Question : network printer not seen by any machine

My Network is peer to peer, windows 2000, 100mb SMC switch. All computers recognize each other, and access needed resources. I just added a Ricoh copier (scan, copy, print) which has a built in network interface card. I set it up with a unique IP address, correct subnet, etc. It looks to one computer for scanning, and delivers scans consistently into the correct folder. When I set it up for printing, it printed a test page as each machine installed the printer and port. After a couple hours, I could no longer access the printer from any machine. I can ping it successfully from all machines, and I can control the machine from a web browser from any machine. I can even direct the printer to print from its own saved files (using the web browser), just cant print from my machines. I turned off the switch, rebooted machines, to no avail. I have no problem with network internet access through an uplinked router.THe ricoh network tech came out, connected directly to the printer through his laptop network card, and successfully printed. He claims the problem is with my SMC EZ switch. I then changed to another small switch, connected only one computer to the printer, with no success. My next attempt will be to connect directly with one computer with a crossover cable. I am not sure it is the network. Any suggestions?.

Answer : network printer not seen by any machine

There is one similar case that I know of,  and that was caused by a user going into the document server keypad and selecting "view locked print jobs" - this caused the printer to go offline until the setting was reset.

Smartnet is a Bidirectional port, it sometimes fails on slow links, or routed paths. ( it can also cause WAN problems if you put a gateway address onto the printer.)

I would suggest that you dump the smartnet port and try adding a standard TCP/IP port, then print through that. The Ricoh will support IPP, LPR, and RAW ports. (note that you will have to manually set the correct paper sizes and accesories in the print driver).

In addition, if that works, I would suggest dumping the PCL driver for the RPCS one, it has much better stability and functionality, in my experience.

(I work for a Ricoh dealership in the UK)