Printer Cannot Communicate

First of all, I have a Dell Inkjet J740 Model with Windows XP. To install the printer, it has to be plugged up and turned on and it installs. When I get to the test print page or any other form of printing, it says the printer cannot communicate. I've tried reinstalling it over 10 times. The printer is probably 5 or 6 years old, I used it for the first 3 when I had bought it and replaced it with another that had a scanner. It say in a closet the rest of the time and since then I have removed all other printer software. I really don't have any idea what's wrong with it, and any help is appreciated.

 

Welcome to Major Geeks...........Since the printer has been put away, you have undoubtable updated to SP2, and probable require a new Driver for your printer this link might help http://support.dell.com/support/top...inters/inkjet_sf?c=us&l=en&s=gen&~section=000

Lets us know how it goes

 

Let's just say that didn't work because I may have tried that, what would the next suggestion be? I went to dell and dled a driver, could have been the wrong one or old or something, but it shouldn't have been. The USB cable seems to be fine as well, because it installs and it recognizes when it's not plugged up at all.

 

I read the link I provided and it gives a fair amount of info on both drivers and software for your Dell Inkjet J740. I trust you still have the software that came with the printer. Take another gander at that link, they cover most of the bases.........post back if you have, and it does solve your problem and I or others will do some more searching.