Posted by MSFlorida on 11/28/07 8:24am
Msg #223319

Help with printer

A few months ago my HP 2420d started acting up as far as not communicating with my computer. I tried uninstalling and reinstalling but that didn't work. So 3 months ago I went and bought a Brother all in one 8460n it worked great for awhile now it is leaving black spots on everything. My intent is to have both printers on my computer. So I tried again to hook the HP up but with no luck called HP rep they told me I need a DOT4 port which I thought I had but its not showing in the port window. So now I guess my question is how do you install a
DOT4 port. Thanks in advance for your help

Reply by Lisa Prestegard on 11/28/07 8:34am
Msg #223320

Can't help with installing the DOT4 port, but can tell you that if you're getting black spots on paper, it's a good indication that your printer has loose toner powder near the rollers/drum. To remedy, remove drum and toner cartridge. Using 'canned air', blow out the interior chamber of your printer thoroughly. Do the same to your toner cart. and drum. With a soft, lint free cloth, wipe down your drum roller, too. Should solve the spot problem

Reply by Ilene C. Seidel on 11/28/07 8:57am
Msg #223327

Some years ago I bought a 2420 had problems with it at first, HP had me download a different driver. Maybe you need to call them back to speak to someone else. Your probably calling India, I question their knowledge or how to explain what they want to say in English.

Reply by MSFlorida on 11/28/07 10:29am
Msg #223346

Thanks your right I am speaking to someone in India. I can also hear him thumbling
through pages like he know's what he's doing. URGH!!!!!!

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 11/28/07 12:24pm
Msg #223360

I am assuming you are connecting the printer via a USB port and that you are running Windows xp?

Make sure you check all your connections first and use a different USB cable to connect the printer. It could have a bad cable.

Hardware that has worked then drops off line is sometime an indication of perhaps some sort of malware program that has made its way into your operating system. First, uninstall all your printers. Make sure your windows update is on and up to date, run a couple of the free spyware programs such as Lavasoft's Adaware and Spybot. Do a virus scan of your computer. Then completely turn it off and plug in your hp, turn it on then turn the computer back on . Windows should detect the printer and prompt you to install it.

I am not a computer expert, but several times I have had friends call me about hardware dropping off line, and I usually find that they have not kept up on their updates and are loaded with spyware.

Reply by SanDiegoCA on 11/28/07 2:30pm
Msg #223389

Excellent, helpful advice, Glenn.

MS, you may also find answers to a similar problem here:
http://www.annoyances.org/exec/forum/winxp/t1049522999

Or here:
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?objectID=bpl10904

In general, but geeky terms, a DOT4 port uses a protocol that enables the devices that comprise an MFP to send and receive data packets to each other across a single physical channel at the same time. The protocol was specified by IEEE 1284.4, which is an enhancement to the IEEE 1284 protocol for parallel port computing.

I know, that help almost NOBODY, but I thought it was interesting! :o]

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 11/28/07 5:01pm
Msg #223408

It was interesting to me ......

Computers can really get screwed up when the operating system is not kept secure or up to date, Especially if there are kids who use the same computer to go to My Space or other such sites. Also, Apple users need to beware. Since Apple is picking up a little market share, we are seeing spyware and viruses surface for them for the first time. (I have a buddy who works for Apple in R&D and they are scrambling). It has been such a small market share, that no one has really exploited it up to now.

I should have also added it is always a good idea to make sure that you a user account for others to use to surf the net that does not allow Windows to run in the administrator mode. That way, it is much more difficult for malware programs to install themselves, although not impossible.

Reply by OR on 11/28/07 5:03pm
Msg #223411

Re: You could ask Andy or call HP they always help me n/m