Tech: USB printer port configration

Subject: Tech: USB printer port configration
From: Big John
Date: 15 Feb 04 - 09:28 AM

My Epson C44UX printer was working perfectly but when I re-installed it I encountered problems with the USB port connection.(I have satisfied myself that the printer and cables are in order.)
The printer should connect using port name EPUSB1 but when I attempt to configure the port I get a "pop-up" reading "There is nothing here to configure". All of the names on the port list have the words "Unknown local port" beside them.
I presume that a corrupt DLL is the cause of the problem.
I have tried to solve the problem by checking other web site forums
but have failed.
I KNOW I CAN COUNT ON SOME MUDCAT GENIUS TO COME UP WITH THE SOLUTION.
Thank you.

John

Subject: RE: Tech: USB printer port configration
From:
Date: 15 Feb 04 - 10:42 AM

I assume you've checked to see that other items are plugged into the same connector and they work properly?

Have you tried plugging it into another connector on the same computer?

For that matter, I have assumed you've tried turning off the computer, unplugging the printer, and then plugging in the printer when the computer is powered up?

Subject: RE: Tech: USB printer port configration
From: mack/misophist
Date: 15 Feb 04 - 11:26 AM

What Mr Seto said. He's right.

Subject: RE: Tech: USB printer port configration
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 15 Feb 04 - 11:45 AM

I could guess at your problem, but this is one of those rare cases where the help file (on my machine, at least) does seem to have some useful information:

•        In Device Manager, USB game controllers are listed under Human Interface devices (in Devices by type view). If the controller does not appear in Device Manager, then USB may not be enabled in BIOS or EFI**. When you are prompted as you start your computer, enter BIOS or EFI setup, and enable USB.
•        If USB is enabled in BIOS or EFI but the USB host controller does not appear in Device Manager (under Universal Serial Bus controllers), or a yellow warning icon appears next to the host controller name, then the version of BIOS or EFI may be outdated. Contact the maker or vendor for your computer and obtain the current version of BIOS or EFI.
•        If the controller appears in Device Manager, right-click the controller name and then click Properties. Problems and suggested actions are displayed under Device status. For more information, click Related Topics.
•        USB ports have a separate entry in Device Manager. To check the device status, click Universal Serial Bus controllers, right-click USB Root Hub, and then click Properties. If you do not see USB Root Hub, you might not have a USB port installed on your computer.
•        You can also use the Hardware troubleshooter to diagnose and solve problems with hardware devices such as USB game controllers. Start the Hardware troubleshooter"

This is from the Start - Help (System Help) in XP-Pro. If you have an earlier OS, you might get something a little different.

**EFI is a sort of BIOS replacement for the Itanium processor. If you don't have an Itanium, ignore.

Since it worked once, unless you've been into the BIOS settings, the problem is most likely a corrupt, or no, USB Hub controller installed in Device Manager. The installation software that came with your printer should have an installation program that will check for an existing Hub Controller, and will do the installation for you if needed. With some USB controllers, it is important that you install the software with the device disconnected, so that PnP has the stuff it needs to finish the install when you reboot with the device plugged in. Your printer manual (usually a Get Started Guide) would have instructions.

If you have a newer, but not too new, computer, you could have an improper port connection. Each USB device must plug into separate PORT in a HUB. Some near new machines were coming out with 4 (or more) USB connectors, but with fewer PORTS than connectors. A front and back connector were both connected to the same PORT on the HUB. If you plug more than one device into the same PORT, you get an identity crisis.

This would only occur if you have more than one USB device connected; but if that's the case, changing to a different connector on the computer might solve the problem, although you might still need to reinstall software to get things straight.

John