PRINTER PROBLEM - advice needed !!!

FIRST, when I print an article from YT (for example, the hydraulic article on this month's home page), I do not print out the right hand side of the article. Plus it doesn't print out exactly as it is on the screen, for example, the first word at the beginning of each line on the left side is different than on the screen (this isn't really a problem), but missing the right side of the article of course makes it worthless. Any suggestions?

SECOND: My printer (HP) feeds through my scanner (IBM), and when I install the program for my scanner, my computer cannot make a hookup with the printer. The printer works fine when I uninstall the scanner, even though it still feeds through it. All my wiring hookups are correct. It did work at one time but it no longer prints unless I uninstall the scanner. Any suggestions?

We suggest that you do in fact add the second port, or get a USB scanner if your computer has USB.

And before you peolpe attack me, just remember I didnt design em, I just support em.

Problem #1:

Assuming you are using Windows 95/98 and either Netscape Communicator or Explorer...

In the browser menu at the top of the page:

#1 File Menu

#2 Page Setup

#3 Change left and right margins to 0.05 inches

#4 Click OK

#5 File Menu

#6 Print

#7 Properties

#8 Paper

#9 Enlarge/reduce (check yes)

#10 Select 90%

#11 Click OK

Note that your printer driver may have slightly different menu choices but as long as you get the margins and 90% reduction set it should work.

Problem #2

The setup you have should work BUT most folks end up with an A/B box (Radio Shack) that allows you to switch from printer to scanner on your parallel port. Running the printer through the scanner is problematic. If you want to stay with that setup, I suggest you download the latest drivers from IBM first; if that doesn't work, call their technical support group.

Good luck!

HP Printers are notorious for not liking pass-through parallel hookups, even when scanner and printer are BOTH HP.

The AB switch creates another problem: It has diodes that strip off the two-way communications required by most modern printers.

A much better solution is to get a second parallel port card (about $12) and give each device it's own port.

A second parallel port card is a great idea but I have no way of knowing if Mike is willing to tear his machine apart to install one.

Yeah, I thought about that hauling the hood off and dealing with IRQ's and such after I posted it. I forget some folks just ain't willing to do that.

When you get it going again, connect the #2 terminal over to the large output stud, and the #1 terminal to the ignition switch, using a diode, a resistor or an "idiot light" in that lead, to prevent a re-occurrance of the problem you are now having, in the future.

(Without a resistor, a diode, or an "idiot lamp" in the "excite circuit, excessive current can backfeed out of the alternator through the #1 terminal, under certain conditions, destroying the regulator and/or the diode trio.)

I'm>Link not surprised that HP Tech Support told you the problem was "someone else's"!

Mike

It's pretty straight forward IF you have an available IRQ. Newer machines with all the doodads, CD's, sound cards, modems, etc sometimes can be a real challenge to find a free interrupt.

Once you have a free IRQ identified, it's just a case of setting the jumpers on the card for that IRQ, popping the hood, and plugging it in. WinDoze will find it, and Bob's yer uncle...

I CAN NO LONGER PRINT ENVELOPES. ONE DAY I WAS
PRINTING AN ENVELOPE AND IT GOT STUCK. I DON'T
KNOW WHETHER THAT HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH IT OR
NOT BUT EVER SINCE IT WON'T PRINT ENVELOPES.

IT PRINTS FORMS AND LETTERS BUT EVERYTIME I TRY
TO PRINT AN ENVELOPE IT PERFORMS AS THOUGH IT IS
PRINTING THE ENVELOPE BUT THE ENVELOPE COMES OUT
BLANK.

I USED MY RECOVERY DISK ON MY COMPUTER THINKING
THAT IT MIGHT HELP, MAYBE HAVING SOME THING TO DO
WITH THE WAY THE COMPUTER WAS PROGRAMED.

TODAY I GOT ANOTHER IJ600 PRINTER, INSTALLED IT
AND TRIED TO PRINT AN ENVELOPE AND IT WOULD NOT
PRINT. IT DID PRINT FORMS AND LETTERS.

HELP!

Also, I would like to purchase a new, higher quality printer for my new computer designs business. I would like help in knowing what to look for. Print quality, color and b&w, required. Ability to print on envelopes and cardstock necessary. Copy and scan features a plus. Information or websites welcomed.

Thank you for any info or help you can provide.