I'm using Windows 2000 Professional to run a Canon printer, model LBP-800.  It was working fine and then today it stopped printing and I keep getting the following message "Data TRANSFER to the printer was too late or a data transfer error occurred".  What does that mean?  I've already reinstalled the software and driver, and the only difference is that I get a wide black band at the top of my paper.  Only guessing but - sounds like possibly a printer fault, in itself.  Is it old or new?

Only other thing to check is connections -- is this USB or parallel port?It's 8 years old and uses a parallel port.  Hmmm - makes me think even more it could be a terminal FAILURE of the printer itself tho hate to say it.  I and my wife have ''been thru" quite a few printers and this seems in that category of problem.

If connections all secure when checked then I am out of useful suggestions .. sorry.  New printer time I fear is a possibility unless anyone else has ideas.Could there be a fault with the cable or the thingy where it PLUGS into the COMPUTER?That's why I mentioned cables - just in case there could be any connection problem.

However, your problem seems to have been rather sudden onset and so unless connectors had been moved AROUND it's unlikely to be that, plus parallel connectors have either screw or clip locks making it unlikely they'd loosen.

Just detach cable connectors at each end and reinsert just to be sure.  That's a long shot - and somehow doubt it is that unfortunately.I've been kind of wanting a new printer anyway, so I don't think I'll cry about it.  Thank you for your help