How-To Guide: Printer Problems

Q.   My printer won’t print.  What should I do?

A. Make sure the parallel or USB cable is completely plugged into the printer and into the computer.

Make sure the power cord is completely plugged into the printer and the surge protector.

Verify that the cartridges are installed and the tape is removed.

• Open the front cover. The cartridge carrier should come to the middle. Check that the cartridges are both installed and firmly in place. Close the cover.
• If the cartridge carrier does not come to the middle, close the lid and unplug the printer. Wait approximately 1 minute and plug it back in. The cartridges should reseat themselves.

Check to make sure the printer is installed correctly.

• Click on ‘Start.’
• Click on ‘Settings.’
• Click on ‘Printers.’
• Is the printer you are using listed? 

If the printer you are using is listed, is it set as the Default printer?

• While still in Printers, right-click on the printer icon.
• Click on ‘Set as Default Printer.’
• A checkmark should appear next to the printer icon.

Is the printer paused?

• Right-click on the printer icon. Is there a checkmark next to ‘Pause Printing?’ If yes, click ‘Pause Printing’ to remove it. If not, click anywhere else on the page to close this box.

Delete all print jobs and restart the computer.

• Right-click on the printer icon.
• Click ‘Cancel All Documents.’
• Click ‘Yes’ in the window that appears asking if you are sure you want to delete the jobs.
• Save any open work and close all open windows.
• Restart the computer.

If the printer you want to use is not listed, you will need to reinstall the printer software.

• Follow the instructions that came with your printer to install the printer software.

 

[Posted on October 2, 2006]