All printing functions stopped after failed Epson XP-312 installation

Slartybart · 07 Mar 2014

TVeblen said:

Is the Samsung ML-2160 a multi-function printer? Probably.

Seems to be a simple monochrome laser printer TVeblen
ML-2160 - OVERVIEW | SAMSUNG

Check me on this, but I think the Huawei is a 3g 'modem' (or it could be a tethered hotspot).

TVeblen · 07 Mar 2014

Good points.
Until we get feedback from the OP we can only flail our arms in the air!

ikbol · 08 Mar 2014

Sorry for delay guys. Sounds like I should uninstall and reinstall the Samsung printer? (It's one of the most common/popular). Not quite sure how - the only prog that shows is Samsung Printer Live Update - will a thorough removal of that with YourUninstaller be ok?

But the Samsung did work fine originally, and at least in part, up till now.

Anything else I can try?

The Huawei is a dongle that connects to an external 3g network - obviously hasn't completely been uninstalled though nothing now shows on YourUninstaller. Maybe I need to try a registry cleaner prog?

Thx again

TVeblen · 08 Mar 2014

I am not familiar with YourUninstaller software and personally shy away from automatic utilities, in particular registry 'cleaners'. I like to do these thing manually. Your mileage may vary.

To uninstall a printer in Home Premium:
First go to Control Panel > Programs > find any printer related software > uninstall it.

Then:
Go to Devices & Printers > click on any printer to highlight it > up in the menu bar, click on Print Server Properties > go to the Driver Tab > find your printer listed > click on it and Uninstall (if asked, remove everything).

Then:
Restart the computer > reinstall the Samsung according to manufacturers directions
(note: you can install printers without all the crapware that tags along by choosing the "custom Installation" option instead of the Automatic "Easy" option) in the printer installation program.

ikbol · 08 Mar 2014

IT FINALLY WORKS!

Had to 1) uninstall with Youruninstaller - more thorough

but when tried to uninstall/Remove in Print Server Properties -

it *would not allow this* - "Printer driver still in use" - and also Package - ssj1m.inf (x 64) could not be removed because driver still in use.

Was only able to remove driver via "printmanagement.msc" (after googling)

Reinstalled samsung via dvd

everything ok

but boy did that Epson printer installation cause havoc - dunno whether I dare try to reinstall

Many thx Tveblen and rest of you guys.

TVeblen · 08 Mar 2014

Glad to hear it. Sounds like it corrupted all printer drivers. You might want to check the Epson driver for correct compatibility, etc. If you installed from a DVD then go to the epson website and download the driver package and use that. If you had downloaded the driver previously then delete that file and download it again.

And always- create a new System Restore Point before installing any new driver or software, so you have an easy path back.

Slartybart · 08 Mar 2014

Good news ikbol,

Here are a few things to try regarding the Epson printer:

Create a Restore Point (RP)
Let Windows Update (WU) find the driver and install it. Driver updates are in Optional Updates of WU. For now, only download and install the Epson driver if there is more than one device driver offered.
- If after installing the driver the issue returns, then restore back to the RP you saved.
  If WU doesn't offer a driver, or the driver WU installed had to be rolled back go to the next bullet.
Try the Espon site for updated drivers (...more information: Epson and Windows 7)
Follow the Epson install instructions - install first, then connect as best I can determine from the Startup Guide (pdf)

Drivers & Software - Windows 7 64-bit
Web Installer: Epson Software updater (v4.14) 08-Jan-2014 4.48 MBs

Drivers:

Driver (v7.10) 02-Jul-2013 20.36 MBs

EPSON Scan (v3.790) 02-Jul-2013 22.25 MBs
-- directly controls all of the features of your EPSON scanner. With this software you can scan images in color, grayscale, or black and white and obtain professional quality results. This program is the standard cross-platform interface between your scanner and most applications. You can access it from any application that supports the TWAIN standard.

Epson Fax Utility (v1.46) 20-Jan-2014 30.14 MBs
-- software capable of transmitting data such as documents, drawings, and tables created using a word processing or spreadsheet application directly by fax, without printing.

EpsonNet Config (v4.4.4) 16-Jan-2014 45.29 MBs
-- configuration software for administrators to configure the network interface of EPSON printers. Windows users can configure the network interface for TCP/IP, NetWare, MS Network, AppleTalk, IPP, and SNMP. Macintosh users can configure the network interface for TCP/IP, AppleTalk, and IPP.

Manuals & Documentation [PDF]
v1.0 | 03-Jul-2013 | 2.95MBs | User's Guide
v1.0 | 03-Jul-2013 | 0.68MBs | Startup Guide

Install one Epson driver at a time to see if one of them caused the issue or if it was as TVeblen states " Sounds like it corrupted all printer drivers". I think we're all saying the same thing.

If you don't use a feature of the printer (Fax, network?) you don't need to install the software.
If Device Manager then complains (

) about the 'extra' hardware on the printer you can disable it.

Bill
.

ikbol · 09 Mar 2014

Many thx for Epson advice guys - and for taking all that time.