SP2 disables my printer

I posted this to the Hardware Forum but no suggestions then realized that it is probably a software problem...or an operator problem!
Major Geeks helped me with major virus/malware and things are going great, thanks to following all the recommended suggestions. I had previously downloaded SP2, but each it seems to disable my Epson 880 printer and,due to school project deadline, I always ended up restoring to previous state. For aformentioned security reasons, I would like to keep SP2 but need the printer.
I am have gone through all the printer trouble shooting and can't figure it out. I have a Dell 4100 P3 1GHz with an XP upgrade from ME. The printer is conected to USB and lights up, but won't print. The software CD is for Windows 2000 and I tried to download Epson driver updates for XP but get a message under 16 Bit Windows Sub system "C:\Windows\System32\Autoexec NY. The system is not suitable for running MS-DOS and Windows Applications."
The printer worked before downloading SP2.
Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks.
go2ri2l

 

go2ri2l,

Make sure of the error: 16 Bit Windows Sub system "C:\Windows\System32\Autoexec NY. The system is not suitable for running MS-DOS and Windows Applications."

The part I put in bold type (Autoexec NY) should read AUTOEXEC.NT

Let us know.

Steve

 

Yes, you are correct. My transcriptions skills are lacking.

 

Follow the instructions in this MS support article,
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;324767

Note: One of our senior members also suggest adding this extra step.There is either spyware or viruses modifying these files, even after replacing them. So before rebooting on the replacement step, set all files to read only.

After completing the steps try your Epson driver updates.

Steve

 

I've been trying to follow the MS error instructions that you sent. I've had a hard time finding the large chunks of time needed to go through this. Since I can't print it out, it's back and forth. So here's what I've done:
I put in the XP upgrade disc.
When I go to Command Prompt and type in the commands then hit enter I get "No destination specified for D:\I386\config.nt_ c:\windows\system32\config.nt", and so forth for all 3 command.
I then did the paste to wordpad for config.nt and autoexex.nt.
Then it says
Right-click the %SYSTEMROOT%\System32 folder, and then click Paste. (I don't see that, but went to Programs, System 32 folder, right clicked it and pasted.
This part really stumped me. I wasn't instructed to create a Command.com file and don't see one. What are they talking about?
18. Locate the Command.com file, right-click the expanded Command.com file, and then click Copy.
Sorry. I don't have a great knowledge of computer systems.
Thanks.
Go2ri2l

 

go2ri2l,

I'm guessing you are missing something when you type the commands in step 4. Make sure you pay special attention to each space or not in each command line, it is usually easier and safer to just copy and paste each one in the box instead of typing.

Just make sure you are entering it exactly.

Steve

 

I can't paste into the Command Prompt.
The commands that they give are:
expand CD-ROM Drive Letter:\i386....
The "CD-ROM Drive Letter" is in italics. I assume they don't want you to type that in literally,, but use the letter of the drive, in my case "D". At any rate, I tried it both ways. And I was meticulous about typing it exactly as they did.
No luck.
go2ri2l

 

go2ri2l,

expand CD-ROM Drive Letter:\i386\config.nt_ c:\windows\system32\config.nt

Just to make sure, did you include the space after nt_ ?

It could be something else if you are doing everything right, if that doesn't work for you maybe another member could offer some suggestions.

Try it and see.

Steve

 

Re: SP2 disables my printer - Bingo!

Oh, THAT space! I swear that I re-read those lines 50 times and didn't detect a space there. It's crystal clear now, even with my 52 year old eyes.
I am able to open the Epson update and my printer fired right up.
Thank you for your help and especially, patience. I know I'm not alone in feeling like a bumbling idiot, with no one to call over to walk me through the obvious. Thanks again, Major Geeks for being there for us.
go2ri2l

 

Re: SP2 disables my printer - Bingo!

Your welcome.

You had me worried there for a minute, I was afraid I was missing something. It is a very common mistake, easy to overlook those things.

You got sp2 installed with very few problems and got your printer going. You did a great job!

Steve