I’ve a problem with printers.

Printers: HP LaserJet 4+ and HP Inkjet 820cxi

The printers were originally connected to a Dell P4 1.6 MHz, 20 Gig HDD, 256 Mem, XP Sp2, when a printing problem occurred; the paper had jammed, after that it will not print, with either printer, someone tried reinstalling XP with no luck.

We Delete the drivers and the printer icons, rebooted, but the computer does not auto pick the printers.
 
So I reformatted the drive and bingo the auto detect came and installed the printers when they were connected, they use the 4 + the most, when they use the Inkjet, a few times or there’s a hiccup like paper jam, it won’t print again, nothing COMES from the printer port, it only happens when the Inkjet is connected.

It has jammed again and the same problem, I’ve reformatted, without success, this time there’s no signal coming from the printer port, it is dead (I’ve tried dos commands still nothing), I tried a USB - parallel adapter, at first it didn’t work properly, the first page had jumbled up characters the second page printed ok with the 4+ but not with the 820 it would not even recognise it.

So they got another CPU unit, We formatted the same drive and  it picked up the printers, again while using the 820 the paper jammed and where back to the same scenario nothing coming from the printer port.

What I did notice when I was trying to print a TEST page, the monitor was flicker then it stops after about 1 – 2 mins, it starts flickering every 3 – 5 mins for about 20 seconds then stop.

 I think the problem it’s the 820, is there anyway that the 820 can have a fault and it can damage the motherboard?

I reinstalled XP using the upgrade, it still will not auto pick the printers, (I didn’t turn of SYSTEM restore) you can manually INSTALL the drivers but it will not print.

I’ve changed the printer cable to the one I use, still nothing.

I am YET to reformat and reinstall, I’d like some explanation first.

I don’t now why or how it can damage the printer port.

Can it be damaged the mother board if the printer is switched on?  Nobody tells you the truth.

Please serious help and advice needed.

Regards


pohhopI'm just spit balling but since it only happens when the printer gets a paper jam, I am wondering if it could be surging the printer and putting a spike through the printer cable.

Question though.... if the printer is circa Windows 95 era and it keeps getting paper jams that cause this much trouble why not replace it? Most inkjet printers are built with an expected life of around 5 years. Problem will likely be solved and you'll be printing a crap load faster. When purchasing a new printer beware of the HP printers that use a #21 & #22 ink cartridges, they are deceptively cheap cartridges but they have a very minimal amount of ink.Thanks for the reply.

In Ghana they use everything until it is scrap. I have tried the printer on my machine and it owrked Ok, luckily it didn't jam.
it as to be something like you said. I wanted some ideas, my own was the printer fromthe start, but didn't reckon on it damaging the board.

Thanks again.
P