HELP!! OfficeJet J6400 home network printer won't print anymore [ Edited ]

[dowzerw]

We have 6 laptops connected to a printer through a wireless home network/router. Some of the laptops run Vista, some run XP. For no obvious reason, the printer is not printing from this Vista Sony Vaio I am writing on now. It thinks it is printing and tries then eventually gives an error message (that just says "erro)'  I have tried unplugging and replugging in the printer and router. I have done a sytem restore on this computer back to a few days ago when the printer was printing from this laptop.I have tried removing then reinstalling the printer driver. Still no luck. Now a second laptop is not getting the printer to respond. There have been no systemic or physical changes to the units. There may have been the random Windows updates but I can't remember which where. Any thoughts?

Message Edited by dowzerw on 10-07-2009 02:20 PM

[dowzerw]

addenda:

Printer model is actually J6480, if that matters. IP address is 192.168.1.2 Network status is ready. Connection type: wired. When I send a job to print, the printer screen reads "printing"...but it's not.

[PrintDoc]

Try disabling firewalls (WIndows and your security software's).

[dowzerw]

I had not changed my security settings...

[PrintDoc]

From the computers with the problem - can you type the printer's IP address into a browser and see the printer's embedded web server?

[dowzerw]

I'll try. Crossing into tech territory over my head. BRB.

[dowzerw]

I typed the IP address in and got printer info but nothing reads "embedded web server".   ?

[PrintDoc]

Oh, that is just what it is called. The fact that you got the printer info means that the printer is on the network properly and so is your computer.

You may want to look at this pagae (its for XP, there is a similar one for Vista).  Specifically, look at the Updates and the Network Diagnostic Utility is very useful. 

[dowzerw · Accepted solution]

While I was waiting for your last response, I went in to my firewall and changed the settings (though I shouldn't have had to as I hadn't changed  it in first place). Got your note and downloaded the HP Diagnostic Utility. Don't know what did it, but I now have printing ability again. I don't like having my firewall settings changed, esp as it notes it blocked 393 items in the last 6 days, but I'm going with it for now. Thanks a lot for your help.

[PrintDoc]

Make sure the hardware firewall in your router is enabled and you should not need one on the computer (unless you are worried about threats from other devices on your network).