LAN Disconnecting When Printing/Copying

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I am running WinXP Pro SP2 on a Dell Inspiron 600m and have a Sharp AL-1641CS
connected by way of USB. I recently subscribed to Comcast as my Internet
provider and found that when trying to print while online, I become
disconnected from my LAN. Additionally, I found that if I am online and
making a copy I also become disconnected. Previously I subscribed to
Earthlink dial-up (yuck) and never experienced this issue. Does anyone know
why my LAN connection is lost when I print or make copies?

Thanks
 
We've generally seen this happen when a USB modem is used... is this the
case in this instance?

It doesn't seem to occur when a standard Ethernet connection is used.
 
I have a cable modem connected to my laptop with a network cable, not USB.
If I were to use a parellel connection from my laptop to my printer instead
of a USB connection, would that make a difference?
 
Yes, and using an ethernet connection from the modem to your machine would also work. If you are plugging your machine directly to a cable modem that isn't also a router, you should get a router. Much safer, especially on a cable system. If your cable modem doesn't have an ethernet outlet, if it only has USB, ask your provider for a different modem that has at least ethernet output. Then connect that to a router, then connect your machine to the router. And, yes, I know that you only have one machine, so why the router? Because it includes NAT routing that masks your machine from the rest of the world. Makes it much more difficult for nasties to hijack the machine.
 
Thanks for the reply Gary. The issue has been resolved, although I can't say
how b/c the Comcast technician did it. On your other note regarding the
router, I am slightly confused. I am interested in purchasing a wireless
router so that I am not chained to one area of my home, but I was told this
would slow my connection and make my service available for others to pilfer.
That being said, I asusme you are speaking of a router that is not used for
wirless capabilities? Any suggestions? BTW, the network cable I referenced
earlier is what I believe you are referring to as an ethernet connection. I
was not aware of this.
 
A wireless router should not slow your connection and provided you secure it
correctly, will not allow your service to be 'stolen' by others.
 
What Cari said. As for recommendations, I have none. I use LinkSys equipment
for the most part, but it isn't always the best and is definitely
cantankerous when it comes to configuration and setup, though I'm not
certain that any other brand is any better in this regard. Suggest you
Google "wireless router" and "wireless print server". Pick a few that are
within your price range, then post here for comments, including exact
make/model info.

Getting a wireless print server and wireless router would be the most
convenient way to go, just know that it might take you a bit of hair-pulling
to get it all set up properly. But not much more than setting up a hardwired
ethernet solution.
 
I'm all now D-Link and their DIR-655 router is the easiest setup I have
used. I haven't got a wireless print server (yet) but their 1260 looks
excellent.
 
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