Yesterday I installed an HP P1505N network printer on the server using the lastest "server" host driver from HP. When I install the printer all is fine until I print the first test page then it is no longer shared. I have tried deleting the printer and port and reinstalling it in continues to be a problem. If I go into properties and click on shre and will be shared until a test page is printed again. I have restarted the server also. I am seeing nothing in the event viewer.

 

Does anyone have a suggestion for this problem. I have about 15 other printers that are working just fine.

 

Thanks

Paul

Hi Paul,

 

How exactly did you share this printer? Is it listed in AD and do the workstations see the printer and can they use it?

Thanks for the reply. I simply used the add printer wizard on the SBS 2003 server like always. I defined a local tcpip port and gave it a share name and told it to list in the directory. I'm not sure if it a timing thing or event driven but as soon as I installed it and printed a test page I noticed the sharing went away. I would go back in and tell it to share the printer and it did until the next test page. No errors in the event viewer and this server has about 15 other printer that are fine. It is visible in the directory and if you try to manually add it to a workstation I get an error that says it can't install because the driver is old. The driver is new and the most current from HP. I have actually deleted the printer from the server and brought it to my office to see if I have the same problem on my own SBS 2003.

 

I also contacted HP and they told me that the printer wasn't designed for a server even though the drivers are clearly host based for 2003 and XP. I was told it is designed to be shared as a workgroup printer. Total lack of support with no option to escalate. I'm sure the 6 $2000 printers I just ordered last week would receive better support.

 

Thanks and I'll report back after setting up at my location