Solved Printer Not Communicating -Perpetual Nightmare

Hello,

First, I'll apologize for my lack of computer knowledge and my probable breaking of MANY forum rules. I've never posted on a forum before.

I have a Dell Inspiron 1545 that runs Vista Home Premium 64bit. I ditched my last printer (Dell) a couple of weeks ago because of the same problem thinking it was the printer (and I didn't want to replace the printer cartridges).

I purchased a Lexmark X5650. It installed (with a little work) and printed fine for a couple of days. Then, it started doing the same thing - Printer Not Communicating. I will mention that at the time I installed the new printer my McAfee was not running correctly. I managed to get it to work after spending 2 days straight on forums like this. During that 2 days, I did every possible update under the sun with the exception of getting my McAfee working. I don't print much, but today, I went to print something and it's doing the same thing. I did get my McAfee working last week, and it did print after that.

Everytime this happens, I reboot, change USB ports, USB cables, check all my cables, and check that my ports are working. Now that my McAfee is working again, I even tried turning off my Firewall. Nothing I try works.

I have a feeling that this is going to be a problem until the day I finally and joyfully throw this computer into the river. Is there a step by step process that I can keep on hand for everytime this happens, or better yet, a one-time fix?

I am EXTREMELY greatful for any help you have for me. And again, I am very sorry if I have done something wrong.

THANKS A MILLION!

Welcome
Make sure that it is properly installed
Find and install printer drivers

Try the trouble shooter
Troubleshoot printer problems

Follow advice here
Printing problems and printing errors

I think that the first link is the anwer, the driver is not properly installed.

Is it wireless or cable?
Type services in search, in services make sure that print spooler is running

I did them all, and for now, it is working. Are the updates and driver installs something I will have to do often?

Thank you very much for your help! I really appreciate it.

Once the driver is installed its suppose to remain there. I installed my printer a few years ago no problem
If you have a problem again, post
Right now and once a week make a system restore point, so you can go back in case of problems.

Great! Thanks again!

You are very welcome and thanks for the very kind words and rep.