> From:    Chuck Finnigan <[log in to unmask]>
>
> When I had a similar problem on our HP870, the HP technician suggested
> emptying the Windows Temp folder and going into my browser settings and
> reconfiguring the cache to 2% or lower.  It worked.  These are Pentium 166
> workstations that print over a network on proxy server.  We would get out of
> paper errors, or the print job would stop halfway thru.  something to try.
> He claimed competing resources.  I've thought of increasing the printer RAM,
> but haven't gotten around to doing it.
>
> Chuck Finnigan
> [log in to unmask]
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Chuck Hassenplug <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Tuesday, July 06, 1999 11:52 PM
> Subject: [PCBUILD] Slow HP DeskJet
>
>
> > I have an HP DeskJet 855Cse printer running under Win98. All of a sudden,
> > when I tried to print a file in Word 97, the printer got really slow,
> > printing one line of text maybe every 12 seconds or so. I though it might
> be
> > related to software, so I deleted the printer from Device Manager, and
> > reinstalled the printer and the drivers. No dice, still slow. I then
> turned
> > off the computer, put power to just the printer, and tried a test page by
> > pressing a button on the printer for three seconds. Still slow. So I have
> > narrowed it down to the printer itself, but do not know  where to go from
> > there. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you,
> >
> > Chuck Hassenplug
> > [log in to unmask]

The slow printer self-test indicates the problem is in the printer.  A
wild guess, but if there was a problem with RAM on the printer, the
limited RAM left working could really slow it down.  Check for corrosion
(tinned RAM in gold connectors - or vice versa - will corrode faster), or
a badly seated SIMM, or a loose chip in a socket.  Press to make sure all
socketed chips are properly seated, but try not to flex the board (support
it from the other side).

Observe anti-static precautions (Unplug - to protect YOU.  Keep one hand
on the chassis - to protect equipment.).  Suggest gentle cleaning with
"dry" (~99%) isopropyl alcohol and a "Q-Tip" on SIMMs, a clean 1/2 inch
brush on the sockets, and avoid getting your fingerprints on the
contacts.  If you have more of the same type of RAM, try swapping in
known good RAM.  If not, shifting positions could make things better (or
worse).  A change indicates that one of the SIMMs moved is BAD.  A manual
(paper or downloaded) would be a big help, as there are probably jumpers
that define the size and setup of memory.  For instance, if there are
only two SIMMs in four sockets, but they are interleaved (so that memory
is read ABABAB...), switching them will hardly change the position of the
first bad byte.  If they are read AAAA...AABBBB...BB, switching can make
a big difference.

Also, look for mechanical problems - such as a slipping belt or gummed-up
motor in, say, the paper advance mechanism - anything that moves "by fits
and starts".

Hope this helps.

Boyd Ramsay

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