Have you also updated to the latest firmware? R148844.EXE

We probably ought to eliminate that before proceeding.

I believe so.  I installed it when I updated the driver.  The printer settings reflect firmware version 6.38.

Just to make sure I had the correct firmware, I reinstalled the firmware in the R148844.EXE file, and it had the same firmware version in the General and Network settings:

 

General PCL6 200605261802

Network:  Version 6.38

Was the computer an ugrade to Vista, or did it come that way?

How long has this problem been happening?

Is the printer USB or Network connected?

Is the issue related to Job size? i.e., the bigger the job size, the worse the problem?

What have you tried to correct this issue?

 

Also wondering if you noticed the Important Information note on the driver page:

If you intend to upgrade your existing PC Operating System to Windows Vista, please UNINSTALL your Dell Printer software prior to the Windows Vista upgrade.

 

obtw..... the firmware version is listed next to the item Firmware Version. It sounds as though you have the latest though.

1.  The printer was originally hooked up to old XP machine that died.  Replaced with a new HP preinstalled with Vista Home premium, so no, the old XP driver was not installed. 

 

2.  The problem has existed since I hooked up the printer.  It is USB connected.  When I installed printer (USB), it first installed whatever MS loaded by default had and did not work well, so I went to Dell website and downloaded the 2/07 driver, and in November updated when I saw Dell had issued the 10/07 driver.  Also installed the new firm ware both times.  A few weeks ago, the Vista optional updates also had a driver for the 3000cn, so that was installed.  

 

3.  It has worked essentially the same since I hooked it up.  After a reinstall, it will print a two or three page document, but gets balky after that.  I recently had to print a 20 page document for work a week or so ago and had to print it out one page at a time.  So yes, the bigger the job, the worse the problem.

 

4.  When things get bad, I will uninstall and then reinstall the printer. It works bett er, but not well, I have checked to make sure the spooler is enabled (it always is), although occasionally, I will note that something happens that causes the printer to go off line.  Recently, I get unanticipated reboots that give me the notice that it was unexpected.

 

5.  On the Office 2007 shutdowns, I do receive a notification from Vista that it is a printer driver problem and it gives me the link to the Dell support driver download page.

 

I am running an HP a6177 with 2047 MB RAM, dual core CPU E6550 @2.33 GHz, 32 bit Vista.  Printer has run about 6700 pages, but it has never run like it did running on a parallel port on the old XP box.

 

I appreciate any help you can give me.  Thanks.

Excellent, detailed answers......

Unfortunately, only deepens the mystery.

 

A couple things I did pick out of this.

1. The printer was originally connected Parallel to the (now dead) XP box, but is now connected USB to your HP system.

  - Is it a good High quality USB 2.0 cable?

  - How long is the cable? (s/b less than 3m)

  - Is the printer connected directly to a USB Port at the PC?

  - What else do you have connected to your USB ports?

  - Are you running any sort of small home network?

    IF so, it may be worth trying to connect the printer via the NET connection.

2. You indicated the larger the job, the worse. This is usually indicative of resource issues, either in the PC or in the printer. Assuming the printer worked well when connected via parallel to the XP box, I think we can safely eliminate the printer. This leaves us with three changes that probably need closer examination:

   a. New PC

   b. Different o/s

   c. USB connected

1.  Good USB cable, 2m, currently attached to hub, which has a 1m cable.  However, when attached directly to USB port on computer, no change in result.  (This was to a port on front of machine, not in the back.  Could try that if you think it would make a difference)  Other devices using USB connections on computer are scanner, the hub and back-up hard drive.  Am running Small home network, but would have to relocate printer to hub which is several rooms away from my home office.  Inconvenient, but doable, if necessary.

2.  a.  PC is new, less than six months old, 2047 MB RAM.  Printer has 576 MB RAM.  Cheaper to spring for a new printer than a new PC.

b.  I hate to go back to XP and have to reconfigure everything.  Don't even know if I have XP Pro disks, since everything comes pre-loaded any more.  Vista has some good qualities. 

c.  I don't understand "USB connected" comment at c.  Could you clarify.

 

Let me know if you have any other suggestions based on these responses.  In the meantime, as time permits this week, I will hook printer up to my son's Vista laptop the next time he comes over and see how that works.  I may also lug the printer to the hub and try it there, though that is a less than ideal result.

 

I appreciate very much your help, llynster.

---

c.  I don't understand "USB connected" comment at c.  Could you clarify?

---

Certainly......

I was pointing out the changes between what you had when it worked (parallel connected), and what you have now (USB connected). It worked then, it doesn't now, and I was pointing out three major changes.

 

It would not hurt to try connecting the cable to the back of your PC vs. front. Usually, the USB connections at the PC rear are mounted directly to the motherboard. Those serving the front are usually connected to the MB via a ribbon cable.

 

Also, during this test, disconnect EVERYTHING else USB from the PC (except Mouse/keyboard, if they are USB) and connect the printer DIRECTLY to the PC, no hub. USB connections are usually straightforward and relatively trouble-free, but I've experienced some real "head scratcher" problems too.

 

Moving the printer to a network connection can also help point to the source of the problem. Many times in troubleshooting, when you don't know exactly what the problem is, you can narrow your focus by finding out what the problem isn't.

It used to be IRC conflicts with modems that drove me nuts.  

 

When I get some time later this week, I'll try your suggestions.  Right now the printer is too far away for the cable I have.  I do have an extender, but am afraid that might bugger the test.

 

I'll let you know. 

Some positive results from attaching USB cable directly to PC.  Will now print an 11 page single spaced document from PDF file without balking.  I also pulled out my old xp laptop and installed drivers.  Worked like a charm.  I sure miss the printer status bar in Vista.  My son brought over his Vista lap top, and had no trouble printing a 20 slide PowerPoint presentation, so what little vestige of a problem seems to be with this particular PC.  My son's computer Vista had SP1 applied last week, so maybe that explains part of the issue.

 

Haven't tried networking it yet.  When I installed the driver on the XP computer with the Dell disk, I see it has a network installation option.  Once I clear off an area to put the printer adjacent to the hub, I'll give that a whirl and do the installation from an XP computer on the small LAN here.

 

Thanks again for your help.