer

I gave up and hooked up my HP 812C for printing and use the 966 for copy/scan/fax. In my business, it's important to make sure customers are happy with the product in order to remain competitive. I gather Dell doesn't make that effort. I gather from other posts that Dell replaced their 966 with a better model. I've not heard from Dell about it. You would think they would keep a list of what products their customers have purchased and inform us if they want to make good on their products. I don't have the time to figure out how to contact them, and jump through their hoops. Would someone share if there is something I need to do to get Dell to make good?

Thanks,

Genie Z

Dolyrerw · Answer

Well I did the same as you I gave up!! I connected the printer to the home Desktop and shared it. It was taking up too much time with DELL on the phone. Then I get a DELL customer Satisfaction survey via e-mail!! Oh an opportunity not to be missed.

This morning I get a call from DELL, another hour on the phone and after a deep cleansing session of my kit, I now have a printer that works with the 3300. They ran R166245.exe on laptops to clean them and then re-installed the 3300 and 966. Fingers crossed this has fixed it..

Regards

Printers

What's the current status on 966

Was this post helpful?