printer problems

[Trent]

i wsa trying to install printer drivers for the hp deskjet 5550 on my coach's computer. the thing is, whenever i try to install it, it doesn't detect the printer. at first the printer was connected through a zip drive. the zip drive took up the parralel port and so there was a port in the back of the drive for the printer. but it didn't detect.

next i took out the zip drive and plugged the printer directly into the computer but it still didn't detect. i checked the cord and there was no bent pins or anything. on the printer, the green light by the power button is flashing. this is driving me nuts. is there any suggestions from anybody?

the computer specs is an intel celeron processor (i forgot how fast), 127 mb of ram, and windows 98 se. the printer is a hp deskjet 5550. thanks.

[TwoRails]

Hi Trent,

Can't remember.... does the 5550 have USB?? If so, I'd go that way. If not, you'll probably have to uninstall both the printer and Zip, and strart over using just the printer.

Zips are funny little critters I don't like much. They do have problems with printers attached. You may want to check out both HP and Iomega's Web sites for any known issues with that model printer.

HTH

TwoRails

[glc]

Is your printer cable IEEE 1284 bidirectional certified? Have you recycled the power on the printer? Is your parallel port set to ECP in the bios? Are you plugging and unplugging the parallel cable with power on the printer and/or the computer (BIG no-no)?

[Trent]

Are you plugging and unplugging the parallel cable with power on the printer and/or the computer (BIG no-no)?

oops. guilty as charged. i feel dumb now. when i get back home from my dorm next weekend i'll retry the whole thing. and i'll get a usb printer cable too.

[glc]

It may be too late - you may have zapped the printer and/or the port.