Errors or Unstable Print Queues with Standard TCP/IP Port: 'SNMP Status Enabled' Setting May Cause Job Buffering Issues or Printer Offline

Document ID:SO4642
 
12/07/12 Properties  

Problem

Print queue errors; Job buffering failure; Paper out; Tray empty fails to buffer jobs; Intervention request; Print queue backlog; Printer offline; Print object goes off line

Environment

Microsoft Windows NT 4; Microsoft Windows 2000; Microsoft Windows NT4 server; Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server; Microsoft Windows NT, Terminal Server; Microsoft Windows XP; Microsoft Windows Server 2003; Microsoft Windows Server 2008; Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition; Microsoft Windows Vista

Solution

What you may see

  • Printer is Offline
  • Possible stacking of pending print jobs
  • Unexplained errors
  • Erratic print queue behavior
  • The spooler displays printing error
  • The spooler never detects any printer errors. 

NOTE:  Watch for "Intervention requested" states on the printer, i.e., paper jams errors etc.

 

 

Affected Products

Operating System Environment Driver Printers Port Monitor being used
Microsoft Windows 2K, XP, Servers 2003, 2008, Vista All versions All Laser and Inkjet printers

Microsoft Standard TCP/IP

NOTE: This problem does not impact Lexmark Enhanced Printer Port Monitor.

 

Preliminary Checks

If... And you can... Then....
The printer is Ready Ping the printer's IP address or access the printer's embedded Web server. Continue to Suggested Remedies...
The printer is Ready Cannot ping the printer
  • Verify connection status on network settings page
  • Verify a non-169.254.x.x. IP address.
  • Verify valid IP address 

 

 Suggested Remedies

  1. Is the printer Ready? Check the printer for any 'intervention state' messages, i.e, 200 Paper Jam. 
  2. Ping the printer's IP address.
  3. Access the printer's Web server, e.g., http://printer_IP_address. 
  4. Turn the printer Off and On.
  5. Stop and start the print spooler if you are able to do so.
  6. Update the printer's firmware if a firmware update is available.   

Lastly, disable SNMP within the driver.

To do this:
  1. Click on Start > Settings > Printers and Faxes.
  2. Right-click on the affected printer object.
  3. Click on Properties.
  4. Click on Ports.
  5. Click on Configure Port.
  6. Remove the checkmark next to SNMP Status Enabled. Click here for screen shot.  
  7. Click OK.
  8. Click Close.
NOTE: If you are unable to turn off SNMP for other monitoring services or capabilities, it is suggested that you contact Lexmark Technical Support for further diagnosis.
 
 
Alternative suggestion
 
If possible and available, install Lexmark's Enhanced Port Monitor and make sure Bi-Directional communication is enabled.
 
 
 

SNMP Explanation

  MS Standard TCP/IP Port Monitor (SPM) and Lexmark printers are SNMP (Simple Network Messaging Protocol) compliant, but what can happens when the client does not receive a response.

 

Failure Communication Summary

First.. Second...  Third... 
SPM queries(polls) the printer(s) at various intervals for status updates

Printer attemps to return status on a separate thread asynchronously from the print transmission.

 

The print queue/object/port fails to receive appropriate SNMP printer status. This causes the print queue to freeze, or to become unresponsive or to become highly unpredicatble. 

 

SPM -  MS Standard TCP/IP Port Monitor

 

The Effect of "Printer Intervention" Messages on the Print Queue 

Printer intervention messages on the printer, which disable the printer's ability to buffer print jobs (Job Buffering) can have a deleterious impact on the printer queue. nal errors or erratic print queue behavior may ensue. This may be especially prevalent when the printer's "job buffering" feature fails to function when it enters an "intervention requested" state such as a 200 Paper Jam. NOTE: This can occur with any intervention request condition displayed on the printer.

 


Still Need Help? 

If you need additional assistance, please contact Lexmark Technical Support. NOTE: When calling for support, you will need your printer's machine/model type and serial number (SN).
Please call from near the computer and printer in case the technician on the phone requires you to perform a task on one of these devices.  



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