Printers should be this easy to fix! Printers are so inexpensive, that fixing them is often, buying a new printer! But, sometimes, it is actually the computer that is causing the problem! If this is your case, then:
Determine if the Printer-Failure is in the PC. If you have another computer, try the printer on the other computer. Why? Fairly often the problem is in the software in the PC.
If you do not have another PC, then uninstall the printer. To do that, go to the control panel, then select printers. Right click on the printer icon, then delete or remove the printer. Then, re-install the printer. I usually use the CD that came with the printer to install the printer.
Note: Make sure you have the CD, before you delete the printer. If you don't have the CD for the printer, you can go to the manufacturers website for printer drivers. For example, go to hp.com , Then type in the name and model of your printer. You could download just the drivers to re-install.
Step 2.
If step 1 doesn't resolve the Printer-Failure, then you can assume that you have a bad USB cable, or a bad printer. Swap out the USB cable, even if you have to borrow from another device. Why? Because the cable is cheaper! Because your next step is probably to buy a new printer!
Step 3.
Search the internet, to see if anyone else is having the same problem. You could get lucky! Don't forget to check your manufacturer's web site.
Step 4.
You are now looking for another printer. You can go to Staples, or other office supply store, or Best Buy, or even Walmart! See Printers for tips on buying a printer.
Of course the problem could be a bad printer, and there are many different types of printers. I quit trying to fix printers years ago, as they can be replaced so cheaply.
Note: This may sound strange, but de-fragging your PC sometime fixes a printer problem! Why? Because the “Windows Spooler” sensitive to fragmentation.
In a few cases, I find that Windows needed reloading (Format Reload). Usually, there are other indications of windows corruption.
Of course, you always have possible connection problems. Most printers today are USB connections, and you may need to re-seat the connector, possibly use another USB connection, and/or replace the USB cable.
Keep in mind, that a new printer is inexpensive, and PC Technicians are not! A new printer will fix a lot of problems!
Bottom Line: What you can do:
1. Uninstall printer, and re-install. Use the manufacturer's disk, when possible.
2. Defrag PC - then uninstall printer and re-install.
3. Re-seat USB cable, by removing cable from both ends, then re-install USB cable.
4. Swap with another printer.
5. If all else fails, call a PC technician. Click on Computer Support
