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    Printer error: How can I find out what it is?

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by Danja, Feb 22, 2009.

  1. Danja

    Danja Notebook Evangelist

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    Hello,

    When I try to print any document, the printout doesn't work. When I look at the print queue, under Status, it says Error - Printing. If I go to control panel -> Printers, the status under HP Photosmart C4480 says "Error". How can I find out what the error is? The LCD on the printer tells me nothing and right clicking the printer in the control panel and exploring "properties" doesn't turn anything up. Is there a way to see what the error is?
     
    Danja, Feb 22, 2009
    #1
  2. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    Are you sure that the computer can see the printer? How is the printer connected?

    John
     
    John Ratsey, Feb 22, 2009
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  3. entropy.cz

    entropy.cz Notebook Evangelist

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    just in case: make sure that the service (usually called "microsoft files & printers sharing" or similar) is allowed / not blocked by your firewall. the fastest way to find out is to disable the firewall temporarily and try if it gets through.
     
    entropy.cz, Feb 22, 2009
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  4. mde8965

    mde8965 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Is this a network printer or is it connected directly to your computer? Also, have you been using this printer and one day it just refused to work anymore? If that is the case then you would probably just need to delete the printer and reinstall it (using "add printer wizard").

    But check the connections first. If it is a network printer, see if it is recognized in the network. If so, but just won't work, delete it and reinstall it. If it is not recongized in the network then you will need to check the port settings, etc...
     
    mde8965, Feb 22, 2009
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  5. Danja

    Danja Notebook Evangelist

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    The printer is connected via USB. I checked the connections and they're fine. On the other hand, I don't see anything similar to "Microsoft Files & Printers Sharing" in my services tab of task manager. Also, I've already reinstalled the drivers once, but I think it may have been a corrupt install. When I go to control panel -> programs and features and click to uninstall the hp drivers, nothing happens at all. Is there a way to manually delete them?

    Edit: I am a moron. I have a black USB - Mini USB, a black USB - cell phone, a black USB - joystick, and a black USB - printer. I moved my laptop and brought it back and somehow managed to plug in my joystick instead of the printer. Good grief.
     
    Danja, Feb 22, 2009
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  6. mde8965

    mde8965 Notebook Enthusiast

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    LOL. Being a USB printer, the only choices would have been the connection, bad or incompatible driver...
     
    mde8965, Feb 22, 2009
    #6