How to fix my printer?

printer wont print. I have probably pushed too many buttons? Could we get back to the basic settings? I know zilch about printers computers-can fix?

This question was answered on December 27, 2004. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

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If the printer is printing out strange characters, then it is likely that the PC is printing to the "wrong" printer or the driver is incorrect Even a slight difference in the model number could make all the difference -- if you have a HP DeskJet 640C, then make sure the printer is installed as a 640C and not a 650C

If you have more than one printer installed on the PC, make sure that the application (e.g Microsoft Word) is selecting the correct one -- click on File > Print and check the Name box If it's wrong, select the printer by using the drop-down list

Can't see the printer icon in the system tray? Open the printer properties by going to Start > Settings > Printers and faxes The printer should be listed there If it's the printer that you normally print to then it should be marked with a tick to indicate that it's the default printer Right-click on it, and click "Set as default printer" if it isn't

Right-click on the printer name and select Properties Try printing a test page -- click the "Print test page" button Check all the properties you can see Is it printing to the correct port? Modern printers will have both a parallel port or a USB port connection Make sure the port indicated is the correct one (parallel cables have a wide connector, USB is slim) If it's a parallel connection, then the port will normally be LPT1

If the printer's not listed, then try reinstalling it -- click on "Add a printer," and follow the wizard You may need the installation disk that came with the printer If Windows can't find a suitable driver (software that the computer needs to be able to "talk" to the printer) then you can usually find one on the manufacturer's Web site – see its support pages or its drivers or downloads pages

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Posted by Kareem of Katharine Gibbs School - New York on December 27, 2004

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