C309A keeps going off- and on-line over and over again

Question

I have a new C309A configured to print wirelessly.  Everything installed correctly during setup and all network tests are successful. It worked for a few days but now I can't print since the printer looks to be going offline and then on again constantly (I can actually watch it change status over and over again if the printers folder...).  If I manage to catch it when the printer is showing online I can print, so I know that my computer will talk with the printer.  And I have another computer that prints wirelessly just fine.
I've tried tech support via chat and phone - big waste of time since they obviously have no technical knowledge and are just reading scripts. 
I was told by one support contact that there is a fixpack, but it was for another model  (4580 I believe).  He indicated it would work on the C309A as well.  HOWEVER when I downloaded it it of course would not install since I don't have that printer.  I tried all product matches for 4580 (he said he picked the wrong one the first time so I tried again and again.  Each time was just picking the wrong one apparently.  Or could it be that he had no idea what he was talking about?) and none of them would work.  There are no fixpacks for the C309A.
I've seen in other threads that this could be a firewall issue but I'm not so sure.  I've tried disabling mine and still had the issue. 
I'm running windows XP professional.  my firewall is symantec.  and my printer is currently a very large and expensive paperweight.
Anyone have any ideas???????? 
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Answer 1

When the printer goes offline, see if you can open the printer's internal web page by browsing to its IP address.
If you can, then we know communications between the PC and printer are working and that the offline messages are false positive indicators.
Next, I'd like to try a manual installation of the printer queue.  Here's the sequence for Vista:
Click >> Start >> Control panel >> Printer.
Click the 'Add Printer' icon.  The 'Add Printer' dialog box opens.
Click 'Next' button on the 'Welcome to the Add Printer' Wizard dialog box.
Select 'Local printer' in the Local or Network Printer dialog box.
Under Select a Printer Port option, select "Create a new port" and select "Standard TCP/IP Port" and click "Next" button.
In the "Welcome to the Add Standard TCP/IP printer port wizard" make sure that the printer is turned on.  Click "Next" button.
Under "Add Standard TCP/IP Printer Port" enter the printer's host name that is printed from the printer's netwotrk configuration page.
Now, select HP (not Hewlett-Packard) from the list of manufacturers, select Photosmart C309 from the list of Printer models and click 'Next' button.
The Printer name will be highlighted on the next window.  Click 'Next' button.
It will ask for the Printer name -- leave the default value.
Click 'Yes' for making the printer default.  Click 'Next' button.
The Print Test Page box appears.
Select 'Yes' to print a test page.
Click 'Finish' button to complete the installation. 
It should print a test page.
BTW -- what kind of wireless-router do you have?  Also, press and release the <setup> and <#> keys.  This will print an internal connectivity diagnostic report.  Scan and email me the report to my work email:  wireless at hp dot com.
Regards / Jim B / Wireless Enthusiasts
( While I'm an embedded wireless systems engineer at work, on this forum I do not represent my former employer, Hewlett-Packard, or my current employer, Microsoft )
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