I have one PC and two printers. One is connected via the USB port and the other is connected via the standard printer connecting cable.

I'm fine if I print from one printer, but if I choose to print from the other the computer won't print from the first one again until I reboot. I'm sure this can be fixed through the settings, but I think a good way forward would be to get a printer switch, it would tidy everything up.

So....I visited ebay and then got stuck. There are lots of different printer switches on there, many seem to connect several computers to one printer, but I wanna do it the other way round!

Can anyone make any suggestions?

Usb wireless connections on both? I don't know if this will actually work, but in theory it should.

We had a similar problem in work, but we just had to press the cancel button on the printer to get the communication going again.

A printer switch is a good option, I've done the same with monitors, BUT I doubt in your case it will be possible, because one printer is USB, the other LPT (aka the printer port). Now to find a switch (I'm sure there some out there).

I'd suggest testing your installation in steps, uninstall them, unplug them. Re-install/plug them in, print the test pages.

I am not aware of any conflict of of Windows loosing it because there are printer used on either port or together. so check that Windows knows which port is used for which.

Back on the switch option, the Don Valley Computer Fair is a great place to get switched, the stand that is ALWAYS near the front to the right has a BIG choice of switches (screens, I/O, LPT & COM).



EDIT:I'm fine if I print from one printer, but if I choose to print from the other the computer won't print from the first one again until I reboot. I'm sure this can be fixed through the settings, but I think a good way forward would be to get a printer switch, it would tidy everything up.
you said you only had one PC, how come you used the 'other' if there is only one.
If you could describe your installation/network more accurately It'd help :)

Heya Buffy,

Sounds like you do have a conflict going on there somewhere... probably some settings as Captain Scarlett suggested..

Be useful to know what operating system your PC is working with and also what the 2 printers are...

I'm running Windows XP (I think, will check this when I get home tonight....then again...it's my birthday, I might not...might have a beer instead! So might know more on Friday).

One printer is an HP2100 and the other is a colour laser Epsom...quite new..that's the one that I use the USB with.

If both printers can use the parallel port instead of USB, Ive got a 2 way parallel switch doing nothing you can have.

Originally posted by slh73
If both printers can use the parallel port instead of USB, Ive got a 2 way parallel switch doing nothing you can have.
Excellent point.

Get a USB to=> LPT adaptor and then get a printer switch :)

PS: Curses on XP, DIE ! DIE ! :twisted:

Its Windows XP Pro......nuff said :rolleyes: