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Keith Schtoondz

4 Posts

21578

November 19th, 2012 13:00

Dell 968w

Got a new computer (Optiplex 990) and now my printer (Dell 968w) doesn't work. I've downloaded and installed new drivers, triple checked all connections, restarted 20 times, etc., etc. ad nauseum. It prints an alignment page when I send the request from the computer but everything else sends an error message--printing, scanning.

Any ideas?

DELL-Nikhil D1

4 Operator

 • 

2.6K Posts

November 19th, 2012 13:00

Hi Keith Schtoondz,

Technical devices can seem complex initially; once we master them it’s a cake walk. I will assist and guide you to get to resolution.

There are a set of Services which has to be started. These are required by the printer to scan and print the documents from the computer.

Please perform the steps below and ensure that the services required are started:

  • Press the “Windows + R” to launch the run window.
  • Type “Services.msc” in the run window and hit the Enter key.

Right click each service mentioned below, click properties. Set the startup type as “Automatic” from the drop down menu and click “Start”. Please click “Apply” to save the changes.

The services to be enabled are:

  • Human Interface Devices (HID).
  • Printer Spooler.
  • RPC (Remote Procedure Call).
  • RPC Locator (Remote Procedure Call Locator).
  • Windows image acquisition (WIA).
  • Windows Installer.

After starting the services, restart the computer and try to print from the computer. If the problem still persists uninstall the printer drivers from the computer.

 Follow the steps to uninstall the printer drivers from the computer:

  1. Click “Start”.
  2. Select “Control Panel”.
  3. Select “Add or Remove Program” (for windows xp operating system).
  4. Select the printer model Dell 968 and uninstall it
  5. Restart the computer for saving the changes.

These steps will uninstall the printer drivers.

Insert the printer driver’s cd for a Dell 968 printer and install the drivers in the computer.

If the cd is unavailable use the following steps to download the printer drivers.

Download the printer driver from the link below.

http://www.dell.com/support/drivers/us/en/19/Product/dell-968w

NOTE: Please do not connect the printer using the USB cable to the computer prior to installing the drivers. Please choose the right operating system from the list under operating system.

Please copy the above mentioned link, paste it in the address bar of the new internet explorer window.

  1. Select the operating system of your computer from the list.
  2. Save the file to the desktop.
  3. Double-Click the downloaded file.
  4. Click “Yes”, when the utility prompts to extract the files.
  5. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation.
  6. Connect the printer using the USB cable when prompted.

Try Scanning and printing the document from the computer and reply with results.

 

PudgyOne

9 Legend

 • 

30.3K Posts

November 19th, 2012 15:00

Keith Schtoondz,

 

Windows 8 is not a supported system. Unless DELL-Nikhil De has an idea, this may or may not work.

 

First run Delete Print Jobs to remove any stuck print job in the queue.

Disconnect the printer.

Download and run the patch(printer cleanup utility) until it prompts you to restart your computer.

Restart your computer. Make sure the printer is removed. Manual Printer Driver Removal

 

Download the Vista 32-bit drivers for Windows 8 32-bit or the Vista 64-bit drivers for Windows 8 64-bit. Install the Vista drivers in the Vista SP2 Compatibility mode You'll get a message, the printer is not connected. Connect the printer at this time(powered on).

Links to the patch/drivers can be found at...

Dell 968 & 968w All-In-One Printer owners thread (W7)

Remember virus programs and firewalls will block communications. If you did not install a virus program, then Windows Defender is the default virus program, try these instructions  Allow Printer past Microsoft Essentials

 

 

 

Rick

Keith Schtoondz

4 Posts

November 20th, 2012 12:00

Hey thanks for the great advice Rick and Nikhil De. It's refreshing to hear from someone who doesn't just say "download a new driver and reboot."

The place where I'm stuck in this process is deleting print jobs in the queue. Windows seems to have a document hung up in there and it just won't delete. So, I can't do the Add/Remove printer because it's busy.

Is there any way to get the queue cleared out besides using the worthless windows control panel?

Again, thank you very much!!

Keith Schtoondz

4 Posts

November 20th, 2012 12:00

It works!!! Thanks Nikhil De and RockSt☆r-Rick K!!

Keith Schtoondz

4 Posts

November 20th, 2012 12:00

Never mind about the print queue. I found this solution that worked:

www.howtogeek.com/.../how-to-cancel-or-delete-a-stuck-print-job-in-the-windows-print-queue

Now I'm going through the other suggestions

PudgyOne

9 Legend

 • 

30.3K Posts

November 20th, 2012 18:00

Keith Schtoondz,

 

Glad you got it working! :emotion-21: Thanks for posting back.

 

The Vista drivers in the Vista SP2 compatibility mode works for this system? I would like to know so I can add this to my notes, since this printer is not on the list of compatible printers.

 

Thanks,

 

 

Rick

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