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Step 2: The Journey Continues
Step 2! Don't worry the end is in sight, even if doesn't feel like it. At this point you click on "Add/Remove Programs" button in the Control Panel menu. You are then shown a list of programs your computer has. This may take a while depending on how many programs you have on your computer and of course the speed of the computer.
Step 1: The Beginning of the End
Step 3: Yes another Step.
When your list has finished showing up, you then scroll down as necessary to find your printer drivers. This will have the Manufacturer Name and the Printer number in the name. Click on it then click "Uninstall/Change"
Just like everything else, it all begins with the first step. In this case, you need to click on the "Start"menu button. Usually located in the lower left corner of the screen.
Then click on the "Control Panel" button. Don't we just love it when things are easy to find?
Is the printer plugged in?
Step 4: Patience is a virtue, young grasshopper.
At this point you need to restart your computer. You need to restart the computer before you (re)install the printer drivers, because if you don't then the consequence is that there may be driver conflicts. Which means you are back to square one, and we don't want to be back there.
Is the printer turned on?
While this may seem like an idiotic question, it is the one that most people don't check first. And let's face it, there are times that you don't realize the printer is unplugged for whatever odd reason.
Step 5: The End?
Another common sense step that most people forget to check. On most printers, when it is turned on there is a light that signals the fact that is, in fact, on. If this light isn't on, then it is most likely off.
Once your computer has restarted you can (re)install the printer drivers. These usually come in a disc form with your printer. Insert the disc and follow the instructions.
However if you have lost the disc, this may prove to be a bit difficult. Never fear though! Usually, the printer's manufacturer's website has a copy of the drivers on their site ready for download over the internet. You may have to search on the website for it, or talk to customer support again. Now you can follow the instructions the drivers give you.
Again reboot the computer after installing the drivers. Now your computer and printer should be in harmony.
Okay, time to get serious about ending this problem. Your printer and computer need to get along. It is time to bring out the big guns, the A game, whatever you want to call it, it's time bring it. You may have to uninstall the printer drivers, then reinstall them.
Sometimes, old printer drivers that are still installed can cause your printer not to work. So we need to be rid of them. Also sometimes all it takes it just to uninstall the new drivers and then reinstall them. This is a multistep process so bear with me.
However...
Okay these steps may seem like common sense, but sometimes that is the reason people don't think to check these steps first. So, we're not trying to irritate you in suggesting these steps first, at least not in this presentation.
If the computer and printer still refuse to speak to each other, you may have to call in reinforcements at this point to end this disagreement.
So your computer and printer aren't speaking to each other. You can try these few troubleshooting tips to fix this problem, before you have to call in reinforcements.
How are the connections?
You probably already know the answer to this question. Most likely because some nice and friendly employee helped you out at the store where you bought the printer from or maybe you got the printer from the manufacturer's website. However, maybe the nice and friendly employees weren't so nice and friendly, and now you don't know the answer then here are a few suggestions to see if your printer is compatible. (And since they weren't nice and friendly, I say lodge a minor complaint. But I digress, that's for another presentation.)
Do we have to read more?
Check the box!
Well if you're looking for the list of System Requirements, then yes you may have read more. Even in the dreaded, mostly forgotten instruction manual. The compatibility list may be in there as well.
You may even have to read online customer reviews. Read the reviews of the people that have actually bought the same type of printer you have. Search for any compatibility issues that may have come up with them.
If you still have the box, you can check on the back under "System Requirements" this is a list of Operating Systems (OS) that the printer is compatible with. If your OS isn't on this list than chances are your printer isn't compatible.
To the Manufacturer's Website, Batman!
If they are not compatible...
Okay, not as exciting as the Batmobile. (Of which anything related to Batman is owned by the wonderful people at DC Comics. Again I digress.) But the Manufacturer's website for either your OS or your printer will have a list of compatible devices and programs. Just make sure you have the information needed to find this list. This information is usually Product Type, Model Number, and/or Serial Number. Most of this information you can find on the back or your equipment or in the companion manuals. If you're still having trouble finding this list on the manufacturer's website, then Customer Support should be able to help you in your search.
Try to see if you can get the printer exchanged for a compatible printer.