Problem Installing USB Printer in XP after Parallel Printer Used

[Guest]

A real stumper here. Have a Sony VAIO desktop running XP that had a Lexmark
Parallel printer installed. Bought a new USB printer (Lexmark 1185) and can't
install as the printer is not detected. USB ports are all OK. Also tried
installing HP and Epson USB printers. No luck. Same issue. Old printer has
been removed in system. My MIS department has spent several hours on it and
can't help but told me to remove Service Pack 2. I have now done that. No
change. One expert says it can't be changed because the parallel printer was
originally installed. He is recommending a complete restore. To me it's the
last resort. Any suggestions as to what to try? Thanks in advance to anyone
who can lead me in the right direction.

 

[Chuck]

One possibility is that there are still remnants of the old lexmark printer
driver and possibly an Inf file floating around. Lexmark may have a
"cleanup" utility available on the web. There may be Lexmark related entries
remaining in the registry.

Did you uninstall or just remove the old printer. Did you install the USB
software before you plugged in the new printer?

When all else fails, you may gain some ground by uninstalling the printer
drivers, and then the USB sub system, rebooting, then reinstalling the USB
subsystem, rebooting again, and reinstalling the printer driver. This may
"break" the ties between the malfunctioning/bad installed printer driver(s)
and allow a new printer driver install (Per Lexmark install directions) to
function properly.

SP1 vs SP2-- printer drivers have been known to get broken as a result of
SP2 Lexmark should have some info on the web site if this is the case.

I don't like Lexmark printers either!

 

[Guest]

Reinstall the old Lexmark printer and under the Control Panel/Printers
and Faxes/Lexmark printer/Properties/Ports tab change the port from
LPT1 to USB. Reboot and install the software of the new Lexmark.
Connect the new Lexmark when prompted to do so. Now delete the
old Lexmark or keep both if you still use it. You can have a parallel and
a USB printer connected. Good luck :~)
Uninstall & reinstall Printer
http://www.coribright.com/windows/Article One.htm