Network Printer: Gosh, I had it working and now wouldn't

[Subhash]

I am goint nuts since yesterday and finally had to post it here after doing some reading on the forums.

I am having problem printing from one of my computers to a Network Printer. Here is my setup:

Comp 1 ---> P4 3.0 Mhz, Windows XP Pro SP 2, Lexmark Z53 Printer

Comp 2 ---> P2 266 Mhz, Windows ME, Okidata OL400 Printer.

Network ---> Microsoft Wireless Broadband Network Base Station MN500. Both computers have their CAT5 directly plugged into the base station. So, no wireless between the two.

Here is what happens:

I could see the OL400 on Comp 1 without doing anything (of course I had Sharing enabled on Comp 2), and print from there with no problem.

On Comp2 I could not see Z53 and had to add it by Add Printer Wizard. It asked for driver while adding network printer and I had to insert the CD that came with the Z53. When I print a document from MS Word, at first I see the Job Status screen. Then after about 20 secs, I hear the message "Problem communicating with the Printer". I press cancel and then I can see the time counter increasing as if it is processing the job. On Comp 1, on the Printer Job Queue, I can see 1 job. As the counter stops on the Job Status on Comp 2, the Job Queue on Comp 1 clears and nothing goes to the printer. I have tried this several times with no success.

I had it working fine before but that was with XP PRO SP 1. Recently, I had to reformat Comp 1 and install everything all over again but this time SP 2 and it wouldn't work. I don't know if it is SP2 issue but I thought I will mention it anyway. From what I recall, I think I had to Capture Printer Port on Comp 2 to get it to work, again I could be forgetting.

Can anyone please help me resolve this. I have it going fine until the job spools to Comp 1 but then disappearing without doing anything is kind of baffling.

Thanks.

[Byte 2.0]

It may have to do with the Firewall in SP2 causing a communication error or blocking communication rather. try disabling the firewall on Comp1.

[Subhash]

Originally Posted by Byte 2.0 It may have to do with the Firewall in SP2 causing a communication error or blocking communication rather. try disabling the firewall on Comp1.

Thanks Byte 2.0.

Well, even before your reply I spent last night reformatting my HD again and this time installing only SP1 and boom, it worked like a charm. I don't know why I installed SP2 to begin with. I have been hearing lot of people advising to stay away from SP2 but I did it anyway.

What is your take on this ? Does SP2 have any merit worth the trouble ?

Thanks again....

[Byte 2.0]

Myself, i am still on SP1.

I use my router with firewall enabled and I install Zone Alarm so I can easily check on programs that are attempting or accessing the internet.

Honestly, I have not used the Firewall feature enough in win XP to making any good or bad comments about it.

[Subhash]

Just one more question.

Why do I have to install the printer software as a Local Printer as well in order to use the Network Printer. On Comp 2, I had two versions of Lexmark Z53 printer installed. One as a Local Printer on LPT1 and the other as a Network Printer sharing from Comp 1. When I uninstall Local version (without deleting the driver files), the Network version also quits working. It again gives me the messate "Problem communicating with the Printer".

Why is that so ?

Thanks....