Printer Won't Print (Test Page Won't Print)

If a test page will not print, the PC and printer are not communicating. First, check the printer's documentation for instructions on printing a self test page. If this will not print, the problem lies with the printer and you should contact the manufacturer. If the self test prints, you have a problem with the PC or its connections. Open Printers and Faxes, right click your printer's icon, and select Properties. Click the Ports tab and look for your printer. Parallel printers (which have a large connector about 2 inches wide) should be set to LPT1. USB Printers (which have a small connector about half an inch wide) should be set to a USB port. Change the port settings if necessary.

If you have a USB printer and cannot change it from LPT1 (common with printers offering both parallel and USB connections), delete and reinstall the printer ( as described beginning with the second paragraph of the Printer Is Not Available section below). When windows recommends a port to use, select USB.

If USB is not an option, connect the printer through another USB port on your PC and/or replace the printer's USB cable. If that doesn't work and you know the USB ports on your PC are good, contact the printer's manufacturer for assistance. You can also install the printer via parallel cable if your PC has a matching port. If port settings are correct but the printer still can't print, contact the printer's manufacturer for the latest driver and then return to the Printers And Faxes window. Right click your printer's icon and select Properties from the drop down menu. Select the Advanced tab and click the New Driver button. Follow the prompts to update the printer driver.

If this does not work, your port may be corrupt. Return to the Ports display, select the port, click Delete Port, and the restart Windows. The system should detect the printer and reinstall the port. If it does not, your PC may be damaged and you should contact the manufacturer for further assistance. If windows detects the port but still can't print, delete and reinstall the printer.