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Zorelk

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19 years ago

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Zorelk

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March 29th, 2007 19:00

Dell 720 Printer-no communication with computer

Was doing just fine using it, up until a week ago then the power light starts flashing and my PC states there is no communication with the printer.  It's a good printer and I've got a supply of ink, that's why I would like to get it running again, any help?   Zorelk:smileysad:
  • Denniso6

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    Posted April 3rd, 2007 22:00

    Getting the exact same behavior after refreshing the driver from Dell this evening; (post Windows Vista install)
     
    Question..., are you running Vista or Windows XP ?
     
    I downloaded the zipped folder: 'R80999.exe'; went through the unzip process to the default folder; auto-setup seemed to run and complete just fine until the very end when I got the following Windows script host error dialog:
     
    Windows Script Host

    Script C:\DeIl72O\dIbcEN.vbs

    - Line 11

    Char 1

    Error Permsion denied

    Code 8OOPO46

    Source Microsoft VBScnpt runtime error

    Here's the thing..., examining the Control Panel/printers folder it appears the printer was installed properly. I can select it, make it the default printer, assign a port, etc.

    Unfortunately, any attempt to print from any application produces the error dialog:'Cannot communicate with printer'

    One fairly weird thing..., during the download process, everything indicates that you're getting the driver for the Dell 720 'Inkjet'. After installation however, the driver is retitled as 'Dell 720 Photo printer. I think Dell needs to refresh this one.

    DennisO

  • Zorelk

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    Posted April 4th, 2007 16:00

    It is XP I use.  I don't know if it is a problem with the software or not, I've completely uninstalled it and reinstalled it using the original disk that came with the PC, still no change.  I've also noted that when I turn the printer on manually it sounds like it's running paper through for a second, then the power button on it starts flashing.  It's a nice printer but I am starting to lose patience and am wanting to take it apart and see how it ticks, so to speak, with no intent of having it work again if I don't soon find an answer.
  • Denniso6

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    Posted April 4th, 2007 17:00

    Being in the support business for years, and then on the other side of the fence, I can certainly empathize and identify with your frustration.

     

    Doing my troubleshooting thing for a moment.., here’s my assumptions and/or my understanding of your issue:

     

    1. Printer was working just fine…, and suddenly stopped working.

    2. Noted behavior is a ‘blinking’ power light and an error dialog that eludes to: ‘…no communication with computer’ (btw: the ‘blinking light suggests the printer is in a ‘standby’ mode – the 720’s don’t have a ‘standby’ mode)

    3. Refresh of driver using the original CD…, no results

    4. All security patches/updates are current

     

    Questions:

     

    1. Was there some event that might have preceded this behavior: app or game install, uninstall, patch or security update, power surge, earthquake, etc…?

    2.  Was this printer included as part of a Dell bundled package…, say a PC or Laptop along with the printer ?

    3.  How recent did you purchase the printer, PC or both ?

    4. What release of XP o/s…, SP1 or SP2 ?

    5. Are you printing over a network or is this printer connected directly to your PC

    6. What kind of paper are you using ? (copier stock or true printer paper? – What’s the lbs wt?)

     

    Suggestions: (actually, this whole thing feels like hardware to me…, may want to do/check the following):

     

    1. Check connections (assuming your running a USB-to-fire wire connector)

    2. Check the power module (back/left) on printer (unplug and re-insert)

    3. Try printing from different apps, Word, Excel, PowerPoint

    4. Check, remove, replace the ink cartridges. Make sure their seeded and securely snapped in properly

     

    Those are my thoughts for now.  Please let me know.

     

    DennisO

  • Zorelk

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    Posted April 4th, 2007 18:00

    I run XP, quite possibly it could have been a power spike that caused the problem.  I do have a 2nd newer Dell PC set up that my kids use, I installed the software on it and than tried a different cable, one I know works, still the same problem, the printer light blinks, and nothing works.  So what ever caused the problem was not related to the one computer, it was the same on either computer.  I did get a new Dell 725 with the PC set my kids use, I have now installed it on this computer.  Zorelk
  • Denniso6

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    Posted April 4th, 2007 19:00

    Sounds like you're back in business with the 725. I know I tried to reproduce your 720's behavior on my my own but no dice. I think yours may be destined for the scrap heap.
     
    Hope this helped.
     
    DennisO
     
     
  • Zorelk

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    Posted April 5th, 2007 17:00

    Yes the 725 works fine.  Thanks for your assistance.
     
    Zorelk
  • docusk

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    Posted April 16th, 2007 08:00

    I am fast going out of my mind here.  My pal's 720 will not load into his Dimension. It loads OK into my PC plus 3 other straight (non-Dell) and works fine so it's not broken.  I have removed the printer via Ctrl. pnl and then gone through the registry and shifted out all references to the 720.  Then re-boot and go through the motions again. Comes up with the "Can't communicate" screen.  It's not just the 720 as I've tried a Lexmark (which as we should all know is the base unit for the 720) and that actually installs but at the very end  when it's supposed to be printing a test page,  it goes off song and up comes the "Can't communicate" screen
    Wits end wants to know,  will it be possible to install a completely different printer,  say an HP of some sort? I can't go on working on this wretched thing,  it's a friend so no charge and it's amounted to about 20 man hourse this week alone.
    I'm supposed to be semi-retired. Ha!
     
    docusk
  • gigglieg1rl

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    Posted March 21st, 2008 00:00

    I am having the same issue with my 725. the blinking and the error

    it was working and then started to to have a blinking light and that same not able to communicate error.

    tried it on other pc's

    installed and updated software/driver

    tried it on another Pc

    there was something power related a few weeks ago because the moden that was plugged into the same CB had to be refreshed- reading above I guess there is no hope for the 720 as it does not have an away mode.. my Warrently just barely expired as well