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Solve : Vista and printer? |
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Answer» I recently bought a laptop and got my first introduction to Windows Vista. So far I've had only the usual grips of learning where the heck is everything. But when I went to hookup my printer, that all changed. I have a little Lexmark Z515 inkjet that uses a USB port. The software off the disc seemed to load correctly and everything looks good. The computer shows that I do indeed have the printer available. However, everytime I attempt to print something I get that audible, "cannot communicate with printer" message. The printer still WORKS with my XP desktop. Pulling hair here. Anyone have a clue?First, did you download drivers for vista off their website? http://downloads.lexmark.com/perl/downloads/downloads.cgi?ccs=229:1:0:0:0:0 Just type in Z515 and download vista (not vista 64) drivers. If you were using the CD it may only come with XP drivers or something silly like that and it may not be compatible. My only thought would be to go to start, and in the little search box (doubles as the run box from XP) type services.msc, and scroll down to where it says Print Spooler, is the service started? If not, double click on it and hit start and see if that changes anything. Chances are that if it isn't started then there is already a problem and manually starting it won't work-but at least it will give you an error to work off of. Also, lexmark drivers tend to be/are awful (no offense obviously), I've seen a LOT of people have problems with communication issues, and particularly noticeable in the services. Another service to check on that list is lex and see if that ONE is RUNNING or if you can manually start it. I don't use a lexmark printer so I don't have the exact name of the service, sorry, but I was actually WORKING on one yesterday for a friend. Vista is doing very well, I'd chose it over XP anyday, when I switch from my Vista desktop to my XP laptop I feel all LEFT alone in the dark and clumsy. A lot of support/drivers are out for it now, so I feel confident you'll be able to find a fix. Sorry about the long reply, I'm putting off work. Good luck!I would: 1) Make certain that the printer is powered on. 2) Try another USB cable. 3) Download and install the latest Vista driver for the printer from Lexmark. Make certain that you follow the instructions for the printer driver install - usually for a USB printer, you install the driver, then, connect and power on the printer. |
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