Printer problem

[francoislaroche]

I have a computer with Win98.

I have a LexMark Optra T612 printer, connected to my network via a RJ-45 cable. The printer has a IP address, and users connect to it via the LexMark Network features.

For some reason, the user said the printer wasn't printing correctly, so I decided to uninstall it, and reinstall. After reinstalling (installing the printer on the LPT1 port), I went through the properties, and changed the port to "Lexmark Administration". This is my network port, associated with the IP of my printer.

But, when I try to print the test page, I get a message saying that the printer isn't online, and to check it out.

The problem is that the printer is perfectly functioning. Another user was able to print without problem, so it's not offline. Also, from my user's computer, I was able to ping the printer successfully.

So, next, I decided to try to re-create the network port. So, I went through the properties, chose Add Port, and try to create a new Lexmark Network port, giving it the same IP, but another name, but I got a message that this Network server (the printer) already had a port defined. So, I can't have 2 ports with the same IP.

Next, I tried to remove the Network port, but I keep getting a message saying "Can't remove this system port". I don't know why I get this. No printer on this computer used that port anymore, and for the Lexmark printer, I had replaced it on LPT1 before trying to suppress the Lexmark port.

As a last effort, I tried to delete the printer again. I then went to look at another printer and tried to remove the "Lexmark Administration" port, but it wasn't there anymore. Then, I went in the Add/Remove Program option of the Control Panel, and I removed the Lexmark Network Support.

After that, I rebooted, reinstalled everything again, and again went to set the printer on a Network Port. But, without me having done anything, the "Lexmark Administration" port was there again!

So, what I'd like to know is if someone can help me on that, either by finding why I get an error message when printing (and the printer is working just well for other users), or at least how I could finally remove the "Lexmark Administration" printer port created to connect to the printer via the network.

 

[p4p]

I have had a similar problem with an win98 and an epson usb port, I tried reinstalling with manufacturers disk but no joy, so then I tried creating a usb port manually - no joy. I then removed printer from printers folder, then disabled device from device manager and reloaded it all back in from manufacturers disk. This has created the correct port, but the damn thing only wants to print to the port I created. now when i try to redirect it to the correct port, but it keeps going back to the one I created in the background with the same name but differend capitilisation. I have tried deleting the port I created but keep getting messages saying it is in use.

 

[Crustyoldbloke]

Hi Guys

This is just an eduacted guess, but check the REGISTRY (Lord knows where) to see if an allocation has been made for the printer. If it has then you'll have to edit it.
Regards
Phil
Si fractum non sit, noli id reficere.

 

[p4p]

I thought it may come to that, does anyone know of any way to edit/remove ports without resorting to regedit ?

 

[Crustyoldbloke]

Francois

I wish to make it clear that changing your registry may have have bad efects on your computer and that I in no way endorse changes to it. I would recommend that you back up your registry before taking any action.

But I would also say, take the bull by the horns and hit regedit. Go to find and type in your printer (LexMark). Hopefuly, you will eventually see something like:

HKEY_LOCALMACHINE_\COMMAND\0001\SYSTEM\CURRENTCONTROLSETT\CONTROL\PRINT\PRINTERS

There will be a value, hopefully LEXMARK, delete that key and no other. With a little bit of luck WNDOWS will do the rest.

Je vous empris et bonne soir


Regards
Phil
Si fractum non sit, noli id reficere.