The specified port is unknown

[bobbydyson49]

Error nessage fom my Dell Photo AIO Prunter.

 

[G0AOZ]

At what point is this message displayed?
When you switch on PC?
When printer is turned on?
When you request a document to be printed?
Does a test print work?
Has printer previously work ok, and this something that has just started to happen?
Or has it never worked?

Presume you have the correct driver installed, and you've checked cabling etc.

ROGER - G0AOZ

 

[bobbydyson49]

The printer is a Del Photo AIO 942 and the problem has just started in the last few days. I can use the printer by itself but I can't get it to communicate with the computer now. I've followed the steps in the troubleshooter and talked to Dell support with no results. I've changed cables and port connections and Dell had me delete ports but Windows didn't give them back on restart. Now I've got to figure out how to manually get a port for the printer that the computer will recognize.

 

[mainegeek]

bobbydyson49,
Many times the easiest solution is to completely uninstall the printer software and then reinstall it.

 

[G0AOZ]

Windows usually recognises an active device, often with the Windows "bing-bong" sound, when its cable is plugged into a USB socket. Does this happen with your printer?

Do you have anything else you can plug into your computer's USB sockets just to check they are working ok? Like a memory stick for instance...

ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[bobbydyson49]

The Dell Tech had me reload XP to get the printer to work. Glad I always back up my work or I'd really be upset at Dell. The Tech never did figure out what the problem was and I still don't have a clue.