Did you recently update your computer and now your printer is not working? This actually happens more often than you think and you can do a few things to fix the problem. They are simple and easy enough for anyone to do.
If you need the printer to work NOW
If you absolutely need the printer to work now and you do not have time to mess around with anything else and you are sure it was the update that caused the problem, then there is a quick fix. It is only temporary, so you will need to do something more permanent later.
Rollback the computer - It will take the computer back to a configuration a few days ago when it was working
Windows Vista/ Windows 7
* Click Start
* Type "System Restore"
* Select System Restore under programs
* Click "Choose a Restore Point"
* Select a date before you did the update
* Confirm and restart computer
Windows XP
* Click Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools->System Restore
* Click "restore my computer to a earlier time"
* Click Next
* Select a date before you did the update
* Click Next and restart
Reinstalling the Printer Drivers
In some cases, the printer drivers for lack of a better word get "screwed" up. They are overwritten by other programs or get corrupted.
If you have restarted your computer and the printer is not working, then try unplugging your printer and plugging it back in (not the power cord but the printer cable). This will allow your computer to rediscover your printer and it might fix any glitches. If not, then use your printer CD to reinstall the drivers.
Updating the Drivers
If you cannot find your printer driver CD or if that did not work, then you will need to update the drivers to get the printer working again. Espon, Lexmark, Canon and the other big name printers have websites where you can locate and download the new drivers. You will need to match the drivers with your specific printer and your Windows operating system (XP, Vista, 7).
When you download the drivers, it is generally easier to download it to the desktop. It will be easier to locate if you download it there. However, you can download it wherever you choose. Just make sure you remember where you download it because you may need to search for it later.
Installing the Updated Printer Drivers
Manual Installation and Updating
Click Start
Control Panel
Printers and Faxes (Devices and Printers)
Click Printer Server Properties
Click the Drivers tab
Click the driver you want to replace then click replace (You may have to browse around for it. This is why you should remember where you downloaded it.)
Automatic Updating Made Easy
If you need to update your printer drivers, it is much easier just to let software do it for you. Driver update software will automatically detect, download and install the drivers for you. Just press a couple of buttons and it is done.
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