When that happens, the first human response is to either curse, yell, or throw something at the printer -- or all three. And sometimes, that is the appropriate response -- it is possible that your printer has developed a problem that only a mechanic, or a genius, can fix.
However, more often than not, the problem is actually a minor one, caused by a bad interaction between your driver and another program, or some other glitch. Something like that can be solved simply by powering down your printer and scanner and restarting your printer driver. However, it has to be done in the right order:
- Power down both your printer and your PC. If your printer doesn't have an "Off" switch, then unplug it.
- Disconnect your printer from your PC. Find where the USB or parallel cord is plugged into your printer and disconnect it at that point. (You can disconnect it from your computer instead, but it is usually easier to do it at the printer's end.)
- Turn your PC back on. Let it complete the entire boot-up process.
- Turn your printer back on.
- Reconnect your printer to your PC. Simply plug your USB or parallel cord back into the printer.
At this point, your computer plug-and-play process should take over. You'll see notices that the connection is being re-established at the bottom right-hand corner of your screen.
Once that process is finished, try printing a test document. If that works, then you're good to go! If not, it may be time to get more professional advice. Try checking the support section of your manufacturer Web site or, if the printer manufacturer can't help, ask for advice on the About.com Printers / Scanners forum. Sometimes, other users have had the same problem, and may be able to help.
