Remember the Simple Things...
I needed to print out a two page document. I don't keep my printer set up all the time, but get it out of the closet as needed. So today, I hook up my laser printer, load in some paper, but nothing happens. When I say nothing, I mean the computer is on and working fine, but the printer is not responding at all.
I start to run a checklist. Is the power on to the printer? Yup, the green light is on. Are the cables connected? Yeah, both ends are in. Maybe the program is at fault? Another program doesn't work either.
I run the Windows Printer Troubleshooter that offers generic fixes that don't solve my problem. I reconnect the printer to another USB port, and I reboot Windows with no solution which both seem like reasonable ideas at the time.
Aha! I realize that the new scanner installed drivers and software so it must have screwed this up. I try uninstalling and reinstalling the printer, but we still have no communication between desktop and printer.
I'm thinking what else to try, and toying with trying the printer with my notebook. I'm wondering if my new Shuttle just is having some weird issue with my normally well behaved printer. No, the printer isn't working with the notebook either so let's not blame the new computer yet.
I come up with one last thing to try- a different USB cable. Now, the printer works again! The defective cable appears absolutely fine from end to end and all in between. However, by process of elimination, it is the defective part.
I'm wondering what the warranty is, but then I remember- the printer didn't come with a cable. I'm not sure why this cable malfunctioned today. Next time, before I reinstall software, I'll try a new cable first. See, sometimes it is the simple things that can solve a seemingly complex problem.
--Jonas
I start to run a checklist. Is the power on to the printer? Yup, the green light is on. Are the cables connected? Yeah, both ends are in. Maybe the program is at fault? Another program doesn't work either.
I run the Windows Printer Troubleshooter that offers generic fixes that don't solve my problem. I reconnect the printer to another USB port, and I reboot Windows with no solution which both seem like reasonable ideas at the time.
Aha! I realize that the new scanner installed drivers and software so it must have screwed this up. I try uninstalling and reinstalling the printer, but we still have no communication between desktop and printer.
I'm thinking what else to try, and toying with trying the printer with my notebook. I'm wondering if my new Shuttle just is having some weird issue with my normally well behaved printer. No, the printer isn't working with the notebook either so let's not blame the new computer yet.
I come up with one last thing to try- a different USB cable. Now, the printer works again! The defective cable appears absolutely fine from end to end and all in between. However, by process of elimination, it is the defective part.
I'm wondering what the warranty is, but then I remember- the printer didn't come with a cable. I'm not sure why this cable malfunctioned today. Next time, before I reinstall software, I'll try a new cable first. See, sometimes it is the simple things that can solve a seemingly complex problem.
--Jonas
posted by digitaldoc at 9:20 PM
4 Comments:
"When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever is left, no matter how improbable, must be the solution." Sherlock Holmes
Insightful, however sometimes just really don't make sense with computers.
Just a word of caution from a former printer repair tech, if you don't leave your laser printer on when not in use, it can develop flat spots on the rollers which can cause paper jambs and artifacts in the print. If you pay attention when the printer is idle for a long time, it will cycle the motors for the rollers from time to time to prevent this.
Good advice Rapcomp. Unfortunately, I don't have the room to have the printer up and running all the time. At least for under $50 I won't complain when it doesn't work anymore, and I'll just buy another one of these disposable printers. For the time being, the output quality is very good and I don't miss my inkjet at all.
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