Troubleshoot printer issues

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Troubleshoot printer issues

If you are having an issue with installing a printer or getting other issues dealing with a printer or printer setup on the computer, try this troubleshooter. If a step doesn't apply, skip to next step

Turn computer off
Turn printer off
Disconnect power to printer for 2 minutes
Turn printer back on
Wait one minute
Make sure all connections are good
If your printer has both parallel and USB connectors, only have one of the two connected and not both. The USB is faster. (most new systems do not have parallel connections)
Turn computer back on
Make sure the printer has ink
Is the printer networked? If so is it connected to the network via computer or router. If it is connected via a computer and the computer is off, the other systems will not see it.
Make sure the dependencies to the print spool is started
Check the manufacturer of the printer to see if there is a newer driver for the printer.
Check the manufacturer for any patches or issues with the printer
"Spooler subsystem app has encountered a problem and needs to close" and "Operation could not be completed" error messages Click here for help with this.
Check Device Manager for bangs. (A bang is a !, X or ? next to the device. The !, X or ? indicates an issue)
Boot to Safe mode and check for bangs in Device Manager.
Limit MSCONFIG and check for a virus. (Windows 98, ME, and Windows XP) (Be sure to return MSCONFIG to original state after troubleshooting unless you want to leave it that way)
Check hardware Problems for any possible hardware issues that may apply to your issue.
Check Software Problems for any possible software issues that may apply to your issue.
Set BIOS to default and clear NVRAM (Check your computer manual or manufacturer for instructions. Each system is different on this)
If you have an error message, do a search for it at Google.com and at the knowledge base of Microsoft.com.
Try the printer on another system to see if it is the printer or the computer.
Look at How to use windows for further information on printers
Use the Software Troubleshooter to further troubleshoot the issue

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DISCLAIMER:UpgradeNRepair (UNR), the owner, and any representatives of UpgradeNRepair (UNR) is not liable for any data loss or hardware failure because of the following procedure. The Information provided is a guide to assist the customer with an issue with their system or software. The procedures offered here may or may not harm your files. Even procedures that are not designed to harm files, can harm files, depending on the issue with the system. Because there is too many unknowns, UpgradeNRepair is unable to guarantee the safety of the files. Customer is responsible for their data and their actions. Before following the directions on this page and the pages these links are linked to, any data the customer does not want to lose will have to be saved. Saving the data is the sole responsibility of the customer. Some or all of the following procedures or information may not apply to your situation.