Recently I went through a CPU upgrade-minor-debacle, the end result of which was that the BOIS, which I had <edited by DX> with quite a bit to get things working way back when, got re-set to BIOS-defaults, SEVERAL times. IN ADDITION, Windows, was "returned" to it's previous configuration via Win98's autonomous mechanism for doing that. WHICH put a WHOLE LOT MORE crap back the way it had been, too far back, than was needed. Initially everything seemed 'fine' less a few relatively minor issues. Then I tried to print something. "printer is off-line" Like hell it is! When you start-up or shut down the computer, the printer hops skips and burbbles like always.
For the record it's an Epson stylus color 600, but I don't think this is real relevant.
System Data:
MB is a Soyo 5EMA+v1.1
Processor: AMD k6-III/400
BIOSDate: 03/31/99
BIOSName: Award
BIOSVersion: Award Modular BIOS v4.51PG
128MB RAM
2 HD's 2 roms, (one burner one DVD)
Here's what I've done so far, roughly in order,
1. Turned the printer on and off a few times, performed a form-feed and a head-cleaning.
2. Re-started the computer several times reseating the cable, (on both ends) in-between.
3. Deleted the printer and re-installed it (w/restarts)
4. Uninstalled the printer software via "add-remove programs" , and reinstalled by the book, original disk.
5. Downloaded an updated driver as well as some USB-patch epson had located with the new driver, yes I ran it, (I THINK) no it's not a USB printer but the description of what, specifically it was for sounded at least potentially applicable.
At several points along the way, if you let it sit more than about 30 seconds after a failed attempt to print, without canceling the job, the computer would lock stone cold. This happened every time, it was let to wait, about 4 times in all before I got the hint. Upon the forced-power-off-restart, norton flew into action, and twice, norton went nutz whining about "date-time-stamps" which I let it correct. Then when it finished loading, several system files were reported missing or corrupted. I didn't make the connection right away. So I had to go through this and
6. one of several Windows Reloads before I got hip to what was happening. My Win98 rom is an UPGRADE version, (thank god!)
7. Switched off, "LPT interrupt sharing" (needed to make on of the sound devices function)., removed and reinstalled the printer again.
8. Disabled almost everything not core-system essential in the device manager that might have been stealing the resource.
9. Checked at several points along the way, System Information, for conflicts, forced hardware, file version-checker, system-file-checker, all that stuff. ... never anything there.
10. Second Win98 reload about now. First time was a "full dos" load, second time was from within windows.
(assume at least ONE printer software uninstall/reinstall, & restart per step, mostly with the new downloaded driver)
11. Uninstalled the sound card drivers and removed the sound card from the machine. Also deleted the modem and removed it from the machine.
12. Removed the LPT and COM ports (all) letting windows put them back.
13. Attempted some manual BOIS-settings tweaking.
14. Reloaded (in windows) 98 again.
15. Reset all CMOS/BOIS settings to "set-up" defaults, Reloaded windows (in windows) again.
16. Removed the LPT and COM ports again.
17. Reset the CMOS settings to BIOS defaults
(modem and sound cards still lying outside the machine)
18. ran a test attempting to load my old printer, (BJ-200e), same-o same-o. Yes I used the same cable, there is no known reason to suspect the cable.
19. Put the Epson back, pulled the COM and LPT ports again, and reinstalled windows98, DOS install, again. Same. STILL getting "printer is off line" occasionally the message is "printer is OUT OF PAPER" it's not, and neither the paper or ink-low lights are EVER flashing)
20. Went all the way through the windows troubleshooter to make sure there was no good idea stones unturned there.
21. READ THE BOOK (epson) ALL set-up and trouble shooting stuff.
22. Performed a "stand alone" printer self-check.. No problem there.
(Un/reinstalled printer driver at least 10 times by this point) <edited by DX>
23. Reinstalled Windows, full DOS install this time, (not "clean", "on-top-of ")
24. Another manual assault on the CMOS/BIOS settings, this time finding and switching ON the enhanced ESS LPT port mode setting. (high hopes) Still NFG.
I'm just about down to a format C reload. Which I come to you all, hoping to, still KNOWING I should be able to avoid.
Color me OPEN TO SUGGESTIONS!!!
