I've bought a USB printer and it doesn't work. I'm sure it's the USB port's fault. It's OK with mouse and internet, but struggles with powering midi keyboard, printer etc.
My question is: how easy is it to replace? Will a non0techy like me be able to buy a new USB port and plug it into the computer? Or is it a difficult task?

It probably doesn't require replacing, just a powered hub adding to it to provide extra power.
Does the printer work OK when it's the only thing plugged into the PC?
Have you installed the software that came with the printer?
Have you plugged the printer into the mains and turned it on?
Does Windows recognise that a new USB device has been plugged in?

Originally posted by meer
I've bought a USB printer and it doesn't work. I'm sure it's the USB port's fault. It's OK with mouse and internet, but struggles with powering midi keyboard, printer etc.
My question is: how easy is it to replace? Will a non0techy like me be able to buy a new USB port and plug it into the computer? Or is it a difficult task?

if you think it's the power, then the easiest solution is to buy a powered usb hub. Plug that into the port, plug it into the mains and plug the higher requirement devices into the powered hub.

doh - too slow, Lurch got there first.

Originally posted by Lurch
It probably doesn't require replacing, just a powered hub adding to it to provide extra power.
Does the printer work OK when it's the only thing plugged into the PC?
Have you installed the software that came with the printer?
Have you plugged the printer into the mains and turned it on?
Does Windows recognise that a new USB device has been plugged in?

The printer doesn't work when it's the only thing in there.
The software requires the printer to be recognised in order to install. Windows recognises the printer, but the printer instructions say not to go through 'add new hardware' in windows.
Windows thinks the printer is a USB hub. The printer is the Lexmark one that everyone has, so windows should recognise it.
It sounds like a powered hub is the way to go, I think...

Originally posted by meer
It sounds like a powered hub is the way to go, I think...
Probably, even if that isn't the specific problem atm it would be worth getting one as you do have a few devices on there.

Have you been all the way through the software installation process for the printer? Sounds like it's not done its stuff properly if you have. I've had devices recognised by Windows as something obscure but the then correctly identified once the software is installed.

Originally posted by meer
The printer is the Lexmark one that everyone has, so windows should recognise it.
It sounds like a powered hub is the way to go, I think...

Oh no, you have gotten a lexmark, all I can say is enjoy spending money on new cartriges.

Back to topic

I would agree with getting a powered USB hub, as it is very easy to do compared with getting, say, a new PSU.

I think you may need to try and narrow the problem down a bit more. If you know someone with a powered USB hub, see if you can borrow it for an evening. Or see if you can take it into a PC shop (I'm sure someone here can recommend one) that can let you try out a hub with your PC and printer to see if that resolves the issue/shows the problem to be something else.

Originally posted by Cyclone
doh - too slow, Lurch got there first.
The hand is quicker than the eye!
Originally posted by tom_a_west
I would agree with getting a powered USB hub, as it is very easy to do compared with getting, say, a new PSU.
It would also be easier than putting together a flat pack wardrobe but this may have much the same effect on the printer problem as it should work if it's on the port on it's own. It does sound software related from over here.

When making the power connection i'm assuming that the printer draws all it's power from the usb port and doesn't require mains? Is that right?