Win98 Drops Network Printer

Hey, I hope someone out there can give me some direction.
I have a Win98SE computer that keeps dropping it's connection to a Dot Matrix Printer that is run off a Win 2000 Server System.
First some background.
Win 2000 Server has a Laser and Dot Matrix attached to LPT1 & 2 concurrently.
8- Win98 Workstations & 2 - Win 2000 Pro's log to this server and
can print to both printers (This works no problem on all workstations except for 1)
All IP's are static, all drive and printer connections are set to auto connect.
The Dot Matrix printer is used in conjuction with a DOS based Inventory program that sends Invoice print jobs to it. AS the DOS program is only capable of printing to LPT1, I use DOS batch files to redirect Printer output.
ie. When ever an Invoice is generated a batch file is executed that reads.....

Net Use LPT1: /d/y > null
Net Use LPT1: \\Server\Invoice /y >null

The Invoice now prints, and then this file is executed

Net Use LPT1: /d/y > null
Net Use LPT1: \\Server\Reports /y >null

So basically it disconnects from the Laser, reconnects to the DOT Matrix, prints the Invoice and then reverts back.
This system has worked flawlessy on 4 seperate networks, with up to 60 workstations for 10 years now (the first 4 on Lantastic).

The workstation giving me the problem has run this routine thousands of times over the last 2 years. Now, on basically a daily basis it loses it's connection to the Dot Matrix, and generates the error 'Printer does not exist on Network'. At first just restarting the workstation fixed everything and you were good for the better part of a day. It has now degraded to where I have to Delete the Printer on the Workstation and then reinstall to make it work. I have completely removed all drivers and tried fresh driver files only to no avail. I have not (and really don't want to) wipe out the O/S and start over, as I'm sure it something more simple than that.

I hope this wasn't too lengthy a note, however I felt the more background the better. Thanks, I hope someone has a solution.

Raskal

 

I would first try removing and then re-adding all traces of network services from the offending PC.

Safe mode and remove all network pieces and then the NIC(s).
Shut down and remove the physical NIC(s).
Reboot and then shut down again after it has started.
Put the NIC back in (different slot if one is available), restart, and install/set up networking.

If that doesn't fix it you may have some other system files that aren't right. In that case, reinstall 98 OVER the existing install (i.e., back into Windows rather than Windows.000 or something). Your settings/programs/data should stay and continue working fine.