I purchased the DLINK dp-300u print server for my computer lab. We have a Lexmark Optra LX+ and the dp-300u works with the printer just fine.

Configuration could have been a tad easier - having to jump to a different subnet to access the initial config was a pain - however once a static IP was applied and other simple info such as password was supplied - setup on the PC's was a breeze.

All but 3 of my computers in my lab work with the print server. The entire lab is all windows xp pro.

The problem with the three that wont work is that they don't seem to make a proper connection to the print server. Note - all the networking/tcpip settings etc are correct and work fine. They're identical to all other PC's that will print to the print server. (minus the ip address of course haha - i checked for quite a while today to ensure there where no collisions) These pc's that wont print will access the web interface of the print server just fine, they'll ping the print server fine, but just wont print to it - the document will sit on the pc's print queue indefinitely. I've gone over the settings for the printer several times such as IP, LPR setting, Proper queue port name etc. all seems to be correct.

What's odd is when i try to use the admin software provided with the print server, it will report that no print server has been found. However on the computers that print fine - the admin software will detect the print server quickly.

Any ideas?

Mods please move if I put this in the wrong location - i debated between networking and hardware

I mention this only because I've run into it more than once with a multiport (LPR) printer server. Have you tried rebooting the machines?

I've seen half the machines in an office do fine, and the other half do a spool hang the instant the driver install tried to do print a test page...reboot and all was fine.

Made no sense, but it worked *Shrug*

Yeah, tried that. It's just these three boxen that won't play nice. It's like something is broken with its print spooler or something... i have no idea.

Sounds like you have a firewall running on the offending PCs that is blocking access to the print server. look for OEM baby-sitter applications or a 3rd party user screwup.

I just got back from a "Tech Support" couldn't get Vista connected to the internet (after 3hrs on the phone) service call. It only took me a second to dissable the POS NIS firewall and Wa-La they're online... *Sigh*

I checked for firewalls when i first ran into the problem. Two of the pc's are newer lenovo's - so its possible they could have some oddball garbage installed that would interfere with the printer.

I'll check for any apparent weirdness on em' friday.

E.X.A.C.T.L.Y. the same problem LOL
I originaly didnt think anything about Norton because i didnt see it running in the tray. I took a look and found it installed, i ran it and it suddenly asked, "wanna allow the spooler network access?".

I promptly removed that crap, enabled xp firewall and installed avast.

Problem solved!

edit: Thanks Monk