Dual Boot or New User?

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Guest

I've had neverending problems with an HP Laserjet 5000... but only on my
computer. (Fine when connected to others.) Even though I've rebuilt every
component and fresh reinstalled every new OS and software.

Since the only constant is my software, I'd like to be able to run Win XP
pro with bare minimun applications and drivers. Is this a job for a Dual Boot
system? I didn't think that a second user setup could 'ignore' already
installed programs and drivers.

Regardless of which method is best, I don't know how either of the above are
done <g>. I'd very much appreciate if someone might refer me to a source for
instructions.

TIA for any guidance.
 
In
John Ciccone said:
I've had neverending problems with an HP Laserjet 5000... but only on
my computer. (Fine when connected to others.) Even though I've
rebuilt every component and fresh reinstalled every new OS and
software.

Since the only constant is my software, I'd like to be able to run
Win XP pro with bare minimun applications and drivers. Is this a job
for a Dual Boot system? I didn't think that a second user setup could
'ignore' already installed programs and drivers.

Regardless of which method is best, I don't know how either of the
above are done <g>. I'd very much appreciate if someone might refer
me to a source for instructions.

TIA for any guidance.
Click to expand...

I'd first want to know what problems you were having with your Laserjet.
Have you gotten the latest WinXP drivers from HP? You shouldn't need
anything but the actual drivers themselves.
 
I'd first want to know what problems you were having with your Laserjet.
Have you gotten the latest WinXP drivers from HP? You shouldn't need
anything but the actual drivers themselves.
Click to expand...

Thank you for your time.

Yes, I've tried quite a number of updated drivers from both HP and MS. The
problem is that a print job will be stopped and an error is printed on the
page. Usually something like "Illegal Tag". Huge problem when printing
double-sided 'booklet' style sheet music because it's more than confusing to
try figuring out where in the 16 pages it should be picked up at. Usually
easier to simply start the print over, but it's been a HUGE waste of reams of
paper and time (and has fried my nerves... holding my breath to see if we'll
make it through the entire print job).

It prints these errors right on the page and there's no way of suppressing
them. Meaning that if the other side has been printed, it's wasted too.

HP has even replaced the main circuit board in the printer. I have been
through all OS's since Win 98. AS I say, all components have been upgraded or
replaced a number of times... HD, RAM, OS, Mobo, CPU, Power Supply. Even the
case! And I've also moved offices to another part of town. The only constant
is the various software programs that I use (most of which have been upgraded
and reinstalled fresh as well). Hence my question about dual boot or new user
to strip out everything that isn't completely essential.

As mentioned, if I connect to another computer, no problem. If I send a
print job from that other good computer to my computer, it screws up.

I need this large format print capability 12" x 18" and 1200 dpi. It cost
over $2K and as such isn't a 'disposable' printer that I want to throw away.

It's mind boggling.
 
In
John Ciccone said:
Thank you for your time.

Yes, I've tried quite a number of updated drivers from both HP and
MS. The problem is that a print job will be stopped and an error is
printed on the page. Usually something like "Illegal Tag". Huge
problem when printing double-sided 'booklet' style sheet music
because it's more than confusing to try figuring out where in the 16
pages it should be picked up at. Usually easier to simply start the
print over, but it's been a HUGE waste of reams of paper and time
(and has fried my nerves... holding my breath to see if we'll make it
through the entire print job).

It prints these errors right on the page and there's no way of
suppressing them. Meaning that if the other side has been printed,
it's wasted too.

HP has even replaced the main circuit board in the printer. I have
been through all OS's since Win 98. AS I say, all components have
been upgraded or replaced a number of times... HD, RAM, OS, Mobo,
CPU, Power Supply. Even the case! And I've also moved offices to
another part of town. The only constant is the various software
programs that I use (most of which have been upgraded and reinstalled
fresh as well). Hence my question about dual boot or new user to
strip out everything that isn't completely essential.

As mentioned, if I connect to another computer, no problem. If I send
a print job from that other good computer to my computer, it screws
up.

I need this large format print capability 12" x 18" and 1200 dpi. It
cost over $2K and as such isn't a 'disposable' printer that I want to
throw away.

It's mind boggling.
Click to expand...

Indeed. Do you have another computer/laptop you can connect this printer to,
to see whether you have the same problems?
 
Lanwench said:
Indeed. Do you have another computer/laptop you can connect this printer to,
to see whether you have the same problems?
Click to expand...

If I connect to another computer, no problem. If I send a print job from
that other good computer to my computer, it screws up.
 
John said:
:




If I connect to another computer, no problem. If I send a print job from
that other good computer to my computer, it screws up.
Click to expand...

If you are connecting using the parallel interface, I'd start by
checking the LPT port settings in your computer BIOS and compare it to
the BIOS settings on a working PC. You could also have a defective
parallel port on your PC.

Steve N.
 
Steve N. said:
If you are connecting using the parallel interface, I'd start by
checking the LPT port settings in your computer BIOS and compare it to
the BIOS settings on a working PC. You could also have a defective
parallel port on your PC.

Steve N.
Click to expand...

Three of them? :-) I've upgraded the motherboard at least that many times.
But I'll try your suggestion - thank you.

Aside from the software, I can only think of the power bar/surge suppressor
as a constant factor throughout.
 
John said:
Three of them? :-) I've upgraded the motherboard at least that many times.
But I'll try your suggestion - thank you.
Click to expand...

Ok. It was a shot in the dark. I've also run into issues with a parallel
cable working fine on one machine/printer combo but not another, so that
may be something else you could look into.
Aside from the software, I can only think of the power bar/surge suppressor
as a constant factor throughout.
Click to expand...

Hey, I recall a situation where after hours of troubleshooting a server
problem someone suggested replacing the AC power cord, since that's
about the only thing that hadn't been tried. Guess what? You got it. The
poser cord did the trick. :)

Good luck and please keep us posted.

Steve N.
 
Re: my original question, if it is program related, do I set up dual boot or
a new user to have a bare-bones system that doesn't include a lot of the
usual applications? Instructions anywhere on how to do this?
 
John said:
Re: my original question, if it is program related, do I set up dual boot or
a new user to have a bare-bones system that doesn't include a lot of the
usual applications? Instructions anywhere on how to do this?
Click to expand...

A new user will not exclude installed software.

Multibooting with Windows XP:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/learnmore/multiboot.mspx

You could altenatively do a parallel installation for troubleshooting
purposes:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=316941

Steve N.
 
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