Network printing Printer Pauses /usr/libexec/cups/backend/lpd failed

Question

Morning,
I wonder if anyone has encountered the following problem?
NETWORK SET UP
We have a network of 8 macs & a Fuji Xerox c2255 printer all connected to a gigabit switch.
The Fuji Xerox has an fixed ip address 192.168.1.122 All devices have fixed ip address.
PROBLEM
Only one mac (Mac Pro) can print direct to the Fuji Xerox Printer. This Mac Pro is on 10.5.8. and it is sharing its printer connection with the rest of the studio. Oddily enough, the Appletalk function is turned on. When the appletalk function is turned off on the ethernet port, it can not longer directly print nor share the Fuji Xerox with the rest of the network
The remainder of the Macs are all on 10.6.4 or 10.6.3. When the printer is first installed on the an iMac client, it can print from text files, offices docs, from safari or firefox with out any problem. But when it attempts to print a pdf file (preview) or Indesign files then it pauses the printer. Within the printer queue, if attempt to restart the printer, the printer pauses. It remains in this state indefinitely. When looking at the CUPS logs via the console, the error is printer-state-message="/usr/libexec/cups/backend/lpd failed". This is the message displayed on all the clients that attempt to print directly (via LPD) to the Fuji Xerox. Once this error message is logged, the iMac can no longer print out text files nor word documents.
The following console log is typically of what all the 10.6.x clients are reporting,
D [15/Jul/2010:18:38:07 +1000] [Job 4] STATE: +connecting-to-device
D [15/Jul/2010:18:38:07 +1000] [Job 4] Looking up "192.168.1.122"...
D [15/Jul/2010:18:38:07 +1000] [Job 4] Connecting to 192.168.1.122:515 for printer
D [15/Jul/2010:18:38:07 +1000] [Job 4] Connecting to printer...
D [15/Jul/2010:18:38:07 +1000] [Job 4] STATE: -connecting-to-device
D [15/Jul/2010:18:38:07 +1000] [Job 4] Connected to printer...
D [15/Jul/2010:18:38:07 +1000] [Job 4] Connected to 192.168.1.122:515 (IPv4) (local port 1008)...
D [15/Jul/2010:18:38:07 +1000] [Job 4] prtMarkerSuppliesLevel.1.1 = 7500
D [15/Jul/2010:18:38:07 +1000] [Job 4] prtMarkerSuppliesLevel.1.2 = 1170
D [15/Jul/2010:18:38:07 +1000] [Job 4] prtMarkerSuppliesLevel.1.3 = 400
D [15/Jul/2010:18:38:07 +1000] [Job 4] prtMarkerSuppliesLevel.1.4 = 585
D [15/Jul/2010:18:38:07 +1000] [Job 4] prtMarkerSuppliesLevel.1.5 = 25000
D [15/Jul/2010:18:38:07 +1000] [Job 4] prtMarkerSuppliesLevel.1.6 = 18400
D [15/Jul/2010:18:38:07 +1000] [Job 4] prtMarkerSuppliesLevel.1.7 = 19600
D [15/Jul/2010:18:38:07 +1000] [Job 4] prtMarkerSuppliesLevel.1.8 = 19200
D [15/Jul/2010:18:38:07 +1000] [Job 4] prtMarkerSuppliesLevel.1.9 = 19600
D [15/Jul/2010:18:38:07 +1000] [Job 4] prtMarkerSuppliesLevel.1.10 = 200000
D [15/Jul/2010:18:38:07 +1000] [Job 4] prtMarkerSuppliesLevel.1.11 = -3
D [15/Jul/2010:18:38:07 +1000] [Job 4] prtMarkerSuppliesLevel.1.12 = 200000
D [15/Jul/2010:18:38:07 +1000] [Job 4] prtMarkerSuppliesLevel.1.13 = -3
D [15/Jul/2010:18:38:07 +1000] [Job 4] prtMarkerSuppliesLevel.1.14 = -3
D [15/Jul/2010:18:38:07 +1000] [Job 4] prtMarkerSuppliesLevel.1.15 = -3
D [15/Jul/2010:18:38:07 +1000] [Job 4] prtMarkerSuppliesLevel.1.16 = -3
D [15/Jul/2010:18:38:07 +1000] [Job 4] prtMarkerSuppliesLevel.1.17 = 200000
D [15/Jul/2010:18:38:07 +1000] [Job 4] prtMarkerSuppliesLevel.1.18 = -3
D [15/Jul/2010:18:38:07 +1000] [Job 4] prtMarkerSuppliesLevel.1.19 = -3
D [15/Jul/2010:18:38:07 +1000] [Job 4] prtMarkerSuppliesLevel.1.20 = -3
D [15/Jul/2010:18:38:07 +1000] [Job 4] prtMarkerSuppliesLevel.1.21 = -3
D [15/Jul/2010:18:38:07 +1000] [Job 4] prtMarkerSuppliesLevel.1.22 = -3
D [15/Jul/2010:18:38:07 +1000] [Job 4] ATTR: marker-levels=50,75,25,50,100,46,49,48,49,100,-1,100,-1,-1,-1,-1,100,-1,-1,-1,- 1,-1
D [15/Jul/2010:18:38:07 +1000] [Job 4] lpd_command 02
D [15/Jul/2010:18:38:07 +1000] [Job 4] Sending command string (2 bytes)...
D [15/Jul/2010:18:38:07 +1000] [Job 4] Reading command status...
D [15/Jul/2010:18:38:07 +1000] [Job 4] lpd_command returning 1
D [15/Jul/2010:18:38:07 +1000] [Job 4] Backend returned status 1 (failed)
D [15/Jul/2010:18:38:07 +1000] [Job 4] Printer stopped due to backend errors; please consult the error_log file for details.
D [15/Jul/2010:18:38:07 +1000] [Job 4] End of messages
D [15/Jul/2010:18:38:07 +1000] [Job 4] printer-state=5(stopped)
D [15/Jul/2010:18:38:07 +1000] [Job 4] printer-state-message="/usr/libexec/cups/backend/lpd failed"
D [15/Jul/2010:18:38:07 +1000] [Job 4] printer-state-reasons=media-low-report,toner-low-report,paused
APPROACHED USED TO DATE
1. I have reset the Printer subsystem for all clients
2. I have reinstalled the latest PS drivers for this model of Fuji Xerox c2255. I have been on the phone with Fuji Xerox Technical support, FX DocuPrint C2255 v3017.104PS , and confirmed that this is the latest (and only) availible drivers for 10.5-10.6
3. I have had the Studio manger arrange to have the Fuji Xerox printer fully serviced and had the firmware updated to latest version.
4. Via Fuji Xerox Technical support, they advise I use the following settings for LDP printing for FX c2255,
Latest driver for 10.6 : 3017.104.ps
Setting to check :
Queue name : PS
Enable EtherTalk
LPD port : from auto to PS
Software version :
Controller plus PS role 1.100.21
5. I have (manually) deleted the all the FujiXerox drivers from /Library/Printers/ then repair permissions, then reinstalled the latest version of the Fuji Xerox driver from 10.6
WEIRDNESS
1. With the 10.6.x client, when the drivers are first installed, if I create a simply indesign file, I can print directly to the Fuji Xerox. If I then attempt to print out a previously created indesign document, it will pause the printer and the console (CUPS error_log) will display the above result. If I switch my printer to the Mac Pro 10.5.8 sharing the printer, the same document can print out via the hosted Fuji Xerox.
2. The Mac Pro 10.5.8 can print all documents directly to the Fuji Xerox regardless of the format of the document. It is also able to share the printer with the dept. This is the sole means of the dept being able to print out artwork.
3. Prior to the firmware upgrade I have tried an iMac printing/hosting the Fuji Xerox via direct USB cable. The same behaviour as above were experienced.
4. This model of Fuji Xerox only supports LDP or direct USB connection.
5. I have tried using the Bonjour address to configure the printer but the results are no better nor no worse. At one stage, all the iMacs were able to print sucessfully for a day but then 'stopped working' (as reported by the studio manager). They then switch back to the Mac Pro hosting the printer to continue working.
6. I discovered that if the drivers are installed and then a Permission repair carried out (via Disk Utility), it would change all the driver permissions for the files in the /Library/Printers/FujiXerox. When attempting to print (with the revised permissions), the 'print' button would not 'work'; the print dialog would present until Cancel was selected. It was almost like changing the permissions has lock out the functionality of being able to print. Manually moving the FujiXerox to Trash and reinstalling the drivers reverted the printer back to the above behaviour.
7. I discovered that when installing the printer, using LPD, it is better to allow the default settings. If I stuplated that the Fuji Xerox is a two bin set up, rather then a single bin set up, I can not print out from any application. If, I left settings as default, my assumption is that the apps can mange the printer features.
I've been working on this for a while now and this is driving me crazy. I would appreciate any suggestions. Has anyone come across this issue before ? Any ideas ?
Thank you,
Fred

Answer 1

Hi Pahu,
Thanks for your reply. I noticed that you have replied to a number of other postings as well - you're a good sort !! Your knowledge and contribution to this forum is much appreciated and very welcome.
Yes, this is a curly problem. I've actually been trying to resolve it for several months. Interesting the c2255 is not stated as being supported under Apple's Fuji drivers release for SN. The driver has to be downloaded directly from Fuji Xerox. The following is from the c2255 Config page,
Communication Settings
Ethernet Rated Speed
Connection Type Auto
MAC Address "08:00:37.8C:76.0C"
TCP/IP
IP Mode IPv4 Mode
IPv4
IP Address Resolution STATIC
IP Address "192.168.1.122"
Subnet Mask "255.255.255.0"
Gateway Address "192.168.1.1"
IP Filter Disabled
Status Ready
WINS
DHCP Address Resolution Disabled
Primary WINS Server Address “”
Secondary WINS Server Address “”
DNS
Domain Name “”
IPv4
DHCP Address Resolution Disabled
Preferred DNS Server “”
Alternate DNS Server 1 “”
Alternate DNS Server 2 “”
Dynamic DNS Registration Disabled
SSL / TLS
HTTP - SSL 1 TLS Communication Disabled
LDAP - SSL ' TLS Communication Disabled
IPSec
IPSec Communication Disabled
IEEE 802. lx
]EEE802.lx Disabled
SNMP
Port Status Enabled
Transport Protocol UDP
SNMP Version v1 / v2c
Internet Services
Port Status Enabled
Port Number 80
Maximum Number of Sessions 5
Connection Time-Out 30 seconds
SOAP Enabled
Port Status Port Number 80
Maximum Number of Sessions 3
Connection Time-Out 30 seconds
USB-1 (2.0)
Port Status Enabled
Print Mode ‘Postscript 3’
PJL Enabled
Adobe Communication Protocol Standard
Auto Eject Time 30 seconds
USB-2 (2.0) Port Status Enabled
Print Mode Auto
PJL Enabled
Adobe Communication Protocol Standard
Auto Eject Time 30 seconds
NetWare Port Status Disabled
LPD
Port Status Enabled
Print Mode ‘Postscript 3’
PJL Enabled
TBCP Filter Disabled
Port Number 515
Maximum Number of Sessions 5
Connection Time-Out 16 Seconds
SMB
Port Status Enabled
Prim Mode Auto
PJL Enabled
Transport Protocol TCP/IP. NetBEUI
TBCP Filler Disabled
Workgroup "WORKGROUP"
Host Name "AP-8C760C"
Auto Master Mode Off
Password Encryption On
Maximum Number of Sessions 5
Unicode Support Disabled
Administrator Name "ADMIN"
EtherTalk
Port Status Enabled
Print Mode PostScript 3'
PJL Enabled
Printer Name "DocuPrint C2255”
Zone Name “*”
IPP
Port Slatus Disabled
Port 9100
Port Slatus Enabled
Print Mode Auto
PJL Enabled
Pon Number 9100
TBCP Filter Disabled
End of Job Timeout 60 Seconds
WSD
Port Number 80
Data Receive Time-Out 30 Seconds
Maximum TTL 1
Maximum Number of Subscribers 50
Notification Delivery Time-Out 8 Seconds
Print Service
Port Status Enabled
Print Mode Auto
PJL Enabled
TBCP Filter Disabled
UPnP
Discovery
Port Status Enabled
Port Number 80
SSDP
Valid Advertising Period 180 Minutes
Maximum TTL 1
Bonjour
Port Status Enabled
Printer Name "DocuPrint C2255
What is interesting is that this problem occurs with all the 10.6.x macs. There is a Mac Pro that has been upgrade to 10.6; an iMac that has had a complete rebuild with 10.6; two iMacs that have been upgraded from 10.5.x and two new iMacs that came preinstalled with 10.6.2. None of these Macs can direct connect to the Fuji Xerox c2255. Only the 10.5.8 Mac can direct connect to the FX c2255 and can host (or share) the FX c2255 printer to the rest of the network.
One of the bizarra aspects is that the all the Macs can print text files, offices docs, web pages, etc, etc directly to the Fuji Xerox c2255 without any problem. BUT try to print a pdf file from preview or from Indesign and it resorts back to the status described earlier. Oddily enough, if I create a simple pdf in Indesign (circle, squares, a paragraph of text), I can print out the file using Indesign, directly to the printer. If I import one of the previously created documents, the printer reverts to the status described earlier. HOWEVER, if I take the same document and print via the Mac Pro 10.5.8 hosting/sharing the printer, the document will print without any problem. What the... ??!?!?!
I thought it might be a firmware problem but following the onsite service of the printer, I think I can rule that out.
Can you see anything that I might be missing ???
Thank you,
Fred