Startup problem

[Nicholas Gans]

I'm not a computer wiz so maybe it's something I did wrong. I have a Pavilion xl844 and Epson Stylus Color 740 printer.. I went thru nightmares obtaining the proper printer drivers installed.. On startup, the printer monitoring icon on the taskbar (bottom right screen corner) doesn't always appear. When it fails to appear, the computer won't run any programs. Just sets unresponsive at the desktop. I have to reboot severals times before the icon appears.. Can one of you experts help this novice?

[Paula J Frazer-Campbell]

Hi

You have posted this question on the HPUX forum, but I may have an answer, as you said you had problems getting the right drivers for the printer, so did you have multiple installs to eventually get it to install?

If so them go to control panel, add remove programs and remove the printer programs, once this is done reboot and then do a fresh install of your printer progs.

HTH

Paula

[Eugen Cocalea]

Hi,

Do the printer run HPUX?

E.

[Wodisch]

Hello Eugen,

HP-UX is not a supported configuration for Epson printers ;-)

Merry X-mas!

[Kelli Ward · Accepted solution]

If you are running a Windows system, Paula has a good point. You really need to find the right driver for your system. Uninstall the current printer driver and install the proper one. A driver that isn't "exactly right" can cause all sorts of odd problems.
Might I suggest, Epson's website or driverguide.com is also very good. Always virus check your downloads with a current virus checker.
Good Luck and Happy Holidays.
Kel

[Craig Rants]

I would remove the driver (software),shutdown the PC, physically remove the printer (hardware) then boot up. If all is well add your driver, shut the box down, then physically add the printer. If this fails call the your Epson support.

MC,
C

[Nicholas Gans]

Thanks Guys & Ladies
When I chose this forum to post my problem, I realized I might not be at the proper place. However, the regulars here impress me with their knowledge and my problem seems so basic that I knew I couldn't go wrong posting it here. Paula, Kelli, and Craig all seem to agree that even tho I've tried several printer drivers, I still don't have the correct/proper driver. I've contacted HP Cust. Support with this issue, and their response is that they don't support "third party" hardware. I contacted Epson and they provided me with driver that's giving me the current problem. The problem is very, very intermittent. Goes for weeks with no problem, then acts up for 2-3 days.

Looks like I still need to find/install the proper driver.. Thanks guys for your concern. You've been very helpful..
Merry Christmas to all... Nick

[Kelli Ward]

Interesting.
I was just on the Epson web-site and noticed there are 3 drivers for the 740.
The Color 740, Color 740i and Color 740 Special Edition.
Perhaps you are using the wrong 740 driver (Ie: you have the Specail Edition and do not realize it or are using the the 740i.) Also, some drivers vary depending on which version of Windows you are using.
Let me know which version of Windows you are using and which printer you have, if possible, and I can either point you to the proper driver or all three and you can try them in turn.
Let me know if you are interested.
Best of luck,
Kel

[Nicholas Gans]

Kel:
Thank you for taking so much interest in my problem.. I have tried all three of those drivers you mentioned. My printer is the Epson Stylus color 740. I first tried the color 740 driver without installing the ink monitor feature. Had problems so I tried the 740i driver. That one was worse. So next I tried the special edition. No improvement. That's when I contacted Epson. They advised me to install the ink monitor feature along with the color 740 (no "i" suffix) driver.. I purchased the computer new in Feb 2001. I had previously bought the printer and used it on another computer without any problems.. I've been fighting this problem since the day I brought the xl844 home.. The problem is so intermitent that it's hard to tell if I have solved the problem or if it's just waiting to ambush me..

Nick

[Nicholas Gans]

Kel:
OOOOPS... Almost forgot to answer the Windows System question.. Computer came with Windows ME.. I wanted to change to Windows 98 but HP informed me that changing the O.S. could jeopardize my warranty. They also informed me that they no longer offer cust. support to Windows 98 users.

Nick

[Paula J Frazer-Campbell]

Hi

Have you tried a different printer cable ?

Paula

[Mark Fenton]

Nicholas

I, too, have a 740 -- haven't ever had a problem with it, but then, I haven't tried hooking it up to an HP....

Paula brings up a valid point: the 740 comes with several interfaces installed, and one can connect via USB, Parallel, or Mac Serial (which is why I bought the printer in the first place).

I can't speak for the USB implementation, but the Parallel and Mac Serial interfaces are rock solid. If you've been using USB, try switching to parallel (or vice verse).

Mark

[Nicholas Gans]

Paula & Mark:
You guys are the greatest!!! I really mean that.. Most people I have approached with this problem just snicker and chide me about my brand selection.

The printer has alway been connected to the same serial port, as this port was specified in the instructions that came with the computer.. There are two "vacant" serial ports. Both of which are 9 pin connectors. One of these is labled for joy stick connection and the other is unspecified. Correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't a printer require a 25 pin port/connector? The only avaliable USB port is on the front panel of the tower. The other USB port has the mouse connected to it. They both have only what appears to be 3 - 4 terminals. Do USB ports come in "larger sizes"?

Could I be fighting a bad printer cable? I have two spare serial port printer cables I could try.. I'm really dumb when it comes to computers and I appologize for my ignorance on the subject. If I don't have you guys laughing at me by now, the next question should really get you going.. When I change to a different type printer cable, do I need to make any other changes? install/uninstall software, drivers, etc????? The computer should automatically locate the printer, correct??

Thanks, Nick