Default Printer won't stay put....

[Jim Wood]

I have an Epson printer and an HP printer connected to one computer on my
home network (Ethernet cable). The HP is set as the default printer. From
the other computer I also set the HP as the default printer, but the default
designation keeps switching to the Epson, sometimes after a reboot,
sometimes I just notice it a while later while attempting to print. I have
uninstalled both printers and reinstalled them again setting the HP as the
default, but it will not retain this setting. This is extremely annoying as
I can't just click on a print icon anymore without sending print jobs to the
wrong printer.

Any suggestions? I've not been able to find anything in the KB.

TIA,

~Jim

 

[Chuck]

If you use an application that prints, or has the Epson selected as it's
default, it might be the cause. It's also possible that the Epson driver and
monitor is the culprit.
Are both printers up and running when you have this problem?

Which HP and Epson Printer models, and are the drivers current?

 

[Jim Wood]

Thank you for responding to my plea...

I'm using Epson Stylus Photo R200 and HP LaserJet 1020 both with the most
recent drivers. Doesn't seem to matter whether the printers are on or not.

~Jim

 

[Alan Morris [MSFT]]

If the remote server is not turned on (\\server\printshare) or the
workstation service starts after the spooler starts, then the default will
be set to the first available printer. Is the Epson a local printer or
also a connection?

Setting the default printer on the machine sharing the printer (or
printers?) will have zero impact on the machine that has a connection.

--
Alan Morris
Windows Printing Team
Search the Microsoft Knowledge Base here:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];kbhowto

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.

 

[Paul Baker]

Alan,

Are you referring to the default printer according to Windows (as shown, for
example, in the Printers and Faxes folder)? I thought that the user can
specify the default printer and that it is supposed to remain unchanged?

If the default printer is a network printer that is unavailable for some
reason, shouldn't it still be the default, but simply give an error when an
attempt is made to connect to it?

Hopefully, Terminal Services is not involved here, that complicates things


Paul

If the remote server is not turned on (\\server\printshare) or the
workstation service starts after the spooler starts, then the default will
be set to the first available printer. Is the Epson a local printer or
also a connection?

Setting the default printer on the machine sharing the printer (or
printers?) will have zero impact on the machine that has a connection.

--
Alan Morris
Windows Printing Team
Search the Microsoft Knowledge Base here:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];kbhowto

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights.

Thank you for responding to my plea...

I'm using Epson Stylus Photo R200 and HP LaserJet 1020 both with the most
recent drivers. Doesn't seem to matter whether the printers are on or
not.

~Jim

 

[Alan Morris [MSFT]]

I am unsure how the default printer gets changed. Normally once I set the
default (network or local) it's always the default. I also don't have
vendor printer software installed, no status monitors, just the driver
provided usually from the OS CD. The default only changes when I change it.

But others do have this problem

--
Alan Morris
Windows Printing Team
Search the Microsoft Knowledge Base here:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];kbhowto

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.

Alan,

Are you referring to the default printer according to Windows (as shown,
for example, in the Printers and Faxes folder)? I thought that the user
can specify the default printer and that it is supposed to remain
unchanged?

If the default printer is a network printer that is unavailable for some
reason, shouldn't it still be the default, but simply give an error when
an attempt is made to connect to it?

Hopefully, Terminal Services is not involved here, that complicates things


Paul

If the remote server is not turned on (\\server\printshare) or the
workstation service starts after the spooler starts, then the default
will be set to the first available printer. Is the Epson a local
printer or also a connection?

Setting the default printer on the machine sharing the printer (or
printers?) will have zero impact on the machine that has a connection.

--
Alan Morris
Windows Printing Team
Search the Microsoft Knowledge Base here:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];kbhowto

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights.

Thank you for responding to my plea...

I'm using Epson Stylus Photo R200 and HP LaserJet 1020 both with the
most recent drivers. Doesn't seem to matter whether the printers are on
or not.

~Jim

If you use an application that prints, or has the Epson selected as
it's
default, it might be the cause. It's also possible that the Epson
driver and
monitor is the culprit.
Are both printers up and running when you have this problem?

Which HP and Epson Printer models, and are the drivers current?

I have an Epson printer and an HP printer connected to one computer on
my
home network (Ethernet cable). The HP is set as the default printer.
From
the other computer I also set the HP as the default printer, but the
default
designation keeps switching to the Epson, sometimes after a reboot,
sometimes I just notice it a while later while attempting to print. I
have
uninstalled both printers and reinstalled them again setting the HP as
the
default, but it will not retain this setting. This is extremely
annoying
as
I can't just click on a print icon anymore without sending print jobs
to
the
wrong printer.

Any suggestions? I've not been able to find anything in the KB.

TIA,

~Jim

 

[Jim Wood]

I cannot find anything like the remote server you mentioned
c:\\server\printshare and there is no folder named printshare anywhere on my
computer. In the past I have just selected a default printer (in the
printers & faxs folder) and it stayed put. Like Alan I only have the driver
Windows installed from the computer that is sharing the printer. Both
printers are on the other computer on my home network.

~Jim

I am unsure how the default printer gets changed. Normally once I set
the default (network or local) it's always the default. I also don't have
vendor printer software installed, no status monitors, just the driver
provided usually from the OS CD. The default only changes when I change
it.

But others do have this problem

--
Alan Morris
Windows Printing Team
Search the Microsoft Knowledge Base here:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];kbhowto

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights.

Alan,

Are you referring to the default printer according to Windows (as shown,
for example, in the Printers and Faxes folder)? I thought that the user
can specify the default printer and that it is supposed to remain
unchanged?

If the default printer is a network printer that is unavailable for some
reason, shouldn't it still be the default, but simply give an error when
an attempt is made to connect to it?

Hopefully, Terminal Services is not involved here, that complicates
things

Paul

If the remote server is not turned on (\\server\printshare) or the
workstation service starts after the spooler starts, then the default
will be set to the first available printer. Is the Epson a local
printer or also a connection?

Setting the default printer on the machine sharing the printer (or
printers?) will have zero impact on the machine that has a connection.

--
Alan Morris
Windows Printing Team
Search the Microsoft Knowledge Base here:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];kbhowto

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights.

Thank you for responding to my plea...

I'm using Epson Stylus Photo R200 and HP LaserJet 1020 both with the
most recent drivers. Doesn't seem to matter whether the printers are on
or not.

~Jim

If you use an application that prints, or has the Epson selected as
it's
default, it might be the cause. It's also possible that the Epson
driver and
monitor is the culprit.
Are both printers up and running when you have this problem?

Which HP and Epson Printer models, and are the drivers current?

I have an Epson printer and an HP printer connected to one computer
on my
home network (Ethernet cable). The HP is set as the default printer.
From
the other computer I also set the HP as the default printer, but the
default
designation keeps switching to the Epson, sometimes after a reboot,
sometimes I just notice it a while later while attempting to print. I
have
uninstalled both printers and reinstalled them again setting the HP
as the
default, but it will not retain this setting. This is extremely
annoying
as
I can't just click on a print icon anymore without sending print jobs
to
the
wrong printer.

Any suggestions? I've not been able to find anything in the KB.

TIA,

~Jim

 

[Paul Baker]

Yes, I would strongly suspect that third party software is responsible for
the default printer changing without the user's explicit consent.

Paul

I cannot find anything like the remote server you mentioned
c:\\server\printshare and there is no folder named printshare anywhere on
my computer. In the past I have just selected a default printer (in the
printers & faxs folder) and it stayed put. Like Alan I only have the driver
Windows installed from the computer that is sharing the printer. Both
printers are on the other computer on my home network.

~Jim

I am unsure how the default printer gets changed. Normally once I set
the default (network or local) it's always the default. I also don't
have vendor printer software installed, no status monitors, just the
driver provided usually from the OS CD. The default only changes when I
change it.

But others do have this problem

--
Alan Morris
Windows Printing Team
Search the Microsoft Knowledge Base here:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];kbhowto

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights.

Alan,

Are you referring to the default printer according to Windows (as shown,
for example, in the Printers and Faxes folder)? I thought that the user
can specify the default printer and that it is supposed to remain
unchanged?

If the default printer is a network printer that is unavailable for some
reason, shouldn't it still be the default, but simply give an error when
an attempt is made to connect to it?

Hopefully, Terminal Services is not involved here, that complicates
things

Paul

If the remote server is not turned on (\\server\printshare) or the
workstation service starts after the spooler starts, then the default
will be set to the first available printer. Is the Epson a local
printer or also a connection?

Setting the default printer on the machine sharing the printer (or
printers?) will have zero impact on the machine that has a connection.

--
Alan Morris
Windows Printing Team
Search the Microsoft Knowledge Base here:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];kbhowto

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights.

Thank you for responding to my plea...

I'm using Epson Stylus Photo R200 and HP LaserJet 1020 both with the
most recent drivers. Doesn't seem to matter whether the printers are
on or not.

~Jim

If you use an application that prints, or has the Epson selected as
it's
default, it might be the cause. It's also possible that the Epson
driver and
monitor is the culprit.
Are both printers up and running when you have this problem?

Which HP and Epson Printer models, and are the drivers current?

I have an Epson printer and an HP printer connected to one computer
on my
home network (Ethernet cable). The HP is set as the default printer.
From
the other computer I also set the HP as the default printer, but the
default
designation keeps switching to the Epson, sometimes after a reboot,
sometimes I just notice it a while later while attempting to print.
I have
uninstalled both printers and reinstalled them again setting the HP
as the
default, but it will not retain this setting. This is extremely
annoying
as
I can't just click on a print icon anymore without sending print
jobs to
the
wrong printer.

Any suggestions? I've not been able to find anything in the KB.

TIA,

~Jim

 

[Jim Wood]

OK, thanks for trying. I'll contact Epson.

~Jim

Yes, I would strongly suspect that third party software is responsible for
the default printer changing without the user's explicit consent.

Paul

I cannot find anything like the remote server you mentioned
c:\\server\printshare and there is no folder named printshare anywhere on
my computer. In the past I have just selected a default printer (in the
printers & faxs folder) and it stayed put. Like Alan I only have the
driver Windows installed from the computer that is sharing the printer.
Both printers are on the other computer on my home network.

~Jim

I am unsure how the default printer gets changed. Normally once I set
the default (network or local) it's always the default. I also don't
have vendor printer software installed, no status monitors, just the
driver provided usually from the OS CD. The default only changes when I
change it.

But others do have this problem

--
Alan Morris
Windows Printing Team
Search the Microsoft Knowledge Base here:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];kbhowto

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights.

Alan,

Are you referring to the default printer according to Windows (as
shown, for example, in the Printers and Faxes folder)? I thought that
the user can specify the default printer and that it is supposed to
remain unchanged?

If the default printer is a network printer that is unavailable for
some reason, shouldn't it still be the default, but simply give an
error when an attempt is made to connect to it?

Hopefully, Terminal Services is not involved here, that complicates
things

Paul

If the remote server is not turned on (\\server\printshare) or the
workstation service starts after the spooler starts, then the default
will be set to the first available printer. Is the Epson a local
printer or also a connection?

Setting the default printer on the machine sharing the printer (or
printers?) will have zero impact on the machine that has a connection.

--
Alan Morris
Windows Printing Team
Search the Microsoft Knowledge Base here:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];kbhowto

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights.

Thank you for responding to my plea...

I'm using Epson Stylus Photo R200 and HP LaserJet 1020 both with the
most recent drivers. Doesn't seem to matter whether the printers are
on or not.

~Jim

If you use an application that prints, or has the Epson selected as
it's
default, it might be the cause. It's also possible that the Epson
driver and
monitor is the culprit.
Are both printers up and running when you have this problem?

Which HP and Epson Printer models, and are the drivers current?

I have an Epson printer and an HP printer connected to one computer
on my
home network (Ethernet cable). The HP is set as the default
printer. From
the other computer I also set the HP as the default printer, but
the
default
designation keeps switching to the Epson, sometimes after a reboot,
sometimes I just notice it a while later while attempting to print.
I have
uninstalled both printers and reinstalled them again setting the HP
as the
default, but it will not retain this setting. This is extremely
annoying
as
I can't just click on a print icon anymore without sending print
jobs to
the
wrong printer.

Any suggestions? I've not been able to find anything in the KB.

TIA,

~Jim

 

[Jim Wood]

One additional note... I just added a printer using the Add Printer Wizard
and when it asked if I wanted to use this printer as the default I checked
"No". I clicked "Finish" and the printer was set to be the new default
printer.

hmmm

~Jim

Yes, I would strongly suspect that third party software is responsible for
the default printer changing without the user's explicit consent.

Paul

I cannot find anything like the remote server you mentioned
c:\\server\printshare and there is no folder named printshare anywhere on
my computer. In the past I have just selected a default printer (in the
printers & faxs folder) and it stayed put. Like Alan I only have the
driver Windows installed from the computer that is sharing the printer.
Both printers are on the other computer on my home network.

~Jim

I am unsure how the default printer gets changed. Normally once I set
the default (network or local) it's always the default. I also don't
have vendor printer software installed, no status monitors, just the
driver provided usually from the OS CD. The default only changes when I
change it.

But others do have this problem

--
Alan Morris
Windows Printing Team
Search the Microsoft Knowledge Base here:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];kbhowto

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights.

Alan,

Are you referring to the default printer according to Windows (as
shown, for example, in the Printers and Faxes folder)? I thought that
the user can specify the default printer and that it is supposed to
remain unchanged?

If the default printer is a network printer that is unavailable for
some reason, shouldn't it still be the default, but simply give an
error when an attempt is made to connect to it?

Hopefully, Terminal Services is not involved here, that complicates
things

Paul

If the remote server is not turned on (\\server\printshare) or the
workstation service starts after the spooler starts, then the default
will be set to the first available printer. Is the Epson a local
printer or also a connection?

Setting the default printer on the machine sharing the printer (or
printers?) will have zero impact on the machine that has a connection.

--
Alan Morris
Windows Printing Team
Search the Microsoft Knowledge Base here:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];kbhowto

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights.

Thank you for responding to my plea...

I'm using Epson Stylus Photo R200 and HP LaserJet 1020 both with the
most recent drivers. Doesn't seem to matter whether the printers are
on or not.

~Jim

If you use an application that prints, or has the Epson selected as
it's
default, it might be the cause. It's also possible that the Epson
driver and
monitor is the culprit.
Are both printers up and running when you have this problem?

Which HP and Epson Printer models, and are the drivers current?

I have an Epson printer and an HP printer connected to one computer
on my
home network (Ethernet cable). The HP is set as the default
printer. From
the other computer I also set the HP as the default printer, but
the
default
designation keeps switching to the Epson, sometimes after a reboot,
sometimes I just notice it a while later while attempting to print.
I have
uninstalled both printers and reinstalled them again setting the HP
as the
default, but it will not retain this setting. This is extremely
annoying
as
I can't just click on a print icon anymore without sending print
jobs to
the
wrong printer.

Any suggestions? I've not been able to find anything in the KB.

TIA,

~Jim

 

[Paul Baker]

Is that reproducible?

If so, you have steps to reproduce that eliminate the possibility that
Alun's theory explains it all. Alun's theory related to the order in which
things start up when you first start you computer.

Paul

One additional note... I just added a printer using the Add Printer Wizard
and when it asked if I wanted to use this printer as the default I checked
"No". I clicked "Finish" and the printer was set to be the new default
printer.

hmmm

~Jim

Yes, I would strongly suspect that third party software is responsible
for the default printer changing without the user's explicit consent.

Paul

I cannot find anything like the remote server you mentioned
c:\\server\printshare and there is no folder named printshare anywhere on
my computer. In the past I have just selected a default printer (in the
printers & faxs folder) and it stayed put. Like Alan I only have the
driver Windows installed from the computer that is sharing the printer.
Both printers are on the other computer on my home network.

~Jim


I am unsure how the default printer gets changed. Normally once I set
the default (network or local) it's always the default. I also don't
have vendor printer software installed, no status monitors, just the
driver provided usually from the OS CD. The default only changes when
I change it.

But others do have this problem

--
Alan Morris
Windows Printing Team
Search the Microsoft Knowledge Base here:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];kbhowto

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights.

Alan,

Are you referring to the default printer according to Windows (as
shown, for example, in the Printers and Faxes folder)? I thought that
the user can specify the default printer and that it is supposed to
remain unchanged?

If the default printer is a network printer that is unavailable for
some reason, shouldn't it still be the default, but simply give an
error when an attempt is made to connect to it?

Hopefully, Terminal Services is not involved here, that complicates
things

Paul

If the remote server is not turned on (\\server\printshare) or the
workstation service starts after the spooler starts, then the default
will be set to the first available printer. Is the Epson a local
printer or also a connection?

Setting the default printer on the machine sharing the printer (or
printers?) will have zero impact on the machine that has a
connection.

--
Alan Morris
Windows Printing Team
Search the Microsoft Knowledge Base here:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];kbhowto

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights.

Thank you for responding to my plea...

I'm using Epson Stylus Photo R200 and HP LaserJet 1020 both with the
most recent drivers. Doesn't seem to matter whether the printers are
on or not.

~Jim

If you use an application that prints, or has the Epson selected as
it's
default, it might be the cause. It's also possible that the Epson
driver and
monitor is the culprit.
Are both printers up and running when you have this problem?

Which HP and Epson Printer models, and are the drivers current?

I have an Epson printer and an HP printer connected to one
computer on my
home network (Ethernet cable). The HP is set as the default
printer. From
the other computer I also set the HP as the default printer, but
the
default
designation keeps switching to the Epson, sometimes after a
reboot,
sometimes I just notice it a while later while attempting to
print. I have
uninstalled both printers and reinstalled them again setting the
HP as the
default, but it will not retain this setting. This is extremely
annoying
as
I can't just click on a print icon anymore without sending print
jobs to
the
wrong printer.

Any suggestions? I've not been able to find anything in the KB.

TIA,

~Jim

 

[bd]

FWIW, I have the exact same problem. An HP laserjet that i want to be
my default and an EpsonR200 that forces itself as the default with each
reboot. It does this on all 3 of my networked pcs. Real PITA.

Is that reproducible?

If so, you have steps to reproduce that eliminate the possibility that
Alun's theory explains it all. Alun's theory related to the order in which
things start up when you first start you computer.

Paul

One additional note... I just added a printer using the Add Printer Wizard
and when it asked if I wanted to use this printer as the default I checked
"No". I clicked "Finish" and the printer was set to be the new default
printer.

hmmm

~Jim

Yes, I would strongly suspect that third party software is responsible
for the default printer changing without the user's explicit consent.

Paul

I cannot find anything like the remote server you mentioned
c:\\server\printshare and there is no folder named printshare anywhere on
my computer. In the past I have just selected a default printer (in the
printers & faxs folder) and it stayed put. Like Alan I only have the
driver Windows installed from the computer that is sharing the printer.
Both printers are on the other computer on my home network.

~Jim


I am unsure how the default printer gets changed. Normally once I set
the default (network or local) it's always the default. I also don't
have vendor printer software installed, no status monitors, just the
driver provided usually from the OS CD. The default only changes when
I change it.

But others do have this problem

--
Alan Morris
Windows Printing Team
Search the Microsoft Knowledge Base here:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];kbhowto

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights.

Alan,

Are you referring to the default printer according to Windows (as
shown, for example, in the Printers and Faxes folder)? I thought that
the user can specify the default printer and that it is supposed to
remain unchanged?

If the default printer is a network printer that is unavailable for
some reason, shouldn't it still be the default, but simply give an
error when an attempt is made to connect to it?

Hopefully, Terminal Services is not involved here, that complicates
things

Paul

If the remote server is not turned on (\\server\printshare) or the
workstation service starts after the spooler starts, then the default
will be set to the first available printer. Is the Epson a local
printer or also a connection?

Setting the default printer on the machine sharing the printer (or
printers?) will have zero impact on the machine that has a
connection.

--
Alan Morris
Windows Printing Team
Search the Microsoft Knowledge Base here:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];kbhowto

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights.

Thank you for responding to my plea...

I'm using Epson Stylus Photo R200 and HP LaserJet 1020 both with the
most recent drivers. Doesn't seem to matter whether the printers are
on or not.

~Jim

If you use an application that prints, or has the Epson selected as
it's
default, it might be the cause. It's also possible that the Epson
driver and
monitor is the culprit.
Are both printers up and running when you have this problem?

Which HP and Epson Printer models, and are the drivers current?

I have an Epson printer and an HP printer connected to one
computer on my
home network (Ethernet cable). The HP is set as the default
printer. From
the other computer I also set the HP as the default printer, but
the
default
designation keeps switching to the Epson, sometimes after a
reboot,
sometimes I just notice it a while later while attempting to
print. I have
uninstalled both printers and reinstalled them again setting the
HP as the
default, but it will not retain this setting. This is extremely
annoying
as
I can't just click on a print icon anymore without sending print
jobs to
the
wrong printer.

Any suggestions? I've not been able to find anything in the KB.

TIA,

~Jim

 

[Guest]

I have a local NEC Superscript 870 and a networked Epson Photo R200. I have
experiance the same problem. It occurs frequently, but I can't identify any
single program that causes it.

FWIW, I have the exact same problem. An HP laserjet that i want to be
my default and an EpsonR200 that forces itself as the default with each
reboot. It does this on all 3 of my networked pcs. Real PITA.

Is that reproducible?

If so, you have steps to reproduce that eliminate the possibility that
Alun's theory explains it all. Alun's theory related to the order in which
things start up when you first start you computer.

Paul

One additional note... I just added a printer using the Add Printer Wizard
and when it asked if I wanted to use this printer as the default I checked
"No". I clicked "Finish" and the printer was set to be the new default
printer.

hmmm

~Jim


Yes, I would strongly suspect that third party software is responsible
for the default printer changing without the user's explicit consent.

Paul

I cannot find anything like the remote server you mentioned
c:\\server\printshare and there is no folder named printshare anywhere on
my computer. In the past I have just selected a default printer (in the
printers & faxs folder) and it stayed put. Like Alan I only have the
driver Windows installed from the computer that is sharing the printer.
Both printers are on the other computer on my home network.

~Jim


I am unsure how the default printer gets changed. Normally once I set
the default (network or local) it's always the default. I also don't
have vendor printer software installed, no status monitors, just the
driver provided usually from the OS CD. The default only changes when
I change it.

But others do have this problem

--
Alan Morris
Windows Printing Team
Search the Microsoft Knowledge Base here:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];kbhowto

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights.

Alan,

Are you referring to the default printer according to Windows (as
shown, for example, in the Printers and Faxes folder)? I thought that
the user can specify the default printer and that it is supposed to
remain unchanged?

If the default printer is a network printer that is unavailable for
some reason, shouldn't it still be the default, but simply give an
error when an attempt is made to connect to it?

Hopefully, Terminal Services is not involved here, that complicates
things

Paul

If the remote server is not turned on (\\server\printshare) or the
workstation service starts after the spooler starts, then the default
will be set to the first available printer. Is the Epson a local
printer or also a connection?

Setting the default printer on the machine sharing the printer (or
printers?) will have zero impact on the machine that has a
connection.

--
Alan Morris
Windows Printing Team
Search the Microsoft Knowledge Base here:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];kbhowto

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights.

Thank you for responding to my plea...

I'm using Epson Stylus Photo R200 and HP LaserJet 1020 both with the
most recent drivers. Doesn't seem to matter whether the printers are
on or not.

~Jim

If you use an application that prints, or has the Epson selected as
it's
default, it might be the cause. It's also possible that the Epson
driver and
monitor is the culprit.
Are both printers up and running when you have this problem?

Which HP and Epson Printer models, and are the drivers current?

I have an Epson printer and an HP printer connected to one
computer on my
home network (Ethernet cable). The HP is set as the default
printer. From
the other computer I also set the HP as the default printer, but
the
default
designation keeps switching to the Epson, sometimes after a
reboot,
sometimes I just notice it a while later while attempting to
print. I have
uninstalled both printers and reinstalled them again setting the
HP as the
default, but it will not retain this setting. This is extremely
annoying
as
I can't just click on a print icon anymore without sending print
jobs to
the
wrong printer.

Any suggestions? I've not been able to find anything in the KB.

TIA,

~Jim

 

[Cari \(MS-MVP\)]

Blame Epson. It's their software that is forcing the R200 to be the
default.
--
Cari (MS-MVP)
Printing & Imaging
http://www.coribright.com/windows

I have a local NEC Superscript 870 and a networked Epson Photo R200. I have
experiance the same problem. It occurs frequently, but I can't identify
any
single program that causes it.

FWIW, I have the exact same problem. An HP laserjet that i want to be
my default and an EpsonR200 that forces itself as the default with each
reboot. It does this on all 3 of my networked pcs. Real PITA.

Is that reproducible?

If so, you have steps to reproduce that eliminate the possibility that
Alun's theory explains it all. Alun's theory related to the order in
which
things start up when you first start you computer.

Paul

One additional note... I just added a printer using the Add Printer
Wizard
and when it asked if I wanted to use this printer as the default I
checked
"No". I clicked "Finish" and the printer was set to be the new
default
printer.

hmmm

~Jim


Yes, I would strongly suspect that third party software is
responsible
for the default printer changing without the user's explicit
consent.

Paul

I cannot find anything like the remote server you mentioned
c:\\server\printshare and there is no folder named printshare
anywhere on
my computer. In the past I have just selected a default printer (in
the
printers & faxs folder) and it stayed put. Like Alan I only have the
driver Windows installed from the computer that is sharing the
printer.
Both printers are on the other computer on my home network.

~Jim


I am unsure how the default printer gets changed. Normally once
I set
the default (network or local) it's always the default. I also
don't
have vendor printer software installed, no status monitors, just
the
driver provided usually from the OS CD. The default only changes
when
I change it.

But others do have this problem

--
Alan Morris
Windows Printing Team
Search the Microsoft Knowledge Base here:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];kbhowto

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers
no
rights.

Alan,

Are you referring to the default printer according to Windows (as
shown, for example, in the Printers and Faxes folder)? I thought
that
the user can specify the default printer and that it is supposed
to
remain unchanged?

If the default printer is a network printer that is unavailable
for
some reason, shouldn't it still be the default, but simply give
an
error when an attempt is made to connect to it?

Hopefully, Terminal Services is not involved here, that
complicates
things

Paul

message
If the remote server is not turned on (\\server\printshare) or
the
workstation service starts after the spooler starts, then the
default
will be set to the first available printer. Is the Epson a
local
printer or also a connection?

Setting the default printer on the machine sharing the printer
(or
printers?) will have zero impact on the machine that has a
connection.

--
Alan Morris
Windows Printing Team
Search the Microsoft Knowledge Base here:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];kbhowto

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers
no
rights.

Thank you for responding to my plea...

I'm using Epson Stylus Photo R200 and HP LaserJet 1020 both
with the
most recent drivers. Doesn't seem to matter whether the
printers are
on or not.

~Jim

If you use an application that prints, or has the Epson
selected as
it's
default, it might be the cause. It's also possible that the
Epson
driver and
monitor is the culprit.
Are both printers up and running when you have this problem?

Which HP and Epson Printer models, and are the drivers
current?

I have an Epson printer and an HP printer connected to one
computer on my
home network (Ethernet cable). The HP is set as the default
printer. From
the other computer I also set the HP as the default printer,
but
the
default
designation keeps switching to the Epson, sometimes after a
reboot,
sometimes I just notice it a while later while attempting to
print. I have
uninstalled both printers and reinstalled them again setting
the
HP as the
default, but it will not retain this setting. This is
extremely
annoying
as
I can't just click on a print icon anymore without sending
print
jobs to
the
wrong printer.

Any suggestions? I've not been able to find anything in the
KB.

TIA,

~Jim

 

[Paul Baker]

Most likely. Epson is the manufacturer that is consistently mentioned
throughout this thread.

Paul

Blame Epson. It's their software that is forcing the R200 to be the
default.
--
Cari (MS-MVP)
Printing & Imaging
http://www.coribright.com/windows

I have a local NEC Superscript 870 and a networked Epson Photo R200. I
have
experiance the same problem. It occurs frequently, but I can't identify
any
single program that causes it.

FWIW, I have the exact same problem. An HP laserjet that i want to be
my default and an EpsonR200 that forces itself as the default with each
reboot. It does this on all 3 of my networked pcs. Real PITA.


Paul Baker wrote:
Is that reproducible?

If so, you have steps to reproduce that eliminate the possibility that
Alun's theory explains it all. Alun's theory related to the order in
which
things start up when you first start you computer.

Paul

One additional note... I just added a printer using the Add Printer
Wizard
and when it asked if I wanted to use this printer as the default I
checked
"No". I clicked "Finish" and the printer was set to be the new
default
printer.

hmmm

~Jim


Yes, I would strongly suspect that third party software is
responsible
for the default printer changing without the user's explicit
consent.

Paul

I cannot find anything like the remote server you mentioned
c:\\server\printshare and there is no folder named printshare
anywhere on
my computer. In the past I have just selected a default printer (in
the
printers & faxs folder) and it stayed put. Like Alan I only have
the
driver Windows installed from the computer that is sharing the
printer.
Both printers are on the other computer on my home network.

~Jim


message
I am unsure how the default printer gets changed. Normally once
I set
the default (network or local) it's always the default. I also
don't
have vendor printer software installed, no status monitors, just
the
driver provided usually from the OS CD. The default only changes
when
I change it.

But others do have this problem

--
Alan Morris
Windows Printing Team
Search the Microsoft Knowledge Base here:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];kbhowto

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers
no
rights.

Alan,

Are you referring to the default printer according to Windows
(as
shown, for example, in the Printers and Faxes folder)? I thought
that
the user can specify the default printer and that it is supposed
to
remain unchanged?

If the default printer is a network printer that is unavailable
for
some reason, shouldn't it still be the default, but simply give
an
error when an attempt is made to connect to it?

Hopefully, Terminal Services is not involved here, that
complicates
things

Paul

message
If the remote server is not turned on (\\server\printshare) or
the
workstation service starts after the spooler starts, then the
default
will be set to the first available printer. Is the Epson a
local
printer or also a connection?

Setting the default printer on the machine sharing the printer
(or
printers?) will have zero impact on the machine that has a
connection.

--
Alan Morris
Windows Printing Team
Search the Microsoft Knowledge Base here:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];kbhowto

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and
confers no
rights.

Thank you for responding to my plea...

I'm using Epson Stylus Photo R200 and HP LaserJet 1020 both
with the
most recent drivers. Doesn't seem to matter whether the
printers are
on or not.

~Jim

If you use an application that prints, or has the Epson
selected as
it's
default, it might be the cause. It's also possible that the
Epson
driver and
monitor is the culprit.
Are both printers up and running when you have this problem?

Which HP and Epson Printer models, and are the drivers
current?

I have an Epson printer and an HP printer connected to one
computer on my
home network (Ethernet cable). The HP is set as the default
printer. From
the other computer I also set the HP as the default printer,
but
the
default
designation keeps switching to the Epson, sometimes after a
reboot,
sometimes I just notice it a while later while attempting to
print. I have
uninstalled both printers and reinstalled them again setting
the
HP as the
default, but it will not retain this setting. This is
extremely
annoying
as
I can't just click on a print icon anymore without sending
print
jobs to
the
wrong printer.

Any suggestions? I've not been able to find anything in the
KB.

TIA,

~Jim

 

[Paul Baker]

If anyone still cares, you can use Registry Monitor from sysinternals.com to
monitor who is changing the default printer. Monitor changes to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows
NT\CurrentVersion\Windows\Device

Paul

Most likely. Epson is the manufacturer that is consistently mentioned
throughout this thread.

Paul

Blame Epson. It's their software that is forcing the R200 to be the
default.
--
Cari (MS-MVP)
Printing & Imaging
http://www.coribright.com/windows

I have a local NEC Superscript 870 and a networked Epson Photo R200. I
have
experiance the same problem. It occurs frequently, but I can't identify
any
single program that causes it.

:



FWIW, I have the exact same problem. An HP laserjet that i want to be
my default and an EpsonR200 that forces itself as the default with each
reboot. It does this on all 3 of my networked pcs. Real PITA.


Paul Baker wrote:
Is that reproducible?

If so, you have steps to reproduce that eliminate the possibility
that
Alun's theory explains it all. Alun's theory related to the order in
which
things start up when you first start you computer.

Paul

One additional note... I just added a printer using the Add Printer
Wizard
and when it asked if I wanted to use this printer as the default I
checked
"No". I clicked "Finish" and the printer was set to be the new
default
printer.

hmmm

~Jim


Yes, I would strongly suspect that third party software is
responsible
for the default printer changing without the user's explicit
consent.

Paul

I cannot find anything like the remote server you mentioned
c:\\server\printshare and there is no folder named printshare
anywhere on
my computer. In the past I have just selected a default printer
(in the
printers & faxs folder) and it stayed put. Like Alan I only have
the
driver Windows installed from the computer that is sharing the
printer.
Both printers are on the other computer on my home network.

~Jim


message
I am unsure how the default printer gets changed. Normally
once I set
the default (network or local) it's always the default. I also
don't
have vendor printer software installed, no status monitors, just
the
driver provided usually from the OS CD. The default only
changes when
I change it.

But others do have this problem

--
Alan Morris
Windows Printing Team
Search the Microsoft Knowledge Base here:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];kbhowto

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers
no
rights.

Alan,

Are you referring to the default printer according to Windows
(as
shown, for example, in the Printers and Faxes folder)? I
thought that
the user can specify the default printer and that it is
supposed to
remain unchanged?

If the default printer is a network printer that is unavailable
for
some reason, shouldn't it still be the default, but simply give
an
error when an attempt is made to connect to it?

Hopefully, Terminal Services is not involved here, that
complicates
things

Paul

message
If the remote server is not turned on (\\server\printshare)
or the
workstation service starts after the spooler starts, then the
default
will be set to the first available printer. Is the Epson a
local
printer or also a connection?

Setting the default printer on the machine sharing the printer
(or
printers?) will have zero impact on the machine that has a
connection.

--
Alan Morris
Windows Printing Team
Search the Microsoft Knowledge Base here:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];kbhowto

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and
confers no
rights.

Thank you for responding to my plea...

I'm using Epson Stylus Photo R200 and HP LaserJet 1020 both
with the
most recent drivers. Doesn't seem to matter whether the
printers are
on or not.

~Jim

If you use an application that prints, or has the Epson
selected as
it's
default, it might be the cause. It's also possible that the
Epson
driver and
monitor is the culprit.
Are both printers up and running when you have this problem?

Which HP and Epson Printer models, and are the drivers
current?

I have an Epson printer and an HP printer connected to one
computer on my
home network (Ethernet cable). The HP is set as the default
printer. From
the other computer I also set the HP as the default
printer, but
the
default
designation keeps switching to the Epson, sometimes after a
reboot,
sometimes I just notice it a while later while attempting
to
print. I have
uninstalled both printers and reinstalled them again
setting the
HP as the
default, but it will not retain this setting. This is
extremely
annoying
as
I can't just click on a print icon anymore without sending
print
jobs to
the
wrong printer.

Any suggestions? I've not been able to find anything in the
KB.

TIA,

~Jim

 

[Guest]

Here is an update and fix that I rcvd from Epson............
<Start>
Thank you for contacting the Epson Connection.

If you are running on a peer-to-peer setup, and find that the Epson printer
driver is setting itself as the default (when you have another printer
currently set as the default), please do the following.

On any client computer:

1. In Windows 2000, go to START, SETTING, PRINTERS.
2. In Windows XP, go to START, CONTROL PANEL, PRINTERS AND OTHER
HARDWARE/PRINTERS & FAXES.
3. Right click Epson printer, left click PRINTING PREFERENCES. Go to the
MAINTENANCE tab.
4. Click SPEED AND PROGRESS.
5. Place a check beside "DISABLE EPSON STATUS MONITOR 3". Click OK, APPLY
(in Windows 2000; APPLY will not be visible in Windows XP), OK.
6. Restart the client computer and test.

If this fails try the following:

1. Go to START, RUN, and type MSCONFIG.
2. Place a check beside SELECTIVE STARTUP. Go to the STARTUP tab.
3. Uncheck any items beginning with "Epson" or "E_s...".
4. Click APPLY, CLOSE, and restart when prompted.

If these steps do not resolve the issue it is likely that the printer driver
was installed by "mapping" from a shared drive or server location.

To correct this, do the following:

1. In PRINTERS AND FAXES, right click the Epson printer and left click DELETE.
2. Use the CD or downloaded driver on the client/workstation to reinstall
the driver. At the "CONNECT PRINTER" screen click "STOP SEARCHING."
3. Return to the PRINTERS window. Follow normal printer sharing setup steps
to add the correct shared port (ie. \\hostcomputername\printersharedname).
4. Disable the Status monitor as described in the above fixes. Restart when
complete.

Notes:

You must restart for these changes to take effect.


If you require further assistance with this particular issue, please ensure
all of our previous correspondence is contained in your reply, so we can
better track the history of this issue.

If you have a different issue, please submit another E-form via our website
(http://www.epson.com), and we will respond in a timely manner. Thank you
again for contacting Epson.



Kent C
Epson Connection

<END>

Most likely. Epson is the manufacturer that is consistently mentioned
throughout this thread.

Paul

Blame Epson. It's their software that is forcing the R200 to be the
default.
--
Cari (MS-MVP)
Printing & Imaging
http://www.coribright.com/windows

I have a local NEC Superscript 870 and a networked Epson Photo R200. I
have
experiance the same problem. It occurs frequently, but I can't identify
any
single program that causes it.

:



FWIW, I have the exact same problem. An HP laserjet that i want to be
my default and an EpsonR200 that forces itself as the default with each
reboot. It does this on all 3 of my networked pcs. Real PITA.


Paul Baker wrote:
Is that reproducible?

If so, you have steps to reproduce that eliminate the possibility that
Alun's theory explains it all. Alun's theory related to the order in
which
things start up when you first start you computer.

Paul

One additional note... I just added a printer using the Add Printer
Wizard
and when it asked if I wanted to use this printer as the default I
checked
"No". I clicked "Finish" and the printer was set to be the new
default
printer.

hmmm

~Jim


Yes, I would strongly suspect that third party software is
responsible
for the default printer changing without the user's explicit
consent.

Paul

I cannot find anything like the remote server you mentioned
c:\\server\printshare and there is no folder named printshare
anywhere on
my computer. In the past I have just selected a default printer (in
the
printers & faxs folder) and it stayed put. Like Alan I only have
the
driver Windows installed from the computer that is sharing the
printer.
Both printers are on the other computer on my home network.

~Jim


message
I am unsure how the default printer gets changed. Normally once
I set
the default (network or local) it's always the default. I also
don't
have vendor printer software installed, no status monitors, just
the
driver provided usually from the OS CD. The default only changes
when
I change it.

But others do have this problem

--
Alan Morris
Windows Printing Team
Search the Microsoft Knowledge Base here:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];kbhowto

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers
no
rights.

Alan,

Are you referring to the default printer according to Windows
(as
shown, for example, in the Printers and Faxes folder)? I thought
that
the user can specify the default printer and that it is supposed
to
remain unchanged?

If the default printer is a network printer that is unavailable
for
some reason, shouldn't it still be the default, but simply give
an
error when an attempt is made to connect to it?

Hopefully, Terminal Services is not involved here, that
complicates
things

Paul

message
If the remote server is not turned on (\\server\printshare) or
the
workstation service starts after the spooler starts, then the
default
will be set to the first available printer. Is the Epson a
local
printer or also a connection?

Setting the default printer on the machine sharing the printer
(or
printers?) will have zero impact on the machine that has a
connection.

--
Alan Morris
Windows Printing Team
Search the Microsoft Knowledge Base here:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];kbhowto

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and
confers no
rights.

Thank you for responding to my plea...

I'm using Epson Stylus Photo R200 and HP LaserJet 1020 both
with the
most recent drivers. Doesn't seem to matter whether the
printers are
on or not.

~Jim

If you use an application that prints, or has the Epson
selected as
it's
default, it might be the cause. It's also possible that the
Epson
driver and
monitor is the culprit.
Are both printers up and running when you have this problem?

Which HP and Epson Printer models, and are the drivers
current?

I have an Epson printer and an HP printer connected to one
computer on my
home network (Ethernet cable). The HP is set as the default
printer. From
the other computer I also set the HP as the default printer,
but
the
default
designation keeps switching to the Epson, sometimes after a
reboot,
sometimes I just notice it a while later while attempting to
print. I have
uninstalled both printers and reinstalled them again setting
the
HP as the
default, but it will not retain this setting. This is
extremely
annoying
as
I can't just click on a print icon anymore without sending
print
jobs to
the
wrong printer.

Any suggestions? I've not been able to find anything in the
KB.

TIA,

~Jim

 

[Paul Baker]

LOL, that's all but admitting their Epson Status Monitor deliberately
changes the default printer. Maybe they should just remove that "feature".

Paul