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Computer can't find printer

Discussion in 'Computers & Technology Forum' started by A2J, Jun 4, 2008.

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  1. A2J

    A2J New Member

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    Can someone help me before I pull all of my hair out??? :BangHead: :BangHead: :BangHead:

    For some unknown reason, my computer no longer "talks" to my printer. Every time I go to print something, I either get a "no printer found" error, or when I open up the printer cache, it shows that the document should be printing but yet nothing is printing on the printer.

    I've tried everything I can think of, but nothing works. I've rebooted the computer so many times I've lost count; I've done a system restore to about two weeks ago when it was working; I've uninstalled the driver and then reinstalled it but nothing seems to work.

    My OS is Vista, and the printer is Vista compatible, being only about 8 months old.

    Why it stopped working is beyond me, so I'm hoping that y'all can help; maybe think of something I'm missing.

    Many thanks in advance, and believe me, your help will be GREATLY appreciated.

    A2J

    Don't know if any additional info will help, but the printer is an HP Deskjet F2120 All-In-One printer, scanner and copier. The only function that seems to be working right now is the copier. The silly thing won't even scan a document.
     
    #1 A2J, Jun 4, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 4, 2008
  2. exscentric

    exscentric Well-Known Member
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    Some things to try if you haven't.

    Shut printer off, unplug for a minute or two, plug in and start.

    Go to control panel/system/device manager (That is xp route, not sure about vista) and see if the printer is listed. If it is try update driver.

    Uninstall printer software and reinstall.

    Of course all this AFTER you have checked to be sure the wire from printer to computer is plugged in. If it is you might try plugging it into a different usb jack.

    You might try the printer on another computer as it may be having problems.
     
    #2 exscentric, Jun 4, 2008
  3. tinytim

    tinytim <img src =/tim2.jpg>

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    Check to see under your list of printers to see if it is listed as your default...

    I have an all in one dell printer and everytime I plug it into my laptop, it makes a copy of itself, and I have to go into my printers list and make the new copy the default printer!

    If that doesn't work, pick up your printer and place it in front of the monitor... Your computer should be able to find and recognize your printer as long as it is right infront of your monitor! lol
     
    #3 tinytim, Jun 4, 2008
  4. A2J

    A2J New Member

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    Well, I'm not sure which tip did the trick (I tried all of them), but one of them worked, and my computer and printer are back on friendly terms LOL. I can print with the best of them once again.

    Seriously though, that's for your help. It's greatly appreciated.

    :thumbs:
     
    #4 A2J, Jun 7, 2008
  5. tinytim

    tinytim <img src =/tim2.jpg>

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    It's always nice when your printer is on speaking terms with your puter!
     
    #5 tinytim, Jun 7, 2008
  6. Brother Bob

    Brother Bob New Member

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    Remove the printer from the add/remove programs and then reinstall.

    BBob,
     
    #6 Brother Bob, Jun 8, 2008
  7. D28guy

    D28guy New Member

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    Can someone tell me how to fix my scanner?

    The PRINTER part of my printer works fine, but not the scanner part. Sometimes I want to scan something...a portrait or something...and then put it into the "my photos" part of my computer.

    The piece of junk has quit scanning. It wont scan anything.

    How to I fix THAT???

    Thanks,

    Mike
     
    #7 D28guy, Jun 10, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 10, 2008
  8. exscentric

    exscentric Well-Known Member
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    When you request a scan does the scanner operate mechanically but not produce a picture?

    You need software for the scanner usually, is it installed?

    If you have windows xp

    Go to start/control panel/system/device manager and see if the scanner is listed and see if it has an explanation point or question mark in front of it. Right click on the scanner and see if it says anything.

    Close that window and right click on it again and ask it to refresh the driver and allow it to go online to check.

    If you have vista, find device manager and do the same steps. If vista there may be a driver problem.

    Has it worked on this computer in the past?

    If none of this helps you might uninstall the scanner software and reinstall it. You might also go to the scanner website and see if they have newer software available.
     
    #8 exscentric, Jun 10, 2008
  9. Rubato 1

    Rubato 1 New Member

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    Probably, when the computer says 'Marco', the printer forgets to say 'Polo'.


    I hope this explanation helps...
     
    #9 Rubato 1, Jun 10, 2008
  10. D28guy

    D28guy New Member

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    Excentric,

    No. It does nothing.

    It must be, since it used to work just fine. It just quit working one day.

    Yes, thats what I have.

    I'll give that a try.


    That would difficult. I have no idea how I installed it. I'm guessing I had a disc of some sort at one time that probably came with the printer but its long gone.

    I'll try that as well.

    Thanks!

    Mike
     
    #10 D28guy, Jun 10, 2008
  11. Bethelassoc

    Bethelassoc Member

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    Mike,

    Do you have any software on the computer that will allow you to scan a picture into a file, like Microsoft Word? You should be able to "insert, picture from scanner" or something along those lines. This will give you an idea if it's a mechanical problem or a software issue.

    If it is an HP scanner, you may have a program called HP Director.. or something to do with HP Photos. These programs will invoke the scanner to make a preliminary scan at least.

    David
     
    #11 Bethelassoc, Jun 15, 2008
  12. D28guy

    D28guy New Member

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    Well, its all a moot point now regarding my scanner.

    The day after I posted about it on this thread, the printer completly died. It just quit working completly. The scanner, the printer, the "on" light, everything. Wouldnt even turn on. Something must have burned out in the guts of the thing.

    I've had it for a long time....RIP old printer. :laugh:

    I went out and bought a new one last night. :thumbs:

    Mike
     
    #12 D28guy, Jun 16, 2008
  13. Rubato 1

    Rubato 1 New Member

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    :tear: And, I hope, :saint:
     
    #13 Rubato 1, Jun 16, 2008
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