XP Pro SP3
I have a HP 6L printer that has worked for years.
About 6 months ago I bought a new computer with no printer port and got a usb to printer post adapter. It has worked well since.
Today, I tried to print a document and it would not work.
I invoked the printer troubleshooter and followed ALL instructions, numerous times. This involved re-booting both the comp. and the printer numerous times.
As I re-booted, the printer keeps booting up as being "off-line". One message said that there may be a problem with my printer port. I followed the instructions to install the port manually. I received the message that the port was installed. Still no difference.
The printer self-test works.
Can anyone advise me?
Thanks.
EDIT, July 29.
Well after many attempts at reinstalling the printer, I ran Microsoft Security Essentials on deep scan. I have been using Malwarebytes for thorough scans. MSE for a few dangerous files and removed them. This seems to have solved the problem; I'm again connected.
I also had another problem with dropped WIFI and suddenly that seems to be working properly. Cross reference: https://superuser.com/posts/132753/edit
Best Answer
I have had a few weird problems with desktop HP printers that are similar. The only way I have gotten windows to detect the printers again in my situations was to uninstall the printer driver, reboot and install the driver from scratch and then the printer works.
One in particular is more flaky than its counterparts, it is an older model and I am just assuming there is some sort of damage with the unit itself since it supposedly worked better years before, but has stayed on the same XP system.