Member Avatar for nameeral

Dear experts,
I am having some trouble finding my printer in Windows XP Pro. I was having some trouble with spyware but I think that it is now fixed. Not sure though. I try the device manager and looking to see what hardware is listed, and it says that the device is functioning properly. I can't seem to find it. I also don't know where my printer CD is so I am stuck. I hope someone can help.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Sphyenx

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Summary: reports a Compaq IJ300 that previously worked but is not being found by Windows XP; the printer is on a parallel cable and the original CD is missing. Several replies suggested hunting for drivers online, but it is faster and more reliable to confirm the physical port and Windows print subsystem are functioning before installing drivers.

Start with the hardware and BIOS: confirm the printer powers up and can print its self-test page (power + front-button on many older models). Reseat the parallel cable, try a different IEEE-1284 parallel cable if possible, and avoid passive parallel-to-USB adapters (they often do not work with legacy printers). Enter the PC BIOS/Setup and verify the parallel/LPT port is enabled; if there is a port mode option (ECP, EPP, Standard), try toggling it—some printers require a particular mode to be visible to the OS.

Windows checks and quick tests: ensure the Print Spooler service is set to Automatic and running. To reset the spooler and clear stuck jobs, run an elevated Command Prompt and execute:

net stop spooler
del /Q C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS\*.*
net start spooler

Then run Add Printer -> choose Local printer -> select LPT1. For a connectivity test pick the built-in "Generic / Text Only" driver (or use the Add Printer wizard’s Windows Update button to refresh available drivers). To test raw output, create a small text file and copy it to the parallel port:

echo test > test.txt
copy /B test.txt LPT1

If the test prints, the port and cable are OK and you only need a compatible driver. If nothing prints, try the printer and cable on another PC to confirm the hardware. Check Device Manager for the LPT port or any unknown devices. Because this model is old, driver availability may be limited; if the spooler and port are healthy but no XP driver works, options are: try a similar manufacturer's driver, use a small network/USB print server that emulates a standard port, or replace the printer. Also remember the earlier spyware issue—malware can disable services, so run a current anti-malware scan if anything looks suspicious.

Recommended Answers

All 10 Replies

Member Avatar for DMR

A few things to start with:

- Was the printer functioning properly at some point in the past?

- How is the printer connected to the computer (USB or Parallel cable)?

- What is the make/model of the printer?

- Have you tried the "Add Printer" wizard under Printers and faxes in your Start Menu?

Member Avatar for AsXeToUaZ

If you can find the cd just simply download the settings of the printer from the net and try it.

Member Avatar for nameeral

A few things to start with:

- Was the printer functioning properly at some point in the past?
Yes it was working in the past.

- How is the printer connected to the computer (USB or Parallel cable)?
Parallel cable
- What is the make/model of the printer?
Compaq IJ300
- Have you tried the "Add Printer" wizard under Printers and faxes in your Start Menu?

Yes, I have. Nothing in the window. I am not liking Windows XP now.

Member Avatar for nameeral

If you can find the cd just simply download the settings of the printer from the net and try it.

Do you have a link that I can follow to download the settings from the net?

Member Avatar for nameeral

If you can find the cd just simply download the settings of the printer from the net and try it.

I have not been able to find the CD for the printer. It is four years old, and I have moved 3 times since I bought it. Can't find the CD for the Compaq IJ 300.

Member Avatar for caperjack

I have not been able to find the CD for the printer. It is four years old, and I have moved 3 times since I bought it. Can't find the CD for the Compaq IJ 300.

Compaq site only has drivers for win 3.1 and win95 ,time for and new printer me thinks .

Member Avatar for dlh6213

These have been asked before but not answered:
Has this printer ever worked with this particular computer?
How is it connected (USB or Parallel)?

According to Microsoft, drivers for this printer are included with Window XP so it should detect it automatically or the Wizard should be able to install it.

Member Avatar for Sphyenx

Originaly with usb, when you pop it in the port's well it should run up, installing driver stc automatically. Thats why i dont like XP, i use 2000, which is one step below. SO mine dont install everything. Are you sure your putting it in right? and are the cables broken. etc. The only thing i can think is drop by tigerdirect.com and pick up a new printer (they are way to cheap!)

Member Avatar for caperjack

The manufactors web site only has drivers for win3.1 amd win95 ,so i dought very much if this printer has a USB connection!!!

Member Avatar for Sphyenx

ok, my bad. But that printer isnt that old, and including that i opened up google, and boom I found some drivers for 98SE and win2k, Its got usb.
http://www.printer-drivers.com/companies/236.htm
(=, lol. theres 127 files found for you, choose the ones you need. I didnt read the list but i saw your printer in there!.
IJ300 driver Compaq_IJ300.rar [more] All Windows 2000 Apr 4, 2003
IJ300 driver SP10493.exe [more] Windows 98SE Nov 4, 2002
IJ300 driver SP11739.exe [more] Windows 98SE Nov 4, 2002
IJ300 driver CompaqIJ300.zip [more] Windows 98 Oct 10, 2002
IJ300 driver [more] Windows XP Feb 17, 2002

Tell me if it work's. (=

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