View Full Version : HP printer problem with win XP
I've just set up a computer with XP on a second partition with Win98 on the other. The HP Laserjet 6L works fine on the Win98 OS, but XP won't recognise it. I've downloaded the latest drivers from HP to no avail. I can't even get a response from the printer through the command prompt.
Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance.
fobotcso
15th Nov 2003, 20:24
Suspect that this may be something to do with the different way in which XP treats hardware ports. My terminology may be a bit imprecise but I think in XP you create "Virtual" ports and then XP assigns these to "real" ports.
Certainly, this is the case with Serial ports but with contemporary hardware XP is truly PnP and new devices are installed usually seamlessly.
But for a parallel port for the old 6L printer, well...:(
I'm full of admiration that you keep this printer going. My old 5L went to that big IT room in the sky long ago after I could no longer keep the paper feed under control.
So have a look at the Help/Troubleshooter for this and also, if you've not already done so, use the "Add New Hardware" wizard in Control Panel.
A Very Civil Pilot
15th Nov 2003, 22:11
I've got printer problems as well, having just installed windows XP (or more correctly windows CRXP in my opinion!). My lexmark Z11 prints each line 3 times, one a bit higher, one a bit lower, and one where it should be.
No amount of re-installing drivers and fiddling with properties can fix it - any suggestions?
fobotcso
15th Nov 2003, 22:39
A new XP installation should be taken to the Windows Update site for update treatment. I did one earlier in the week and it was short of 42 critical updates, 16 discretionary updates and 2 drivers were out of date.
At the very least you should have SP1 installed. Best to be on Broadband; it takes hours even then.
XP is Microsoft's best yet. But if you think it's that's bad, you can always go back to 3.11 - Windows for Worgroups. :yuk: :)
seacue
16th Nov 2003, 00:00
No help to any of you I know, but I "father" a single-boot XP-Home machine. I plugged in our HP 4L and it worked right off. Also have an Epson dot matrix (for mailing labels) on the same port using a manual switch. It too works fine.
The mailing labels are produced from an old DOS/dBase program. The 4L prints from modern things like IE6 as well as old DOS programs.
That 4L gets a lot of use and has been a wonderful purchase. I also have one on a Win98SE machine.
Naples Air Center, Inc.
16th Nov 2003, 04:18
410,
I have several 5Ls and 6Ls running on WinXP. The printer is native to WinXP and should work without the need of any drivers from HP. Try installing it manually.
If that does not work, change the Parallel Port settings in the BIOS.
Take Care,
Richard
Thanks for the replies. In properties, the printer shows as 'not shared'. Could that be the problem? I've covered just about everything else. Would making the printer 'shared', or available to all users solve the problem? If so, what's the best way to achieve this, through the Administrator?
USB to Parallel Printer Cable (http://www.cableuniverse.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=388&ref=9)
Naples Air Center, Inc.
17th Nov 2003, 01:58
410,
Sharing the Printer will not fix your problem. Delete any printers in your Printers and Faxes, then go in and Manually add the printer.
Use Add a Printer > Local Printer (Remove the checkmark in the box Automatically detect and install Plug and Play Printers) That will let you pick the printer port (LPT1) and the printer from a list.
Take Care,
Richard
Chaffers
17th Nov 2003, 09:10
I have a similar problem with a BJC on 2000. I suspect ORAC's cable may be the answer. :ok:
Ausatco
17th Nov 2003, 19:51
I have a Toshiba PageLaser 6 that, until it stopped picking up paper, worked perfectly as a parallel printer on XP Home SP1. The printer was set to emulate an HP Laserjet Series II and I used the native driver in XP. It worked happily alongside a Canon i650 inkjet (USB).
AA
Chaffers
18th Nov 2003, 03:54
As an after-thought it might be worth checking your Bios settings for the Parallel port. If it's an old printer then configure the port as normal, it could be that 98 doesn't check the Bios whereas XP does.
Bit of a shot in the dark though.
newarksmells
18th Nov 2003, 05:00
When you say:
"this may be something to do with the different way in which XP treats hardware ports. My terminology may be a bit imprecise but I think in XP you create "Virtual" ports and then XP assigns these to "real" ports"...you're on the right track.
Have run into a similar problem with the exact same HP printer at work. Wouldn't work on the assigned port and while I can't remember all the details moving it from port 2 to port 1 solved the problem or vice-versa.
Definitely hardware related though... and no, we don't have a fix yet either.
Newark
fobotcso
18th Nov 2003, 06:19
Strictly an outside possibility this is a Windows 2000 Fix I've had to use a couple of times when installing an Epson printer.
No Local Ports Are Available For Printers (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=http://support.microsoft.com: 80/support/kb/articles/Q255/5/07.ASP&NoWebContent=1)
Next time you boot up, have a look in the Event Viewer for error messages that might indicate the problem.
Start>Settings>Control Panel>Administrative Tools>Event Viewer
While you're in Administrative Tools, have a look at:
Computer Management>Device Manager
Notice there are no ports there even though they are shown in the Printer Setup dialogues. :confused:
This'll give you a flavour for the topic of IRQ Steering although, as the article says, it isn't a troubleshooter. You'll have to look further for that.
IRQ Steering (http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=314068)
Notice you are advised to disable Plug 'n Play in the BIOS for Windows XP. This is a possible cause of disharmony between Windows 98 and XP in a dual boot system on the same machine.
Just had a problem when my HP950 went crunch - mechanical death. As a temp measure, fitted and older HP859, but the disc I had with it was for up to Win 98 & NT. It just would not load onto Win 2K. So I went to the HP downloads website, entered Win 2K and the printer model, followed the instructions and downloaded the Win 2K driver. Installation went fine and the printer is perfect.
You may wish to go down that route...