Ticket Resolved – My network printer is not working

If your network printer isn’t working, it could be due to various reasons, such as issues with connectivity, outdated drivers, or problems with the print spooler. Let’s go through the steps to troubleshoot this problem:

1. Check Printer Status: Ensure the printer is turned on and in a ready state. Check for any errors displayed on the printer’s screen.
2. Check Network Connection: Ensure the printer is connected to the network. You can usually check this on the printer’s screen, under network settings, or you can try printing a network configuration page.
3. Restart Printer: Power off the printer, wait for about a minute, then power it back on. This simple restart can sometimes fix minor software glitches and issues.
4. Check Connection in Computer: Go to the control panel on your computer, navigate to ‘Devices and Printers’ (on Windows), and check if your printer is listed. If not, you may need to add it.
5. Update Printer Drivers: Sometimes, outdated or corrupted printer drivers can cause issues. Check the manufacturer’s website for the latest drivers and download them.
6. Check Print Spooler Service: On a Windows computer, press Win + R, type services.msc and press Enter. Scroll down to ‘Print Spooler’, ensure that it is set to ‘Automatic’ and the service is running. If not, right-click and start the service. If it’s already running, restart the service.
7. Delete Print Queue: Sometimes, print jobs stuck in the queue can cause issues. Go to ‘Devices and Printers’, right-click on your printer, select ‘See what’s printing’, and then choose ‘Cancel all documents’.
8. Test with Another Device: Try to print from another computer or device to check if the problem is with the printer or your computer.
9. Reinstall Printer: If none of the above steps work, you may need to uninstall and then reinstall the printer. You can do this from ‘Devices and Printers’ in the control panel on Windows.

If the printer is still not working after all these steps, there might be a hardware issue with the printer itself, and you might need to get professional help or contact the manufacturer’s support.

Extra tips:

• In some cases enterprise printers may use generic drivers which may not be available using the windows builtin drivers, in this case you will have to download that specific driver from a vendor site.
• Some companies use a secured print option which will require a code from the print administrator, the printer wouldn’t work until the code is provided.

Author

Author detail: helpdeskevolution.com:

Name: Yasir Arf
Title: System Network and Security Administrator

Bio:
Yasir is a seasoned professional in the field of Information Technology with a focus on Network System Administration and Cyber Security. With a diploma in Network System Administration and Cyber Security and a certified Microsoft 365 Support Engineer, Yasir brings over 8 years of experience to the table. Currently serving as a System Administrator at IT Experts Agency INC, Yasir has a proven track record of providing exceptional support and solutions in the ever-evolving landscape of IT.

Education:
– Diploma in Network System Administration and Cyber Security

Certifications:
– Certified Microsoft 365 Support Engineer

Work Experience:
– System Administrator at IT Experts Agency INC (Current)
– 8 years of experience in the I.T industry as a Network and System Support Specialist.