Installing a printer

[Shutpa]

Trying to get a Lexmark printer installed in my new Vista system but the message "cant communicate with your printer" keeps appearing. Somewhere during the download of the driver, I was given the code 'C:\Drivers\printer\X1100' to type in at the end. The problem is that I cant find anywhere to type it, since there is no window pops up asking for the code. Any clues?
The message also says to dismantle my firewall. Iwould if I knew where it was and there were clear instructions on how to go about it. Over to the experts!

 

[JohnD]

is it an old printer or a brand new one (with installation disk)?

 

[Shutpa]

Old,without. Have tried downloading the driver from Lexmark but don't know if that was successful eg I never got a prompt to reconnect the printer usb cable.

 

[drewroof]

hi there, reconnect it, then go to printer/properties,then click on update driver then just follow the wizard

 

[Shutpa]

Hi drewroof, I dont even know how to find the printer or the operating system which is also needed.

 

[Shutpa]

hi there, reconnect it, then go to printer/properties,then click on update driver then just follow the wizard

Come on guys, I really do nead your help. I honestly haven't a clue how to go to printer/ properties or how to find the operating system. I have been trying to get this printer up and running for about 6 hours but unless you have the know-how, it is next door to impossible. Perhaps if Dell had supplied me with an instruction book, I might have found my way around the thing a whole lot easier.

 

[Softus]

bolo, before you pull too much hair out, have a look at this topic:

//www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=100838

PS - Sorry

 

[Shutpa]

Cheers Softus, very informative. I have downloaded the correct driver from Lexmark, but when I try to print I'm told that there is no communication with my printer. Having said that, I can scan an image but not print it,so there is some sort of connection between the computer and the printer.

 

[empip]

Start here ...
http://www.lexmark.com/publications/eng/x1100/index.html

 

[Shutpa]

Cheers Empip. Clearly it is not what you know that is important, but that you know where to find the information

 

[Shutpa]

Getting there! It is suggested that "If I am using a USB connection, I should try a parallel connection as well". Don't know what this is. Also, Lexmark want to know "which chipset (Intel, Via, SIS etc)" I am using. Again I haven't a clue.

There is, I am pleased to say, nothing wrong with the printer since the self test prints out the test bars. It is still a communication problem. Any advice would be very much appreciated.

 

[breezer]

parallel connection means not using USB, you know, the other big socket you (should) have on the back of your pc

 

[Shutpa]

Thanks Breezer. Does it resemble the socket which plugs into an external modem and if so, how would this solve the problem since the lead from the printer has a USB plug on it. Would I need some sort of adaptor?

 

[breezer]

i bet you are thinking of the coms port, no its the other one, really big, and you need a differnt lead.

since lexmark said try paralell connection, i assume your printer has another socket? (apart from thee USB one)

 

[JohnD]

it looks like a printer cable!

pretty well obsolete now

you can get one with a printer plug on one end and a USB on the other.j