Why Isn't My Computer Printing?

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No matter how many times you have used your printer without a problem in the world, it is a safe bet that the time when you need it most is the precise moment that the silly machine will start acting up. As you are frantically striking keys and clicking buttons, it just sits over there next to the computer in silent oblivion. But, before you take a baseball bat to the contraption, here are a few ideas to consider that may help you out of your printing jam.

All computer hardware needs software to tell it how to operate and what to do. This software is called a driver. If your system has crashed or has suffered from a power surge, it is possible that your driver is no longer installed. If you have recently installed a new printer, you will have to install a driver in order for it to work as well.

Sometimes, the printer just plain runs out of ink. You can generally find this out by clicking on the properties icon of your printer. If the printer is out of ink, you will need to replace it with the same ink cartridge as is in the printer. It is a good idea to take the old cartridge with you to the store when buying the ink because there are a lot to choose from and it is easy to pick up the wrong one.

Check the ink level in your print. Is it out? If it is then you need to head to the office supply store for a new ink cartridge. Make sure write down the name or even bring the old ink cartridge to the store so that you buy the correct ink cartridge. This is a good idea because it is easy to purchase the incorrect ink cartridge.

Let's say you hit "print" and then realized that you don't have any paper in the printer. You may be tempted to stick more paper in the printer while the print job is initiating. However, this doesn't always work. The safest bet is to hit the reset button or paper feed after you put in the paper. You can also cancel the print job and start over.

During the course of the day, it is not uncommon for things to get hectic. It is an easy thing to disconnect the connection between the printer and your computer. Without this connection, your computer is no longer telling the printer what to do.

Remember that when you deal with changing the physcial connections on your computer and printer that you should shut down your computer before doing so. This is important because some computer operating systems go haywire or don't work properly if you fiddle with the connections while the computer is on. Restarting your computer after shutdown will help aleviate many computer problems.

However, it may confuse your computer and send it into a tizzy if you just plug the cord back in so it is best to play it safe and turn the computer off first. Then, just reattach it and restart your computer.

Printing malfunctions can be the cause of migraine headaches because you can bet that they will occur when you can least afford them. By just remaining calm and going through the techniques listed above, you can isolate the problem and fix it in no time unless the darn thing has simply had it!

Article Source: http://www.articlemap.com

Conchita Reid is the chief writer for, and editor of Reid Printing, visit there today for the latest Printing advice, and while you're there sign up for the free newsletter. For more quality articles on Printing why not visit: www.reidprinting.com/articles
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