Problem printing over network

[fastard]

My office uses a Windows 98 network over NetBEUI. I have a machine dedicated as a print server. I've not had any problems printing over the network until last week, when the five people in my office started getting this error message when trying to print:

There was an error writing to \\VAIO\HPLJ2100PCL6 for printer (HP LaserJet 2100 (Network VAIO)):
There was a problem printing to the printer due to an unknown system error.
Restart Windows, and then try printing again.
This printer will be set to work offline.
To save your print job in the local printer queue, click OK.

If we go to the Printer Folder->Printer menu and deselect "Use Printer Offline" (which is what it's set to when this error occurs), then sometimes the print job will go through; other times we have to repeat the procedure; and lately, even that solution won't work.

I've tried two different print servers and two different printers, and I'm getting the same result, so I have to assume there's a problem with my network.

Now, here's one possible clue to solving this problem: in the past, each computer shared its C: drive as read-only. Last week, we decided to set certain subdirectories to writable (these are directories containing documents and other shared data). One coworker recalls that ever since we did that, these problems started to occur.

Could anyone shed some light on this problem?

Thanks,

-John

 

[Hermann]

It does sound like a network problem. It has been a long time since I worked with netbeui exclucively as a protocol, win311 days. The best solution would be to ditch netbeui and move to TCP-IP. I had lots of trouble with it when I first started. TCP-IP isn't as easy but it is faster and more reliable. Theres lots of good help here if you want to try - just ask!

Hermann

 

[Hoober]

I'd second the ditch of Netbeui. Though TCP/IP requires a little more troubleshooting sometimes, its pretty easy to setup. Especially if you have a DHCP server on your network.

 

[ScottMac]

Check the machine used a print server:

Check for available disk space, you need lots of megabytes available. You might want to defrag the drive too...severely fragged drives can really slow the system down. (right click over the drive, properties, tools, defrag)

Check to see that it's communicating (can it see the other machines in the network neighborhood?)

If it can see the other machines, can you get or send files to them?

Check the network settings, especially if the machine is open & available to public twiddling.....

Swap out the network cable(s) going to that machine (on the machine, and panel-to-hub, if there is one).

Check the parallel connection from the print server to the printer, if there's an error there, Windows will generate an error to the remote user. Maybe the printer was moved (toner cart, paper change, whatever) and it jacked the cable out of the connector.

Good Luck

Scott