How to fix printer issues in Windows 7.
Windows 7 is an exciting, awesome operating system. Less exciting is all the tiny things you'll need to do to get it running flawlessly--finding drivers, installing your favorite programs, etc.
Printers can be an especially big pain when you're working with a new OS. Here's a quick troubleshooting guide to help you out if you're having printer issues in Windows 7.
1. Check that you're using the right printer driver. All printers require a specific matched printer driver in order to operate correctly. Make sure that your Windows 7 computer has the correct driver for the printer that's hooked up to it. To do this, go to Start, Control Panel, and view your printers. The name of the installed printer should match the name of the printer that you're using. If it doesn't, or if you haven't installed a driver, visit the website manufacturer of your printer. Their "support
" section will often have the latest drivers. Some printer manufacturers haven't made drivers for Windows 7 yet for all of their products. If this is the case, you should be able to use Windows Vista drivers, as they're very similar.
2. Install all Windows 7 updates. The updates in Windows 7 contain a lot of bug fixes, and they can help to get a printer working, especially if you're using a network attached printer. Run Windows 7 Update regularly. Remember to completely restart after installing any updates, as this gives Windows 7 a chance to apply the changes. For the best results, install all of the recommended and optional updates that Windows 7 offers you.
3. Check your printer manufacturer's website for tips. If you're still having trouble, look for a support forum for the printer you've purchased. These are usually easy to find on the manufacturer's website. Post about your problem, and be sure to include as much information as possible. You should be especially sure to note that you're using Windows 7, the model of your printer (exact), and anything that you've tried to do to fix the problem.
4. Don't neglect the obvious stuff. Most printer problems are actually very, very simple. Check all connections to make sure that you're actually connecting to your printer. Restart the printer, and if it's on a network, check to see that Windows 7's firewall isn't inhibiting your computer's ability to communicate with the printer.
For more assistance you can get online tech support services any time. Do you have any other tips for fixing printer problems in Windows 7? Post in our comments section below.
1. Check that you're using the right printer driver. All printers require a specific matched printer driver in order to operate correctly. Make sure that your Windows 7 computer has the correct driver for the printer that's hooked up to it. To do this, go to Start, Control Panel, and view your printers. The name of the installed printer should match the name of the printer that you're using. If it doesn't, or if you haven't installed a driver, visit the website manufacturer of your printer. Their "support
" section will often have the latest drivers. Some printer manufacturers haven't made drivers for Windows 7 yet for all of their products. If this is the case, you should be able to use Windows Vista drivers, as they're very similar.2. Install all Windows 7 updates. The updates in Windows 7 contain a lot of bug fixes, and they can help to get a printer working, especially if you're using a network attached printer. Run Windows 7 Update regularly. Remember to completely restart after installing any updates, as this gives Windows 7 a chance to apply the changes. For the best results, install all of the recommended and optional updates that Windows 7 offers you.
3. Check your printer manufacturer's website for tips. If you're still having trouble, look for a support forum for the printer you've purchased. These are usually easy to find on the manufacturer's website. Post about your problem, and be sure to include as much information as possible. You should be especially sure to note that you're using Windows 7, the model of your printer (exact), and anything that you've tried to do to fix the problem.
4. Don't neglect the obvious stuff. Most printer problems are actually very, very simple. Check all connections to make sure that you're actually connecting to your printer. Restart the printer, and if it's on a network, check to see that Windows 7's firewall isn't inhibiting your computer's ability to communicate with the printer.
For more assistance you can get online tech support services any time. Do you have any other tips for fixing printer problems in Windows 7? Post in our comments section below.
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