how u can use two printer communicate with the same one computer?

Question

I installed photo printer in my computer beside the other printer I already have, the photo printer works fine, but the other copy printer did not work, always message tells there is no communication between computer and the printer, I did a lot of things to fix this problem USB, disconnect power,,,,,,,,,,,,etc but does not works, finally I uninstall the photo printer from my computer, the other printer works fine and comunication was ok, how to fix this problem? to have two printers work fine and comunicate with the same computer ( dell printer 72 and dell photo printer 540 ) note. I have USB for each printer, I swiched the location of the USB for each priter many times to see in case the location effecting the comunication of any printer I even change USB location and wires for each of them, when I go to print sure I am able chose for which one I want to use this or that one, finally dell technical help customer service spent 4 hours trying to fix this problem but he could not fix it

Answer 1

You can only have one default printer at a time.
Which ever printer you want to print to has to be set as default at the time you print.
Go to START - PRINTERS AND FAX - and set defaults.

Answer 2

There is no problem with your printers, what's happening is when there are more than one printers a computer normally selects the DEFAULT printer (choses one for use) and disables the other device.

Assuming you use windows XP Click "Start" then click "printers and faxes" you should see both you printers listed there and one would be checked as default.You can manually right click over any printer and check "set as default printer" so you can use that one.

Another option is when you are ready to print in the properties where you see the name of you printer, click the down arrow next to it, you should see the other printer there also, you can select the one you want to use for the print job and it should work.


Someone also, suggested a printer sharing which may resolve your problem.

Answer 3

the Only one solution is buy a "Printer Sharer" and install it, a printer shares can share maximum 4 printers from one Computer. I had two printers one was dot matrix other was Deskjet. I use both of them without any problem.

What you have to do it only switch to the printer on which you want to take the print.

Answer 4

sounds like the printers dead.