Why isn't my printer printing?

I have tried just about everything but can't get a printer to work with my computer. It always says the printer is not ready or not communicateing. Is there any easy way to get a printer to work? I have a brand new lexmark z12 i also have a compaq IJ750

Thank You

Lori

This question was answered on March 3, 2001. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

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Hi: Troubleshooting your printer should follow this order:

1 Connections: Is everything plugged in correctly and turned on? Is the printer plugged in to either the USB or parallel port in back of your computer? (I am assuming this is a non-networked home computer and printer.)

2 Drivers: Do you have the correct printer driver for your printer? Windows usually downloads this automatically when you connect the printer.

There is a great technical support knowledge base at www.lexmark.com.

When I looked up the z12, it reported that the printer may not be printing because the printer and computer are not "communicating properly." You are getting a message saying your printer cannot establish bidirectional communications with your computer They recommend, as I did, that you verify that your parallel or USB cable is securely attached to both printer and computer; that your printer port is set to an LPT(number)port for a parallel cable or to a USB port for USB cable; and that the printer is plugged in and turned on.

Also, if you have a switch box or other device (such as a scanner or fax) connected to the computer's parallel port, make sure it supports bi-directional communication You may need to disconnect your printer from the switch box or other device and connect it directly to your computer.

Microsoft (www.microsoft.com) reports in its knowledge base that early versions of Lexmark printer drivers are incompatible with Windows 98 SE, but you say yours is a brand new printer Your driver has to be a version later than LexBCE 1.03 to work correctly on Windows 98SE You can find out what version you have by going to Windows Explorer, then to the \Windows\System subdirectory Right-click LexBCE.DLL, then click properties Click the version tab to locate the driver file version information.

Good luck!

About the author

Posted by Josephine of Chandler-Gilbert Community College on March 3, 2001

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