Before you go pay someone to fix your printer, here is a list of things you can do if your printer is not working. Sometimes it is the simplest things which cause the printer to stop working and the simplest things which cause it to start working again. Here are six things you need to do.
#1 Plug the Printer into the Computer
Make sure the printer is properly connected to the computer. Unless it is a wireless printer, follow the printer cable from the printer to the computer. Firmly press the cable into the computer or laptop to secure the connection.
#2 Plug the Printer In
Plug the printer into the power source. If the power source is a surge protector, then you need to make sure the surge protector is plugged into the wall. Then make sure the surge protector is turned on. Generally, you can make sure the surge protector is turned on by the LED light.
When you turn the printer on, you should hear a series of beeps as the printer sets. Additionally, you should hear the printer cartridges move across the printer and the paper should attempt to load.
#3 Put Paper in It
Sometimes the problem is it just ran out of paper. Put paper in the paper tray and press the load button.
#4 Print a Test Page
Most printers come with software that gives you the ability to print a test page, read the instruction booklet to determine how to print a test page. The test page should have diagnostic and troubleshooting tools to determine printer problems. It will help you with vertical and horizontal alignment along with other formatting issues.
#5 Compatibility with Your Computer
While most printers will work with both Macintosh and PCs some printers will not. Check to make sure your printer will work with your computer. Additionally you will need to check the compatibility with your version of Windows, this is especially true if you have a new printer and an older version of Windows such as Windows XP or older. The minimum system requirements will be listed on the printer box and the user manual.
#6 Update the Drivers
If everything else is working, then you may need to update the drivers. You can do this manually or automatically.
To update manually:
- Download the driver
- Go to the printer manufacturer's website
- Locate the drivers for the specific printer for your computer's operating system
- Download the driver to a location you can remember
- Install the driver
- Click Start
- Click Control Panel
- Click Printers
- Right Click Your Printer
- Click Update Drivers
- Follow Onscreen Instructions
To update automatically:
Updating automatically is much easier with driver update software. With driver update software, in just minutes your printer drivers will automatically update and install without you having to look for them.
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