Repair XP?

Recently I went on a short trip, and my computer was "off": while I was gone. When I returned, and turned it on, my Dell laser printer was no longer recognized by the computer. I have used that printer with no problems for over a year.

So, I have tried the printer on other computers, with no problems; it works fine. I have a 3-in-one printer hooked in to the same computer, and it works fine.

I spoke briefly with Dell fixers and they said it was "something in the PC," probably some corruption in windows XP.

I use the computer very carefully as far as where I log in, and have Norton Anyi-virus going, so I don't think it got infected.

I'm kind of at my wits' end. Any help would be very well appreciated! Can there be some kind of repair I could try?

Bill Conklin

 

Have you tried uninstalling the printer and reinstalling it? XP, what SP and what printer?
Try uninstalling and using Ccleaner at defaults for temp and registry (say yes to backup of registry) then try reinstalling it.

Ccleaner if you need it: http://majorgeeks.com/download4191.html

Did you install something prior to taking your trip?

 

In addition to what Cat_w said, have you added any USB devices recently?

 

I didn't install anything.
We did uninstall and reinstall. No luck.

What is "SP?"

I have a guy that does some work for me on my unit, and I will see how we do with CC. and get back. I'm gonna be away for a few days, but I WILL get back to you, and I really thank you for taking the time and effort to help me!

Bill Conklin

 

What is Sp lol

Definition: Often abbreviated as SP, a service pack is a collection of updates and fixes, called patches, for an operating system or a software program. Many of these patches are often released before the larger service pack, but the service pack allows for an easy, single installation. Service packs also often include new features in addition to fixes.

 

I have all the SPs installed LOL

 

I am assuming its connected via usb. Have you tried using another usb port?

 

Power off the printer for a minute, and repower it. Double check the settings.
If you still come up blank, can connect the printer to different computer and see what happens. If that works then you will KNOW its a computer issue.

 

I did the CCleaner after uninstalling the printer.
Then tried several different USB ports.
When the install Wixard came up, each time, the message was the same:
"Cannot install. Data Error: Cyclic redundancy error."

I don't know what this means.

To reiterate, I went on a trip recently. The last thing I did before shutting down my system (Windows XP) was to print off some material, which worked fine on my Dell 1720 dn printer.
I did not shut down the computer until well after the print job was finished and the printer had shut off. I exited all programs and turned off the computer using the Start button..

I was gone four days. (I live in the desert, there were no lightening storms, nor any power surges.) When I started up, the computer seemed balky. At first my mouse wouldn't work. I restarted it several times. By then everything worked but my printer.

I did try the printer on another computer. It worked like a charm.

At this point, I am at a loss. The computer is 5 yrs old, but is still just fine for my needs, so I am reluctant to just toss it. Any help hass been and will be very much appreciated!

Bill Conklin

 

Well, this isnt a fix all, but it does fix a lot of issues
http://www.updatexp.com/scannow-sfc.html
I guess saving your files and doing a reinstall of XP is an option.

 

Hi Bill,

You might have a hardware problem, failing harddrive or corrupt OS but getting out of my league here. I would backup all needed files before you try anything.

I guessing you're referring to the Install Wizard in XP when you click add printer but if you're installing from a CD, try cleaning the CD.

You can try also running chkdsk if nobody else posts, it has guided help or you can run the Manual steps.

If you run Manual Steps select - To repair errors, locate bad sectors, and recover readable information, select the Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors check box, and then click Start

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315265

 

Hi, Cat et al.
Thanks for the interest in this problem.
The computer is over 5 yrs old, and I think I can get a pretty good deal on a new one, so I'm just gonna throw in the towel.

This site is really a great thing and I have always gotten a helping hand.
I thank you all, and will, no doubt, see you again!

Thanks!

Bill