I have a Lexmark X83 printer which has stopped running.
The problem is that when I try to use it it’s STATUS is shown as being OFFLINE.
I have re-installed this printer and it then works again . However when I next turn on my PC it is shown as being OFFLINE again. On searching the Microsoft Knowledge base I found the following article which describes this problem and states that there is a Hot Fix for it, but Microsoft wont give it to me without paying serious dosh. Can anybody help please?

Microsoft Knowledge base no 834462

Your USB printer is listed as offline when you try to print from Windows

SYMPTOMS
Microsoft Windows XP or Microsoft Windows 2000 incorrectly indicates that your USB printer is offline. This problem occurs even though the printer is turned on and is correctly connected to the USB port.
CAUSE
This problem may occur when the following conditions are true for the printer:

• The Auto Power On setting is turned off.
• The printer ran out of paper during a print job.
• The printer was turned off and then turned on.

RESOLUTION
Windows XP service pack information
To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Windows XP. For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
322389 How to obtain the latest Windows XP service pack

Windows XP hotfix information
A supported hotfix is now available from Microsoft, but it is only intended to correct the problem that is described in this article. Only apply it to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix may receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next Windows XP service pack that contains this hotfix.

To resolve this problem immediately, contact Microsoft Product Support Services to obtain the hotfix.

Are you running XP SP2?

Yes, I am using XP SP2