Hwey I manage a Unix box where I ama having multiple printer problems. the only way to get printers to print again is by rebooting. I stop and start services with no luck. Any one have any ideas? It can go weeks with being OK but then any given printer can go and cause the entire print queue to seem offline.

Thanks,

did I post in the wrong area? need more info. Ci could use some help here please.

Hi,

still have the same problem ??

If yes please be more specific to explain the fault

eg.

SCO version
printing system (SYSV or CUPS)

greetings

Are the printers on serial ports or are they LAN-connected printers?
If they are LAN-connected printers do other computers (e.g. Windows PCs) browse to them?

If they are remote printers (lpr/lpd) then try the following:
#/etc/tcp stop
#/etc/tcp start

This will restart tcp without having to reboot the entire system.

Be careful. jtg suggestion could kick telnet users off the system.

To progress this thread any further we need to know:

1) Exactly how the printers are connected to the computer
2) Make and model of the printer(s)
3) Commands used to create the print queues
4) Sample print command
5) Sample print queue enquiry command which fails, with exact error messages (if any). Expecially any messages which mention "offline".
6) When you say "stop and start services", what did you type and what was the response from the computer?

Yes that is true, however, if the printers are remote, then the next time this happens, he can ask users to sign off, and then restart tcp. If the printers start printing, then at least he knows the problem.