Help someone! I am having printing problems since Windows Updates

[Nikilet]

Isn't this R153051 just the drivers?

 

[Ztruker]

That's what you want. It also includes the printer setup which includes setting up the spooler, etc.

Dell Personal AIO Printer A960, v.G10, A00
This package contains Dell All-In-One Printer A960 driver for Vista 32-bit OS.
Once downloaded and executed the driver will install automatically and guide the user through the setup process.




You seem very reluctant to do this, which is okay. Just let me know and I'll stop bugging you about it.

 

[Nikilet]

I'm just so lost and don't know what the heck I'm doing, but trying to hang in there and figure it out.
I just installed that file. At the end when I clicked on Print Test Page nothing happened and it froze. But I see that I do now have the Dell printer in my Programs and Features so I can uninstall it.

 

[Nikilet]

Just want to let you know what's going on. That guy from Dell told me if I can use my printer to make copies there is nothing wrong with it and it just needs the drivers reinstalled, but that sure isn't the way it's turning out. I went through the process about 3 or 4 times and I think maybe I actually ended up with a complete install this last time, after all the goofy windows, but I still can't print. I'm going to put the screenshots of the windows up in order so you can see what went on.

I have several documents in the queue right now, and of course it says they are printing but they aren't. Hopefully they will print when I reboot, like they were doing before, so that if I am in serious need of something I can get it. Then I have to get a printer ordered and I've been looking but I don't know for sure what to get. What I'm wavering between is an Epson all-in-one and a Brothers all-in-one. If you know anything about them and would like to give an opinion, please do.

I want to give you my ever-so-sincere thanks for all that you have stuck with me through this and withstood my confusion, etc. You are a dear, kind person.

 

[Ztruker]

On the last image, what is Unidentified Device? Does that show up in Device Manager as well?

Were you able run Windows Repair All-In-One?

 

[Nikilet]

I have no idea what the Unidentified Device is and I don't know where it would be. There are two things I know I've never seen when I've been in Device Managers before.

One thing is a yellow traingle beside something under Network Adaptors.
Details: Microsoft ISATAP Adaptor
Driver Details: C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\tunnel.sys
I found something online that said: Note: If you see the Code 31 error on the Microsoft ISATAP adapter in Windows Vista, you can ignore the error. According to Microsoft, there is no actual issue.



There is another new thing under Display Adaptors, where my NVIDIA is. It is BB Capture Driver. I don't remember that being there in the past.

Now your second question ... Yes, I ran the Tweaking.com thing and afterwards my computer acted absolutely awful. I DID unselect everything and then select just to Repair Printer Spooler. i dealt with this for quite some time and then I used a SR point I had set before running it. It seems to have bounced back. I wouldn't have thought that would affect my computer since the only thing it was supposed to do is fix the Print Spooler, but it sure did.

I'm going to try the simple steps one more time today, and that is shutting down the printer and computer and unplugging both and then pressing the start buttons to defuse them, or whatever it would be called -- reseat my print cartridges again, plug everything back in and see if it works. Then I'm going to make a decision on a printer. I also have a 17.5" Toshiba laptop that I can't use this Dell A960 with. Lots of people have been trying to hook this printer up on Windows 7 computers and having no luck and guess no drivers for Windows 7 were ever issued so everyone is trying work-arounds.

This has been just a super printer/scanner/coper, and still is if I could just get it to print from my computer. I can't imagine what could have happened out of the blue to bring this on. But it is what it is.

 

[Ztruker]

Read here, worth a try: Dell A960 All-In-One Printer owners thread (W7) - Printers Forum - Peripherals - Dell Community

Other than that I'm stumped. The only thing I can think of to do now is a Repair Install.

What I would do is uninstall the printer, then do the Repair Install. After that's complete and all updates have been applied, then reinstall the printer. Remember not to connect the USB cable until asked to do so.

See here if you don't have a Vista install DVD: http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/301852-vista-iso-download-create-installation-dvd-usb.html

 

[Nikilet]

That Dell link -- that's what I was largely working from when I did the 4 un- and reinstalls.

I don't know how to do a Repair Install. I might be able to figure it out but I gotta' tell you -- my mind is just worn out! I think I'm going to take a rest. I will keep my email copy of this filed so I can refer back to it.

I'm just doing my shut-down, "defuse" right now and I'm calling it quits. I think I've decided on a printer and will probably be placing my order tonight or tomorrow (unless the defuse process works!).

You have been absolutely fantastic and just having you to go back and forth with meant so much in keeping me sane. Thank you so much.

How are you at setting up wireless printers? I have WiFi, but have never set up a printer with it. The printer I've pretty much decided on is wireless and also can be hooked up by USB, and since it is supposed to be compatible with both Windows 7 and Vista, that will be great as I'll be able to use it with both computers -- IF I can get it set up.

Guess I will close off and finish my "defuse" operation. If by some odd chance it works I will let you know.

 

[Ztruker]

My Brother MFC-J410W (highly recommend by the way) can be USB or Wireless connected. I set it up Wireless at first but the scanner was a pain to use that way and very slow. Switched to USB and I like it much better. The easiest way to setup the printer wireless was to do it with the installation disc that comes with it. It will walk you right through it.

As for the Repair Install, just click on the words Repair Install in my previous post. It's a link to an excellent tutorial by Shawn Brink on how to do it.

I sure wish I could help you get this working. I'm pretty sure a Repair install and reinstall of the printer will fix it but that is a fairly long process since you have to install missing Service Packs (1 and 2 maybe) and 150 or more Windows Updates just to get back to where you are now as far as the OS is concerned.

Enjoy the down time!

 

[Nikilet]

I took a look at your Brother, and I thank you for the input, but I think I'm going to stick with my decision to go with the Epson WorkForce 3530.

I'm sure going to keep the Repair Install info at hand. But at this point I think I'd rather buy a printer than go through it!

Also, like I said, this way I'll hopefully have something that will work on both computers.

By the way, I just tried to print and guess what ... It's sitting in the printer queue. I'm not too upset because I figured it would be.

G'night and will look forward to bringing some other problem to you sometime.

 

[Ztruker]

One last thing. Look at the Printer Properties. Do you have a page similar to this?



If so, check the spooling options, see how they are set.

 

[Nikilet]

Yep, mine is exactly like yours.

Can I come back if I have trouble getting my new printer hooked up ... Or should I just post in the forum as normal?

 

[Ztruker]

Maybe both?

Start a new thread and include a link to this one?