Dell running XP Pro SP3 will not recognize previously recognizedprinter

[EBL]

I had to disconnect my Epson 3800 printer (connected by a USB port)
from my Dell that is running XP Professional, SP3. When I reconnected
the printer, the computer will not recognize it. I get the following
error message: One of the USB devices attached to this computer has
malfunctioned, and Windows does not recognize it. Try again, or try a
different device.

I have done the following:
Uninstalled the printer and all connected software (both in the
Install/uninstall area and in the printers area). Reinstalled
software and drivers using current version from Epson
Deleted all USB ports and rebooted; successfully reinstalled all USB
drivers
Tested the epson printer plus cord on a different PC (a laptop); it
works fine
Tested other printers on the same USB ports; they work fine
Contacted Epson, who said to do the above. Then they said it was a
operating system issue.

Help!

 

[JD]

I had to disconnect my Epson 3800 printer (connected by a USB port)
from my Dell that is running XP Professional, SP3. When I reconnected
the printer, the computer will not recognize it. I get the following
error message: One of the USB devices attached to this computer has
malfunctioned, and Windows does not recognize it. Try again, or try a
different device.

I have done the following:
Uninstalled the printer and all connected software (both in the
Install/uninstall area and in the printers area). Reinstalled
software and drivers using current version from Epson
Deleted all USB ports and rebooted; successfully reinstalled all USB
drivers
Tested the epson printer plus cord on a different PC (a laptop); it
works fine
Tested other printers on the same USB ports; they work fine
Contacted Epson, who said to do the above. Then they said it was a
operating system issue.

Help!

Why did you originally disconnect the Epson 3800 printer?

The Epson software for my R280 has to be installed in a certain way. You
have to disconnect the printer from the USB port and then install the
software and wait for it to tell you to connect the printer.

 

[EBL]

I disconnected because I needed to use another printer to make xmas
cards, and I needed the desktop space.

Yup--as you say, there is a definite order in which to connect the
printer. I followed it exactly (about 6 times!).

 

[JD]

This doesn't make any sense. The printer should have reconnected and
function just like it did before.

How long has it been disconnnected? Did you consider a system restore to
before you disconnected the printer? I don't even know if that will work.

If nobody comes along with a better solution, you might try the
alt.epson.printers newsgroup.

Be sure to post back if you figure this out.

I disconnected because I needed to use another printer to make xmas
cards, and I needed the desktop space.

Yup--as you say, there is a definite order in which to connect the
printer. I followed it exactly (about 6 times!).

 

[Twayne]

In

Why did you originally disconnect the Epson 3800 printer?

The Epson software for my R280 has to be installed in a certain way.
You have to disconnect the printer from the USB port and then install
the software and wait for it to tell you to connect the printer.

Yes, that's common with many printers. Some don't really care, but some
actually do and fuss up if you don't follow the instructions. Checked the
manual?

Twayne



--

 

[Twayne]

In

I had to disconnect my Epson 3800 printer (connected by a USB port)
from my Dell that is running XP Professional, SP3. When I reconnected
the printer, the computer will not recognize it. I get the following
error message: One of the USB devices attached to this computer has
malfunctioned, and Windows does not recognize it. Try again, or try a
different device.

I have done the following:
Uninstalled the printer and all connected software (both in the
Install/uninstall area and in the printers area). Reinstalled
software and drivers using current version from Epson
Deleted all USB ports and rebooted; successfully reinstalled all USB
drivers
Tested the epson printer plus cord on a different PC (a laptop); it
works fine
Tested other printers on the same USB ports; they work fine
Contacted Epson, who said to do the above. Then they said it was a
operating system issue.

Help!

Interesting.
Does Event Viewer give any hints or errors?
System Restore?
Do you keep disk images or current backups you can try?

I assume this must be a direct-connection from your description?

About the only thing you haven't mentioned is trying the printer on another
computer; any chance you can do that?

HOW does the computer not recognize the printer? Do you get the error as you
plug it into the USB, power it on, or when you try to use it?

Perhaps you're not setting the printer to default, and it's trying to print
on the other printer you did the cards on? But which is no longer there?

I think I'd remove everything to do with the other printer and see what
happens; maybe the two don't like each other somehow. Remove both hardware
and software.

I'd be real keen on getting it tested on another computer if at all
possible.
I don't see how the OS could be responsible, but, while the printer was
disconnected:
What was added to, installed on, or removed from the computer? You could
try reversing those as a long-shot if it was more than the other printer's
drivers.


HTH

Twayne
--

 

[JD]

In

Yes, that's common with many printers. Some don't really care, but some
actually do and fuss up if you don't follow the instructions. Checked
the manual?

Twayne

Why did you reply to me? My post was to confirm that Epson printers want
software first, printer connected second.

 

[JD]

In

Interesting.
Does Event Viewer give any hints or errors?
System Restore?
Do you keep disk images or current backups you can try?

I assume this must be a direct-connection from your description?

About the only thing you haven't mentioned is trying the printer on
another computer; any chance you can do that?

HOW does the computer not recognize the printer? Do you get the error as
you plug it into the USB, power it on, or when you try to use it?

Perhaps you're not setting the printer to default, and it's trying to
print on the other printer you did the cards on? But which is no longer
there?

I think I'd remove everything to do with the other printer and see what
happens; maybe the two don't like each other somehow. Remove both
hardware and software.

I'd be real keen on getting it tested on another computer if at all
possible.
I don't see how the OS could be responsible, but, while the printer was
disconnected:
What was added to, installed on, or removed from the computer? You could
try reversing those as a long-shot if it was more than the other
printer's drivers.


HTH

Twayne

I know you're trying to help, but he said:

 

[EBL]

Great suggestions. Unfortunately, the problem is still there.

Does Event Viewer give any hints or errors?

No--went through that, and no hints

System Restore?

Good suggestion. Unfortunately, for whatever reason the computer will
not restore to any of the dates before the installation of the other
printer using System Restore

Do you keep disk images or current backups you can try?

My last backup was about a week before this happened

I assume this must be a direct-connection from your description?

Yes, a USB connection. Have uninstalled and reinstalled all USB
drivers

About the only thing you haven't mentioned is trying the printer on another
computer; any chance you can do that?

Yes--it works fine on my laptop

HOW does the computer not recognize the printer? Do you get the error as you
plug it into the USB, power it on, or when you try to use it?

I get an error message that says One of the USB devices connected to
the printer malfunctioned, and windows does not recognize it. Try
again or replace the device. The Epson printer is the only thing
connected by USB to the PC.

Perhaps you're not setting the printer to default, and it's trying to print
on the other printer you did the cards on? But which is no longer there?

I have deleted all references to the other printer, both in the
printer menu and in Add/remove program.

   I think I'd remove everything to do with the other printer and seewhat
happens; maybe the two don't like each other somehow. Remove both hardware
and software. Done.
I'd be real keen on getting it tested on another computer if at all
possible. Done (see above). Works fine.
  I don't see how the OS could be responsible, but, while the printer was
disconnected: What was added to, installed on, or removed from the computer?  You could
try reversing those as a long-shot if it was more than the other printer's

Only thing was a new NEC monitor, and I no longer have the older
monitor available.

 

[JD]

Great suggestions. Unfortunately, the problem is still there.

No--went through that, and no hints
Good suggestion. Unfortunately, for whatever reason the computer will
not restore to any of the dates before the installation of the other
printer using System Restore
My last backup was about a week before this happened
Yes, a USB connection. Have uninstalled and reinstalled all USB
drivers
Yes--it works fine on my laptop
I get an error message that says One of the USB devices connected to
the printer malfunctioned, and windows does not recognize it. Try
again or replace the device. The Epson printer is the only thing
connected by USB to the PC.
I have deleted all references to the other printer, both in the
printer menu and in Add/remove program.

Only thing was a new NEC monitor, and I no longer have the older
monitor available.

The other variable would be what brand of printer did you use when you
disconnected the Epson printer? Maybe you could remove it's drivers and
software? Any chance it's a HP printer?

I doubt changing monitors could create this problem but one never knows.

Twayne has a thing for Registry cleaners. I don't think that is a good idea.

 

[EBL]

Again, thanks to everyone who responded. Success at last, but I'm not
sure which step worked.
In answer to questions...

The second printer was an Epson inkjet as well (1280). I deleted all
files (drivers, software) relating to both epsons several time, and
disconnected the second epson for good

NOW--for the steps I took.
I spent about 8 more hours trying things, including the following:
1. Turned off everything. Disconnected everything from everything
else, unplugged all plugs from power for a few minutes. Then
replugged in everything, and restarted. Still no success.
2. Updated chipset driver and BIOS (via information on the Dell
Website). Restarted computer. Still no success.
3. Ran Dell 32 bit diagnostics (it said everything is fine).
Restarted computer. Still no sucess.
4. Turned off PC, unplugged everything, waited a few minutes, and
restarted. Still no success.
5. Waited overnight hoping Santa would bring me a new PC. No
success.
6. Threatened PC with banishment. In the meantime, decided to rerun
the Update of Chipset driver and BIOS, then disconnected everything
and unplugged everything, and opened presents and drank coffee.
An hour later, I replugged everything into everything else (except the
USB from the Epson), and ran the Epson installation utility, and
SUCCESS!

I don't know what worked, but I have to think that it was probably the
combination of updating the Chipset Driver and BIOS, then turning off
and unplugging the PC for long enough for everything to reset (I have
found out that USB problems occasionally require unplugging to be
fixed). Hopefully my experience will help someone else at some
point! Having this fixed is a great Christmas present for me!

-EBL




Add printer manually (rather than via Epson utility)

 

[JD]

Again, thanks to everyone who responded. Success at last, but I'm not
sure which step worked.
In answer to questions...

The second printer was an Epson inkjet as well (1280). I deleted all
files (drivers, software) relating to both epsons several time, and
disconnected the second epson for good

NOW--for the steps I took.
I spent about 8 more hours trying things, including the following:
1. Turned off everything. Disconnected everything from everything
else, unplugged all plugs from power for a few minutes. Then
replugged in everything, and restarted. Still no success.
2. Updated chipset driver and BIOS (via information on the Dell
Website). Restarted computer. Still no success.
3. Ran Dell 32 bit diagnostics (it said everything is fine).
Restarted computer. Still no sucess.
4. Turned off PC, unplugged everything, waited a few minutes, and
restarted. Still no success.
5. Waited overnight hoping Santa would bring me a new PC. No
success.
6. Threatened PC with banishment. In the meantime, decided to rerun
the Update of Chipset driver and BIOS, then disconnected everything
and unplugged everything, and opened presents and drank coffee.
An hour later, I replugged everything into everything else (except the
USB from the Epson), and ran the Epson installation utility, and
SUCCESS!

I don't know what worked, but I have to think that it was probably the
combination of updating the Chipset Driver and BIOS, then turning off
and unplugging the PC for long enough for everything to reset (I have
found out that USB problems occasionally require unplugging to be
fixed). Hopefully my experience will help someone else at some
point! Having this fixed is a great Christmas present for me!

-EBL




Add printer manually (rather than via Epson utility)

The other variable would be what brand of printer did you use when you
disconnected the Epson printer? Maybe you could remove it's drivers and
software? Any chance it's a HP printer?

I doubt changing monitors could create this problem but one never knows.

Twayne has a thing for Registry cleaners. I don't think that is a good idea.

Thanks for coming back and letting us all know the problem has been
solved. I've never seen or heard of the problem and I was not aware that
sometimes USB problems required threatening the PC. Thanks!

Or giving it a "time out" by unplugging it.

If it makes you feel any better, all Santa brings me is a bag of coal.
The good news is, it's a really big bag this year.