Troubleshoot Printer in Windows XP

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Printer Troubleshooting By : ComputerShack

Title: Magical Printer Troubleshooting URL: http://www.computershack.net/content.php'article.29 Description: This guide will help you fix all of the most common printer problems. 90% of all problems are fixed, and the remaining possible reasons are listed. Written by www.ComputerShack.net

Printer Troubleshooting (Skill Level: Beginner)

This guide will walk you through how to Un-Install your printer, and Re-Install it with updated drivers. This process fixes almost all printer problems.

You may want to check for updated drivers: HP Driver Finder Windows Update Lexmark Driver Downloads

Relevant Software: Zip Genius - For opening .zip files

Disclaimer: Backup any information or files before you change them. Computer Shack takes no responsibility for mis-use of this guide, or lost information from lack of backups.

Next: Removing Old Print Drivers

Printer Troubleshooting Page 2: Removing old print drivers (Skill Level: Beginner)

This step will allow you to remove old printer drivers from your computer. Old drivers are an issue very often, so replacing them fixes a lot of printing problems.

Terms: Drivers- A piece of software that tells your computer how to use its parts

Remove old drivers:

1. Click Start > Control Panel

2. Open "Printers and Faxes"

3. Select the printer you are trying to use

4. Right click and delete this printer

Next: Installing New Print Drivers

Printer Troubleshooting Page 3: Installing new print drivers. (Skill Level: Beginner)

Terms: Local Printer- Printer attached to this computer Network Printer- Printer on another computer or attached to router Auto-Detect- Windows attempting to detect and auto-install your printer

To install drivers already included in Microsoft Windows XP:

1. Start > Control Panel

2. Open "Printers and Faxes"

3. Click "Add Printer"

4. Next, then select "Local Printer" and "Auto Detect"

5. If windows auto detects your printer, print a test page to try it

If windows did not detect your printer automatically, this is how to install manually

1. Start from the Add Printer wizard (above)

2. Select to install a Local Printer, but DONT select Auto Detect

3. On the first page, select your printer port. Use the glossary below for help

4. On the next page, select your printer MAKER and MODEL

5. If prompted, REPLACE existing driver, NOT use current driver

6. If your printer is not in the list, you will NEED to download drivers

Terms: (Types of printer ports/connectors) LPT1 - Old printer cable, 25 Pins in 2 rows USB - New printer cables, square connector Ethernet - Network printers use this to print over networks

At this point, print a test page. If your driver install worked properly at this point it should work. Make sure all cables are plugged in, and that the printer is on and has paper. If this has not installed your printer, the next step explains how to download the proper drivers for your printer.

Next: Downloading newer drivers (if this step didn't work)

Printer Troubleshooting Page 4: Downloading Newest Drivers (Skill Level: Beginner)

Having updated drivers is very important. Follow the correct link below for your printer brand, or continue using the drivers that came with windows (may be outdated). From these pages, you can search for drivers for your printer:

At this point, you have to check for new drivers: HP Driver Finder Windows Update Lexmark Driver Downloads

Relevant Software (click for download page): Zip Genius - For opening .zip files

Terms: .exe File- Executable, meaning an install file or program .zip File- Zipped file, meaning multiple compressed files crammed into one

The file you download can be an .exe file, which automatically installs your drivers. If this is the case, try a test page after installed. It can also be a .zip file, in which case you need Zip Genius from our download section to extract the driver and run it. Get Zip Genius by clicking HERE

1. Download your driver from download site

2. Find the file, and run it if it is a .exe file

3. If it is a .zip file, extract it using Zip Genius

4. Run the Add Printer wizard in printers and faxes

5. Select Local computer, and NO auto detection

6. Select your port, and on the next window "Have Disk"

7. Browse for the files you extracted, which should contain the driver

8. Let windows install these drivers and print a test page

If this has not fixed your problem still, these are common reasons why: 60% chance - Check the Cables 20% chance - Wrong Drivers or Mistake Installing 10% chance - Broken Printer 10% chance - Other