[allstar1960]

When I reinstalled gnome, I tried setting up my printer (HP 8550) and I see a screen flash for a minute and then it disappears.

I was using the control center

[allstar1960]

I am going to wipe, do a reinstall, install printer and then run updates.

Probably won't be for a couple days though. Because it is usually a 3-4 hour process to get everything setup.

Let you know how it turns out.

[allstar1960]

Reinstalled and this time I installed the printer before I updated anything.

It works.

[allstar1960]

I am just about to walk away from this distro.

The latest update caused issues and now I had to reinstall once again.

NOW -- NO PRINTER! PCC flashes and then disappears.

[sarcastic_bastard]

Sorry about your problems. I don't currently have access to a printer to test with, so can't suggest anything. Good luck.

[bit_flipper]

I am just about to walk away from this distro.

The latest update caused issues and now I had to reinstall once again.

NOW -- NO PRINTER! PCC flashes and then disappears.

In general, if your printer is not listed on http://linuxprinting.org then it is not supported on Linux; however, some manufacturers, for some of their printers, supply Linux printer drivers directly from the manufacturer's web site, which means that every time there is an update to the CUPS printing system on Linux, you will need to reinstall the drivers supplied by the manufacturer, as you've found out the hard way.

If you are running an industrial enterprise, there are industrial strength solutions for the above problem. For home office/small business users who are not in the mood to look at http://linuxprinting.org, I've posted a solution here: http://linuxgator.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=1737