HP Laserjet stopped working for XP computer only

[TVeblen]

My Laserjet IIP Plus printer stopped working on this computer suddenly after
many months of reliable service. When I try and print anything the printer
que icon in the system tray immediately shows a red X and a balloon
announces "This Document failed to print". Status: Error-Print.
This happens for every application, including "Print Test Page" for the
printer's properties under Printers & Faxes.
*Attempts to print from DOS prompt results in nothing. No action or message.
*I have connected the printer and the cable to another computer. They both
work fine.
*I have deleted and restarted to reestablish the LPT1 port from device
manager.
*I have deleted the printer and reinstalled it.
*I have tried to start the spooler (NET START SPOOLER) from a DOS prompt.
*I have toggled all the port settings, one at a time, and restarted.
*I have scanned for viruses, spyware. Did a file cleanup (Temp files, etc).
*I have check BIOS settings and LPT1 is listed.
Still no printer.

It seems I need a diagnostic to see if this is a hardware problem or a
software problem. Does anyone know how to determine this?
If software, any ideas or instructions?

Note: once, I simply reinstalled the drivers. Then when I tried to print the
test page the print que went into a kind of loop. Spooling - stopped -
spooling - stopped, that kind of thing, forever, until I canceled it. Never
did it again.
TIA

 

[TVeblen]

My Laserjet IIP Plus printer stopped working on this computer suddenly
after many months of reliable service. When I try and print anything the
printer que icon in the system tray immediately shows a red X and a
balloon announces "This Document failed to print". Status: Error-Print.
This happens for every application, including "Print Test Page" for the
printer's properties under Printers & Faxes.
*Attempts to print from DOS prompt results in nothing. No action or
message.
*I have connected the printer and the cable to another computer. They both
work fine.
*I have deleted and restarted to reestablish the LPT1 port from device
manager.
*I have deleted the printer and reinstalled it.
*I have tried to start the spooler (NET START SPOOLER) from a DOS prompt.
*I have toggled all the port settings, one at a time, and restarted.
*I have scanned for viruses, spyware. Did a file cleanup (Temp files,
etc).
*I have check BIOS settings and LPT1 is listed.
Still no printer.

It seems I need a diagnostic to see if this is a hardware problem or a
software problem. Does anyone know how to determine this?
If software, any ideas or instructions?

Note: once, I simply reinstalled the drivers. Then when I tried to print
the test page the print que went into a kind of loop. Spooling - stopped -
spooling - stopped, that kind of thing, forever, until I canceled it.
Never did it again.
TIA

I forgot: I have a second printer installed via USB port on this computer
(Canon All-in-One). It works fine.

 

[RobertVA]

My Laserjet IIP Plus printer stopped working on this computer suddenly after
many months of reliable service. When I try and print anything the printer
que icon in the system tray immediately shows a red X and a balloon
announces "This Document failed to print". Status: Error-Print.
This happens for every application, including "Print Test Page" for the
printer's properties under Printers & Faxes.
*Attempts to print from DOS prompt results in nothing. No action or message.
*I have connected the printer and the cable to another computer. They both
work fine.
*I have deleted and restarted to reestablish the LPT1 port from device
manager.
*I have deleted the printer and reinstalled it.
*I have tried to start the spooler (NET START SPOOLER) from a DOS prompt.
*I have toggled all the port settings, one at a time, and restarted.
*I have scanned for viruses, spyware. Did a file cleanup (Temp files, etc).
*I have check BIOS settings and LPT1 is listed.
Still no printer.

It seems I need a diagnostic to see if this is a hardware problem or a
software problem. Does anyone know how to determine this?
If software, any ideas or instructions?

Note: once, I simply reinstalled the drivers. Then when I tried to print the
test page the print que went into a kind of loop. Spooling - stopped -
spooling - stopped, that kind of thing, forever, until I canceled it. Never
did it again.
TIA

Does your printer have a form feed or page eject button? If it does,
enter the CMOS setup and hit the computer's "Print Screen" key. Then use
the printer's form feed button to eject the page. You should end up with
a printout of your CMOS setup screen, as Laserjet II compatible printers
can print ASCII text streams like the BIOS generated screen dump without
drivers.

 

[TVeblen]

Does your printer have a form feed or page eject button? If it does, enter
the CMOS setup and hit the computer's "Print Screen" key. Then use the
printer's form feed button to eject the page. You should end up with a
printout of your CMOS setup screen, as Laserjet II compatible printers can
print ASCII text streams like the BIOS generated screen dump without
drivers.

No print from the Form Feed button of the BIOS screen with PrtScn. The
srceen went black and I had to Esc out of it.
I guess that means hardware failure?

 

[Lem]

My Laserjet IIP Plus printer stopped working on this computer suddenly after
many months of reliable service. When I try and print anything the printer
que icon in the system tray immediately shows a red X and a balloon
announces "This Document failed to print". Status: Error-Print.
This happens for every application, including "Print Test Page" for the
printer's properties under Printers & Faxes.
*Attempts to print from DOS prompt results in nothing. No action or message.
*I have connected the printer and the cable to another computer. They both
work fine.
*I have deleted and restarted to reestablish the LPT1 port from device
manager.
*I have deleted the printer and reinstalled it.
*I have tried to start the spooler (NET START SPOOLER) from a DOS prompt.
*I have toggled all the port settings, one at a time, and restarted.
*I have scanned for viruses, spyware. Did a file cleanup (Temp files, etc).
*I have check BIOS settings and LPT1 is listed.
Still no printer.

It seems I need a diagnostic to see if this is a hardware problem or a
software problem. Does anyone know how to determine this?
If software, any ideas or instructions?

Note: once, I simply reinstalled the drivers. Then when I tried to print the
test page the print que went into a kind of loop. Spooling - stopped -
spooling - stopped, that kind of thing, forever, until I canceled it. Never
did it again.
TIA

Many months?! The LJ IIp must be at least 10 years old. I agree that
the early hp LaserJets were robust (I had a IIIp for years), but this is
pushing things. Print a self-test page from the buttons on the printer
(see below). For further help, try http://www.fixyourownprinter.com/

From the LJIIp forum at fixyourownprinter.com:

Power the printer up, when the Online Light goes green, press the Online
button to make the printer go Offline, then hold down the ALT button and
press the ENTER button.

You will get 2 sheets printed, the first is a Self Test which will give
you a page count.

The second is a cleaning sheet to help remove toner etc from the fuser.

 

[TVeblen]

Many months?! The LJ IIp must be at least 10 years old. I agree that the
early hp LaserJets were robust (I had a IIIp for years), but this is
pushing things. Print a self-test page from the buttons on the printer
(see below). For further help, try http://www.fixyourownprinter.com/

From the LJIIp forum at fixyourownprinter.com:

Power the printer up, when the Online Light goes green, press the Online
button to make the printer go Offline, then hold down the ALT button and
press the ENTER button.

You will get 2 sheets printed, the first is a Self Test which will give
you a page count.

The second is a cleaning sheet to help remove toner etc from the fuser.

The printer works fine. It prints on other computers. The printer is not the
problem.
This is not an "Is it plugged in" kind of problem. It is more technical.
Please read the post.

 

[phlagz]

I am having basically the same issues with my HP AIO LaserJet 3015.
Difference being that after I uninstall my drivers for the HP and then Reboot
and reinstall it will work UNTILL I reboot the PC then its back to Failed to
Print".

I have read the whole thread and tried the solutions but to no avail will it
work....I am keeping my eye on this thread.

Keep up the possible solutions...

John

[quoted text clipped - 41 lines]

The second is a cleaning sheet to help remove toner etc from the fuser.

The printer works fine. It prints on other computers. The printer is not the
problem.
This is not an "Is it plugged in" kind of problem. It is more technical.
Please read the post.

 

[Tony]

My Laserjet IIP Plus printer stopped working on this computer suddenly after
many months of reliable service. When I try and print anything the printer
que icon in the system tray immediately shows a red X and a balloon
announces "This Document failed to print". Status: Error-Print.
This happens for every application, including "Print Test Page" for the
printer's properties under Printers & Faxes.
*Attempts to print from DOS prompt results in nothing. No action or message.
*I have connected the printer and the cable to another computer. They both
work fine.
*I have deleted and restarted to reestablish the LPT1 port from device
manager.
*I have deleted the printer and reinstalled it.
*I have tried to start the spooler (NET START SPOOLER) from a DOS prompt.
*I have toggled all the port settings, one at a time, and restarted.
*I have scanned for viruses, spyware. Did a file cleanup (Temp files, etc).
*I have check BIOS settings and LPT1 is listed.
Still no printer.

It seems I need a diagnostic to see if this is a hardware problem or a
software problem. Does anyone know how to determine this?
If software, any ideas or instructions?

Note: once, I simply reinstalled the drivers. Then when I tried to print the
test page the print que went into a kind of loop. Spooling - stopped -
spooling - stopped, that kind of thing, forever, until I canceled it. Never
did it again.
TIA

OK back to basics.
Have you tried replacing the parallel cable? They rarely fail but I have seen
it a few times.
Check your BIOS settings to make sure the Parallel port is enabled (some
motherboards allow you to disable the port).
Check the Control Panel/System/Hardware/Device Manager properties and ensure
the port is present and is operational. It should say something like (under
Ports COM and LPT) "ECP Pinter Port LPT1", if there is an error against that
line the port is not configured correctly (deleting the port and a reboot may
fix that).
Do you know anyone with a printer that has a parallel port so you can see if
their printer works with your hardware (any parallel printer will do), if it
does not work you may have a hardware failure in the port on your PC.
There are some hardware diagnostic tests available for PC's (some are free),
and most of them should test the parallel port but may need an installed device
attached to complete the test. You can google for these.
One last thought - do you have a scanner attached to the same port (looped
cable through the scanner to the printer)? If so, remove the scanner from the
loop and see if that fixes the problem.
Good luck and please keep us informed.
Tony

 

[TVeblen]

OK back to basics.
Have you tried replacing the parallel cable? They rarely fail but I have
seen
it a few times.

I have tested the cable and printer on another computer. It works.

Check your BIOS settings to make sure the Parallel port is enabled (some
motherboards allow you to disable the port).

Check. No Luck.

Check the Control Panel/System/Hardware/Device Manager properties and
ensure
the port is present and is operational. It should say something like
(under
Ports COM and LPT) "ECP Pinter Port LPT1", if there is an error against
that
line the port is not configured correctly

*"The device is working properly" It is labeled "Printer Port (LPT1)"

(deleting the port and a reboot may

fix that).

*Did this anyway. No change.

Do you know anyone with a printer that has a parallel port so you can see
if
their printer works with your hardware (any parallel printer will do), if
it
does not work you may have a hardware failure in the port on your PC.

*I have not tried this. I will check and see.

There are some hardware diagnostic tests available for PC's (some are
free),
and most of them should test the parallel port but may need an installed
device
attached to complete the test. You can google for these.

One last thought - do you have a scanner attached to the same port (looped
cable through the scanner to the printer)? If so, remove the scanner from
the
loop and see if that fixes the problem.

*Only the Laserjet uses this port.

Good luck and please keep us informed.

*Will do. Thanks for the feedback.

 

[Burt]

My Laserjet IIP Plus printer stopped working on this computer suddenly
after many months of reliable service. When I try and print anything the
printer que icon in the system tray immediately shows a red X and a
balloon announces "This Document failed to print". Status: Error-Print.
This happens for every application, including "Print Test Page" for the
printer's properties under Printers & Faxes.
*Attempts to print from DOS prompt results in nothing. No action or
message.
*I have connected the printer and the cable to another computer. They both
work fine.
*I have deleted and restarted to reestablish the LPT1 port from device
manager.
*I have deleted the printer and reinstalled it.
*I have tried to start the spooler (NET START SPOOLER) from a DOS prompt.
*I have toggled all the port settings, one at a time, and restarted.
*I have scanned for viruses, spyware. Did a file cleanup (Temp files,
etc).
*I have check BIOS settings and LPT1 is listed.
Still no printer.

It seems I need a diagnostic to see if this is a hardware problem or a
software problem. Does anyone know how to determine this?
If software, any ideas or instructions?

Note: once, I simply reinstalled the drivers. Then when I tried to print
the test page the print que went into a kind of loop. Spooling - stopped -
spooling - stopped, that kind of thing, forever, until I canceled it.
Never did it again.
TIA

Try an experiment - go to start/printers and fax/click on the printer
icon/click properties/click advanced/change to printer from printing to the
spooler to printing directly to the printer - and see if the printer will
then print. Report back.

This happened to a canon ip5000 printer that was working fine on my wife's
pc with xp pro but wouldn't work on mine until I took the spooler out of the
equation. It was a real pain as you have to wait for the printer to print
the entire job before you can do anything on the computer. The only thing I
haven't tried is to remove and replace the spooler.exe file in cast it was
corrupted. I then replaced the ip5000 with my Canon i960 - same USB port,
same cable - and it works fine with the spooler as does my HP5p which is
installed via parallel port. I also had an hpIIp and got lots of use out of
it before moving up to an HPIIIp and then the HP5p. All really good
printers.

 

[TVeblen]

Try an experiment - go to start/printers and fax/click on the printer
icon/click properties/click advanced/change to printer from printing to
the spooler to printing directly to the printer - and see if the printer
will then print. Report back.

No luck. Same error. No change. LPT1 port: he's dead, Jim!

 

[Burt]

No luck. Same error. No change. LPT1 port: he's dead, Jim!

Did you try installing another printer to lpt1? If truly dead and you have
a spare slot on the motherboard you can buy a generic, very inexpensive
parallel card and connect via lpt2.

 

[TVeblen]

Did you try installing another printer to lpt1? If truly dead and you
have a spare slot on the motherboard you can buy a generic, very
inexpensive parallel card and connect via lpt2.

I have a brand new Rosewill RC-302 sitting right here on my desk. I will
install it soon and post back.

 

[TVeblen]

My Laserjet IIP Plus printer stopped working on this computer suddenly
after many months of reliable service. When I try and print anything the
printer que icon in the system tray immediately shows a red X and a
balloon announces "This Document failed to print". Status: Error-Print.
This happens for every application, including "Print Test Page" for the
printer's properties under Printers & Faxes.
*Attempts to print from DOS prompt results in nothing. No action or
message.
*I have connected the printer and the cable to another computer. They both
work fine.
*I have deleted and restarted to reestablish the LPT1 port from device
manager.
*I have deleted the printer and reinstalled it.
*I have tried to start the spooler (NET START SPOOLER) from a DOS prompt.
*I have toggled all the port settings, one at a time, and restarted.
*I have scanned for viruses, spyware. Did a file cleanup (Temp files,
etc).
*I have check BIOS settings and LPT1 is listed.
Still no printer.

It seems I need a diagnostic to see if this is a hardware problem or a
software problem. Does anyone know how to determine this?
If software, any ideas or instructions?

Note: once, I simply reinstalled the drivers. Then when I tried to print
the test page the print que went into a kind of loop. Spooling - stopped -
spooling - stopped, that kind of thing, forever, until I canceled it.
Never did it again.
TIA

I installed the Rosewill RC-302 PCI to Parallel port adapter card and
everything is working fine again - on LPT3.
That would probably prove that LPT1, the printer port on the main board is
dead. Meaning: no signal is being sent through the connection.
1. Can you test and repair a connection like that, or is it not worth the
effort?
2. Could it be a simple case of a grounding short, caused by the gradual
bending of the physical connection, or dust?
If anyone here has any experience testing and/or repairing these things I'd
love to hear your thoughts.

 

[Tony]

I installed the Rosewill RC-302 PCI to Parallel port adapter card and
everything is working fine again - on LPT3.
That would probably prove that LPT1, the printer port on the main board is
dead. Meaning: no signal is being sent through the connection.
1. Can you test and repair a connection like that, or is it not worth the
effort?
2. Could it be a simple case of a grounding short, caused by the gradual
bending of the physical connection, or dust?
If anyone here has any experience testing and/or repairing these things I'd
love to hear your thoughts.

Does your PC have short cables (internally) that connect the motherboard to the
parallel connector? If so you could try replacing that cable and the socket
itself, they do very occasionally fail. Other than that I wouldn't mess with
it, the PCB will be very dense with extremely fine traces that are easy to
damage and you don't need to risk further issues.
Tony

 

[TVeblen]

Does your PC have short cables (internally) that connect the motherboard
to the
parallel connector? If so you could try replacing that cable and the
socket
itself, they do very occasionally fail. Other than that I wouldn't mess
with
it, the PCB will be very dense with extremely fine traces that are easy to
damage and you don't need to risk further issues.
Tony

No, the connector comes right off the board. Not going to mess with it.

 

[Tony]

No, the connector comes right off the board. Not going to mess with it.

Very wise, at least your printer now works.
Tony