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sntrouble07

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W2K Pro LPT print error.

Hi:
I have a W2K-Pro WS, that (all of a sudden) will not print from within windows.  If I do a "dir > lpt1" it prints fine.  While attempting to print from windows, I get: "There was an error found while printing the document "Test page" to LPT1:.  Do you want to retry or cancel the job?  I've changed drivers, changed cables, tested printer on other machines.  All is fine.  I saw a different article that is almost identicle, but they had a usb printer.  I do have a VIA chipset though.  Any help would be very much appreciated.
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Shift-3
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When you say "changed drivers", have you tried deleting the printer, then going to File|Server Properties|Drivers, removing all instances of the driver, rebooting, and then adding it back?

A System Restore might also be worth a shot.
Oops, W2K.  Disregard that last line.
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sntrouble07

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Thanks for the suggestion, but I have completely removed all instinces of the driver, then downloaded the PCL 5 version of the driver, because the software I'm need to use has some issues with the PCL 6 verson.
Do you get any results if you change to the "Generic / Text Only" driver?

It's possible that some system file pertaining to the print spooler is damaged.  You could try running SFC /SCANNOW.  It might prompt for your Windows CD.
Good call.  It does print with the "generic / text only" driver.  Whay would that be?  I can't leave it that way.
Oops!  Missed the 2nd part of your suggestion.  I'll try the SFC / scannow & let ya know.
Nope!  I ran the SFC /scannow.  It completed, and then I rebooted.  It won't automatically detect, and it gives the same error when I manually install the correct dirver.  Still prints with "generic / text only."  Please help!
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wyliecoyoteuk
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I would also check the parallel port setting in the BIOS, I had that cause similar issues when the motherboard battery failed on one PC, and the Parallel port got reset to "standard" instead of "ECP"
As happy as I am that it worked, It is somewhat frustrating to find that the "bi-directional feature" was the problem.  Thank you very much.
It may be that there is a problem with the printer's parallel port or firmware, or the PC's parallel port (loose pin,etc) or print spooler.
It worked with the generic driver, which has no bidirectional option, that was the clue.:-)
Well done.  Thanks.