Sometimes the printer monitor modules from different mfrs conflict with each
other. HP's monitor modules usually begin with a name similar to HPmon.
You may be able to inhibit the loading of the HP monitor module in the
driver options. Or, in some cases, msconfig can be used. If My computer-
manage is available, it may be possible to use it.
A last resort might be to rename the monitor module as an attempt to prevent
it's loading.
If you do this, you might see complaints or possibly a load of a backup copy
of the module.
It seems some Lexmark drivers like to assume that they are the only mfrs
printers and drivers that are installed.
HP and microsoft printer monitor modules generally work with other printers
than originally installed. But, they may prevent a mfrs specific monitor
module from ever seeing the printer. In some cases, HP has corporate use
drivers available that don't usually cause such problems. Cannon used to
refer to such drivers as network drivers. The corporate and network drivers
usually are stripped to some extent, in that error reporting and printer
status are simplified or non existant.
As an example--
I use --
Epson R300 via local USB connection to my pc
Canon S750 Lan connection via Maxtor lan HD USB print server
Brother 420CN all in one (lan ethernet via router) Lat time I checked, the
brother fax software for lan use worked. Printing over the lan is slower
than I'd like, due to the small printer buffer size. Some internal
limitation prevents the effective use of all internal RAM in this model.
Evidently, most of the ram is reserved for storing pending outgoing fax
messages.
The printer montor module for the Epson is disabled, not because it does not
work with the others, but due to ink level sensing and tank chip issues. The
print spooler status box will indicate a problem or error, but may not give
details.
The brother drivers and monitor module will work as a network device, but
causes conflicts when installed as a local USB device. (mainly with an HP
scanner)
The Cannon S750 is an older printer with updated drivers for XP, and works
well, although the monitor module can be a source of trouble when used thru
a print server.
My wife's pc uses an older HP printer. It works well as a locally installed
printer, and since she has little use for the other printers, printer
sharing is not enabled. She does have access to the brother's all in one
features.
