Printer issues making me nuts
I am probably a mid-level tech with computers and rarely have an issue with printers, but I need some help with this one. I have a Lexmark Pro915 inkjet. One day (after a Win 10 update, don't know which one) my printer started developing problems. Simple docs, spreadsheets, web printing, all normal stuff starting taking too long to print or not printing at all. I re-installed the drivers with no luck. I went to the Lexmark site to download new drivers, then deleted the printers in devices and started fresh. Once the drivers were installed the matters got worse. I contacted Lexmark to find out that they were having "issues" with their site and the driver I installed was incorrect. They gave me the link to the new driver and I again deleted printers and started over. Now it appeared to be correctly installed, but as I have been printing various things it still comes up as a communication error, but then spools ever so slowly and finally prints the page, but with difficulty. Sometimes it prints fine, most times it does not. I'm not sure what to do at this point. I have restarted the computer several times and re-installed the printer 4 times and nothing seems to make it work as quickly and perfectly as before. I am not skilled enough to drill down into the arcane settings for these things and try to change things, so I need instructions on what to do. Thanks.
Running Windows 10
16GB RAM
500GB Samsung SSD
nVidia GTX980ti vid card
Running Windows 10
16GB RAM
500GB Samsung SSD
nVidia GTX980ti vid card
You should also make sure that the device does not for some reason have a hardware problem. Install it on a different machine.
I just went to the Lexmark website and that particular printer does not have a driver published (publicly at least) for Windows 10. That was a major issue with a lot of hardware when Windows 10 was released. Many manufacturers rushed and struggled to get a compatible drive out. You might can see if Windows has a "Generic" driver for this printer built in. Since it is a standard inkjet you can at least get printing working. Maybe not the other features but at least printing until Lexmark can release something that will work.
They may have sent you to a link for an unpublished Beta driver. Those sometimes work but always expect issues with Beta.
They may have sent you to a link for an unpublished Beta driver. Those sometimes work but always expect issues with Beta.
You could also try to connect it via WIFI or USB.
Second soloution, if you have a second computer - try to install it on it, test if it works better. If not - it can be a HW issue.
If it is working better, try to share it on your LAN, and print trough that computer.
Second soloution, if you have a second computer - try to install it on it, test if it works better. If not - it can be a HW issue.
If it is working better, try to share it on your LAN, and print trough that computer.
ASKER
It is installed with a USB. I only have the one computer. I thought I remember some tech tweaks in the past to some files (registry?) that controlled printer spooling and communication. What about these?
Don't think it is a hardware issue. It was printing fine before, now it prints, but not as efficiently or quite as quickly as before.
Don't think it is a hardware issue. It was printing fine before, now it prints, but not as efficiently or quite as quickly as before.
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ASKER
Before I try deleting drivers take a look at the screen shot of what's in that folder and a SS of the registry files.
printers2.jpg
printers.jpg
printers2.jpg
printers.jpg
ASKER
What about some of these tweaks suggested here:
http://www.registry-files.com/Windows/Printing
or http://www.techrepublic.com/article/tweak-your-servers-registry-to-make-the-spooler-service-a-priority/
These may be old and not for Win 10, I do not know. I need proper instructions to do these.
http://www.registry-files.com/Windows/Printing
or http://www.techrepublic.com/article/tweak-your-servers-registry-to-make-the-spooler-service-a-priority/
These may be old and not for Win 10, I do not know. I need proper instructions to do these.
EE must be having issues. I cant see any attachments from anyone. Anyway, rename the driver folder and create a new one named drivers if you are worried about deleting. Do you have more than 1 printer installed?
I still stand by my comment that on the Driver page for this model printer there is not a driver available for Windows 10. You may get it to work by "hacking together" a fix but for how long will that fix work? Yes, they must be having an upload issue. I submitted a ticket about it earlier :)
ASKER
What about the registry tweaks? Good/safe to try?
ASKER
Out of curiosity I called Lexmark. They claim they can fix the problem (I doubt it) and it will only cost a minimum of $80.00 !!! I don't think so!!
Did you try using a generic HP driver? Generally I use HP Laserjet 4. Should fix your problem, just use the corresponding PCL or PS driver (probably PCL).
The only real difference in using a different driver is the bloat (re-order ink, etc.) and if there are custom trays you need to configure, but for basic printing I think it'll fix your problem.
The only real difference in using a different driver is the bloat (re-order ink, etc.) and if there are custom trays you need to configure, but for basic printing I think it'll fix your problem.
ASKER
How can I determine PCL or PS? What is the link to the HP driver you speak of? Will Win 10 take the driver for a Lexmark or do I have to force it? If so, how do I do that?
Go to New Driver, then do Windows Update and it will pull down the driver. Assign it and test printing.
hplaserjet4.png
hplaserjet4.png
Looks like all images are giving 404's on EE today, here's a web link to a similar image.
Update driver list
Update driver list
Can someone please explain to me why people are suggesting that the OP install HP LaserJet drivers on a printer that is a Lexmark Inkjet Printer? I understand that sometimes other drivers in the same Manufacturer will work but this is a totally different manufacturer and totally different printer type.
The driver language is the exact same, HP LJ4 is one of the most pared-down ones out there, so you really just get a lite generic PCL driver. The only difference in the differing drivers for each printer is the software packages that come with it (like the ink re-ordering or custom preferences screens).
It's the same reason why 'Generic Windows' works. So long as you match the language version there's not a problem.
It's the same reason why 'Generic Windows' works. So long as you match the language version there's not a problem.
ASKER
Once more, what about the registry tweaks?
I don't see any issue with the registry tweaks but I'm not certain it's going to solve your problem. Based off your description it doesn't sound like speed of spooling is the root issue.
ASKER
What about priority issues with the registry tweaks?
I woudlnt do the reg stuff. Try renaming the drivers folder as I suggested ealier
ASKER
Seems to be printing better. This solution was only a partial solve, but enough to make some improvement. Seems that the only way to make this perfect is when Lexmark gets off their duff and makes a compatible Win 10 driver.
You can find a list of them in Windows Update when assigning a new driver.