[ca$hboy]

I have a friend that has a Linksys home network setup with one computer in the kitchen and a printer, connected to a Linksys PSUS4 print server, all hard wired through a Linksys router with a 4 port switch.

The system was all setup initially by someone else and was working OK, but a couple of months ago all of a sudden the printer lost its connection with the computer. Since the person that initially set it up wasn't available i have been trying to get it working for them, but not having any luck. Here's what I've done.

Ive gone through the setup wizard several times and removed and reinstalled the printer software sebveral times, and the printer just isn't available...it's not seen on the network. I can ping the print server OK, and it shows a connection link on the router...the led is lit. I can even open up the print server HTML setup page from the computer, but the computer and printer just won't talk to each other.

I called Linksys and they had me check it out but could not get it working. They suggested connecting the printer directly to the computer and then install the drivers and software, which I did. The printer connected and I was able to print normal. Then, when I reconnected the printer back to the print server I went into the printers folder on the computer and I saw the printer icon, but when I went to click on it it disappeared...it just vanished, and I was back to where I was before.

We thought maybe the print server was bad so my friend replaced it with a new one, but it didn't change anything. We tested all of the cabling and are confident it is all serviceable.

This is so bizarre. I've tried everything I know to get this printer to connect, but nothing works. I am hoping someone in here can give me some other things to try out, as I'm out of ideas. My friend is really getting frustrated and needs her printer to work.

Thanks for any ideas...Randy

[Bloodhound]

The LinkSYS PSUS4 has a few quirks with it. it is possible that it has lost its Domain or network protocol settings. Is the Printer visible on Network Neighborhood? This is the is the first stage. If not, try running Bi-Admin from the Linksys installation CD. It should detect the PSUS4 and read out its set up details. Pay attention to the network protocol you are using - you have to specify this at start of Bi_Admin utility. It is most likely TCP/IP or Netbeui. ID you are unsure, go to Networks under settings, and look to see what protocol is bound to your network adapter and router. This can be a confusing area as Windows tends to enable everything. If Bi-Admin cannot see the PSUS4, then you need to reset it to factory default. Do this by unplugging EVERY cable to it, wait 10 secs, then press and hold in the the reset button on the rear, then, holding the button in still, connect up ONLY the power lead. Wait at least 10 secs before releasing the reset button. Rerun the Bi-Admin search for device (NOT the setup wizard!), and see if it can now see the PSUS4. If so, select configure, and reset up the PSUS4 for your local conditions. (eg Network Domain name). The Linksys software is not optimised for Netbeui protocols. If you are using this, expect the software to time out with an error message like "Not available or in use". Ignore it. Power off the PSUS4 (disconnect all cables again), then power it back up and reconnect it. (No reset!!). Run Bi-Admin again and you will see it has actually taken your configuration.
You should now be able to see it on network neighborhood. Check with Bi_admin for Printer Status - again the Printer should return at least on line / offline and its type.
Now go back to Printer Settings and add Printer. Select Network Printer etc and hopefully it should come back to life. mOst of above experience gained form running Netbeui protocol under Win98Se, so there may be some subtle differences, but above may help.

[StumpedTechy]

IMHO that linksys PSUS4 is a piece of junk and should be replaced by something a little better constructed like an HP jetdirect or something. I have tried 2 setups and spent hours on both but any Jetdirect I put in place only takes me about 10 minutes to telnet to and configure and then setup the print driver to print to it.

I have no toutorials because I never got one working (the funny thing is I love thrie routers and WAP's and use those all the time, again without their installation cd's though )