I have Windows XP and a Dell AIO 926 printer. I suddenly became unable to print as I received a "Communication not available" error every time I try to print. I've deleted the printer, used the Dell patch to clean up prior installations, downloaded the latest drivers from Dell, etc. and nothing is working. Please help!
Hi aweintra,
you can do the following steps:
1.Check if the firewall is blocking any printer services
2.Check what port the printer is using (reenable the bi-directional support) and if it's on online mode
3.Disable all the firewalls
4.Uninstall the printer driver and software, then unplug the usb cable of the printer.
5.Delete any items under the ff keys:
HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Environments\Windows NT x86\Drivers\Version-2
HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Environments\Windows NT x86\Drivers\Version-3
HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet001\Control\Print\Environments\Windows NT x86\Drivers\Version-2
HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet001\Control\Print\Environments\Windows NT x86\Drivers\Version-3
Optional***
6.Delete any non default items under the ff keys:
Note: ONLY THE NON DEFAULT ITEMS SHOULD BE DELETED
HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Monitors
HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet001\Control\Print\Monitors
Default items are as follows:
AppleTalk Printing Devices
BJ Language Monitor
Local Port
PJL Language Monitor
Standard TCP/IP Port
USB Monitor
Windows NT FAx Monitor
*****
7.Delete any items under the ff keys:
HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Printers
HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet001\Control\Print\Printers
8.Completely remove drivers by doing the ff: (Option for comm failure because of the upgrade from xp to vista)
Ensure there are no documents in queue.
Disconnect printer’s USB cable.
Click the Start pearl, then click All programs, Printers, Dell xxx (where “xxx” is the printer model number) and then Uninstall. Complete the uninstall utility.
From the start search box type spool and press .
The spool folder located at c:\windows\system32\spool opens.
Rename c:\windows\system32\spool\drivers\w32X86 to c:\windows\system32\spool\drivers\backup.
Rename c:\windows\system32\spool\prtprocs\W32X86 to c:\windows\system32\spool\prtprocs\backup.
9.Restart the computer.
10.Check th services status
Start-Run- Type Services.msc and Click on Open
You will see long list of services
You need to make sure following 4 Services are set to Automatically start
Remote Procedure Call RPC
Remote Procedure Call RPC Locater
LexBce Server
Print Spooler
11.Reinstall the latest printer driver
just send me an update if the issue won't be fixed.
have a great day.
If the installation screen does not appear:
In Windows 2000, double-click My Computer from your desktop.
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John-
You posted a solution to my Dell 926 communication problem on Monday, Oct 19. I just followed your suggestions but the problem is not solved. I am running Windows XP, not Vista. This is very frustrating and I appreciate your assistance and suggestions.
Thank you!
Ari
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