Troubleshooting printers

Here are a few simple techniques that will solve many printer problems.
Reboot your computer. This generally solves most printing problems.
If it's not printing, or you're getting a message about the Fax printer, change your default printer: Start - Settings - Printers/Faxes. Right-click the printer you want, and then select (left-click) Set as Default.
Check and make sure all connections going to and coming from the printer are firmly in place.
Check that the printer is on-line:
Start - Settings - Printers, right-click the printer.
If there isn't a checkmark by "Set as Default", left-click that option to select it.
Print a test page. If that prints and the application you are using doesn't, you probably will need to contact the application's vendor for support.
Turn off your printer for 10 seconds and turn it back on. Make a note of any error messages or flashing lights when the printer is turned back on.
If your printer is connected directly to another computer, try rebooting that computer. If your printer is connected to a JetDirect box, try unplugging the JetDirect box for 10 seconds.
You may wish to uninstall and then re-install your printer.
Installing and uninstalling printers
To uninstall:
Start - Settings - Printers/faxes, right-click the Printer
Select (left-click) Delete; say Yes to delete related files, if asked.
To install a networked printer:
Start - Settings - Printers/faxes
Add a Printer - Next
Local printer, but uncheck Auto-detect box
Click Create a new port, and pick TCP/IP from drop-down list; Next
If you are re-installing a printer using the same IP address, choose "Use the following port" and then pick the IP address from the drop-down list.
Type in printer name or IP address, Next, Finish
Select manufacturer and then model from the available lists
You can either keep the suggested printer name or put in something that makes sense to you. Click Next twice.
It's suggested that you print a test page; click Next and then Finish.
If the printer is directly connected to your computer, you can usually uninstall it and then restart your computer, and Windows XP will auto-install it.
Printing a test page
These instructions will let you print a test page for most printers:
Start - Settings - Printer
Right-click the printer name, left-click Properties
Click on the Print Test Page button.
Getting the name of the printer
A printer can have up to three names:
The name by which it can be found on the network;
The IP address assigned to it;
A nickname assigned to it by its owner.
To install a printer, you must know either (1) or (2) above. If someone else has the printer installed, you can find the needed information on their computer:
To find the network name:
1. Start - Settings - Printer
2. Right-click the printer name, left-click Properties
3. The name is displayed next to the picture of the printer.
To find the IP address:
1. Start with the first three steps, above.
2. Click the Ports tab, and widen the first column, Port, to display the IP addresses of the printers.