I have an Epson all-in-one CX6600 inkjet printer that has been hooked to one of our two identical computers – Pentium 4 2800 MHz processor, ASUS motherboard, 512 MB and 768 MB RAM, 160 GB hard drive, running Windows XP Home with SR2. Decided we wanted to hook both printers to the Epson printer through A/B USB switch box (as we had or are doing successfully with a HP inkjet, a Brother inkjet and a Samsung laser printer). When the Epson is connected through the switch box neither computer recognizes the printer. Tried direct connection again and works fine. Then tried a different functioning switch box – same thing, neither printer sees the printer.

Anyone ever have this problem. If so and you corrected it, what did you do?

Hi pbeyes, welcome to SAF

Printer issues are tricky to solve, USB issues too... I never tried to connect a printer through a switchbox, but, just to see if there is any communications between your printer and ONE computer via switchbox, I would try this:

- Connect the computer to the A port of the switchbox, while your system and printer are powered and the switch on A position. Connect the printer cable. (do not connect the other system to the switchbox yet). If it works, your system will pop with a new hardware found. Install the drivers. try printing. If not, that's bad.

- Disconnect the first computer from the switchbox.

- Do the above with the second computer, with switch on B position. If the new hardware found pops, it's a good thing. Install the drivers and try printing.

- If not, try the same connecting the second comp to the A port.

If you cannot print with only one comp connected to the printer via switchbox, it's possible that the printer hardware is not compatible with the switchbox hardware. Then, you will ask for both vendors' advice on this.

I have a multiport USB hub which sometimes freezes with no known reason, and work again fine when I unplug and plug again the incoming cable, when all peripherals attached to it are powered on.

Chris

I tried to Google that printer, and as usual these manufacturers give you no real specs on the printer other than the usual glittering generalities.

If you printer has two USB ports, run a USB2 cable from each computer to a port on the printer. That is what I did with my Canoni960 (Canon gave me two USB ports on the printer-very nice). If Epson did not give you two ports, go to your nearest store and purchase a USB2 splitter, meaning that it has a single USB jack on one end which plugs into your Epson, and the other end Y's into two USB jacks. Plug it into your Epson, and then run a cable to each printer.

QUOTE

I have a multiport USB hub which sometimes freezes

I think splitter is the correct term