The reasons for the failure of the printer, as well as other complex electronics, are quite a few factors. They can appear as a result of improper operation by the user, wear of various parts or a violation of stability (voltage drops, etc.)
This article will discuss the reasons why the HP printer or any other model does not work. It will also provide solutions to many problems.
What could be the fault?
To date, several of the most common causes have been identified that may cause the printer to stop working. Here is a list of them:
- There was a problem or error while connecting the device to the computer.
- Why is a Canon or other model printer not working? When trying to print a document, the user selected the wrong device option. As a result, listing is not possible.
- An error occurred during the operation of the device itself, which stalled the operation.
- The paper is missing or jammed in the device.
- The drivers have not been updated for a long time or, due to some kind of error, have been deleted.
- One or more of the cartridges was empty or incorrectly loaded.
It is worth noting that these are only the most popular options for why the Samsung printer or any other model does not work. The reasons for any breakdown will be unique to each situation.
Attention! Despite the fact that most of the malfunctions can be eliminated by the user within ten minutes, you should not engage in self-repair if you are not confident in your own abilities.
Connection error
A fairly common and even trivial error leading to the termination of the printer. Sometimes users may not connect the wires correctly. And sometimes they just forget to plug the power cord into a power outlet. At the same time, other errors related to network operation may become the culprits of the malfunction.
How to fix?
Are you not sure if the error may be in the connection, and want to know why the HP Laserjet printer or another model is not working? To get started, just check all the wires:
- Pay attention to the power cord. If it is plugged in, then check how tight it sits.
- Next, check the cable that goes from the printer to the computer. Make sure that there is no damage along its entire length and that everything is plugged into the correct connectors.
- Restart your computer and print device. Pay attention to the status of the indicators of the latter. If something has changed, see this value in the instructions that come with the kit.
Invalid device
Quite often, among gadgets for printing, you can see several options. Even though you have one. These instances are a virtual device and have virtually nothing to do with what you use to print documents.
The fact that the user sends the necessary file to the virtual device is the answer to the question why the printer does not work if it is connected correctly.
What will correct the situation?
To eliminate the occurrence of such an unpleasant situation, it is enough just to install your own printer with the default printing device. Then the system will automatically use it for work. You can do this this way:
- In the search bar, enter “Printers” and open the device management application.
- In the list that opens, find the device that you are using, and right-click on its shortcut.
- As soon as the context menu opens, put a marker on the line "Use by default".
This should solve the problem of why the printer is not working and not printing. However, keep in mind, if there are several devices for working with papers, you will still have to choose one of them each time.
Queue Error Occurred
Sometimes it can happen that even a new printer has stopped working. It is worth paying attention to the processes that were launched. Perhaps one of them is frozen. This led to an error in the print queue.
How to fix the hang?
To fix this trouble, you need to look at the queue itself and remove processes that interfere with the work. You can do this this way:
- in the search bar enter the word "printers";
- in the list of results, select the desired section;
- after going to a new window, click on the line with the name of your device for printing (it will be on the right side of the screen);
- after activation, three buttons will appear, one of which will offer to open the print queue; activate it;
- then you should see a list of documents that are printed; just delete them all and start a new process.
Software problem
Another reason for printer malfunctioning is the driver. If you first connected the device to the network, most likely they are completely absent. The same thing when setting up the device with a newly installed operating system.
Alternatively, the drivers could be quite outdated, and therefore ensuring the stable operation of the printer is no longer possible.
Where to get them?
There are two different ways to update drivers for many devices. The first involves downloading them from the Internet, from the site of the device manufacturer. To complete the second, you must use the device manager. Since it is more complex, consider it in more detail:
- using the Windows search bar, enter the phrase "device manager";
- in the list of results, select "Standard Applications";
- after going to the program window, find your printer in the list of all devices connected to the computer;
- right-click on its shortcut and activate the driver update line;
- then you need to specify where to look for this software;
- after all instructions, the system will begin to search for drivers available for installation.
Now we will deal with some components of the printer.
Work with cartridges
One of the main details that may be the reason why the printer does not work. To prevent this from happening, you need to change the cartridges regularly. This is determined by the deterioration in color quality when printing.
However, it also happens that almost immediately after replacing this element, the device stopped printing. We will examine further why the printer cartridge does not work. And also what to do so that the error no longer occurs.
Causes of malfunctions
At the moment, there are many options for why the printing device does not work after changing or using cartridges for a long time. Here is some of them:
- The item was not installed correctly. Or it was not prepared for work (the lid is not closed tightly, the protective films are not removed).
- Ducts are contaminated.
- There is dried ink or a cork inside the print head.
- The CISS ink loop has been pinched or clogged.
- The limit on the number of printing processes has been reached.
- Not original part installed.
- The cartridge is defective and damaged.
Next, consider how to fix some of them.
Removing dried paint
This is quite common. Occurs in situations where the printer has not been used for a long time. You can clean the outlet using a special utility that is installed on all modern models of printing devices. You can start the process through the toolbar in the printer application. Most often it can be found under the name "cartridge cleaning."
During cleaning, a special pump is started. It advances ink under pressure through the inlet of the cartridge. As a result of this, air or dried ink comes out.
If the device model is old enough, then you will have to perform this process manually.
Installation error
If for any reason you had to remove the cartridges, then pay attention to how they were installed. You can also read the instructions that come with the kit. Although in general, this is not such a difficult process.
When installing, make sure that the cartridge cover is firmly closed. Otherwise, spots, streaks or almost completely black sheets will appear during printing.
Also, make sure that after installing the part back into the housing, various small debris that may lead to clogging of the inlet may not get there.
Here is a short list of the consequences that occur when cartridges are not installed correctly:
- printing is done in only one shade;
- with an absolutely full ink carrier, the printout looks extremely pale;
- instead of a document, spots of various colors remain on paper.
Work conflict
Another option is why the printer does not work after installing new cartridges. If, after changing the original part, a conditionally suitable part was installed, then defects such as:
- When printing, various spots remain;
- complete lack of paint on paper;
- faded result.
All this is a symptom of the incompatibility of the printer and new cartridges. The best option is to try to find the original ones.
But what about the scanner?
It also happens that a scanner refuses to work in a completely new printer. It is worth noting that this is a fairly common phenomenon, which is quite simple to fix. Let's see why the scanner does not work in the printer.
The first thing you should pay attention to is the driver. Solving this problem is quite simple:
- Using the search bar, go to "Device Manager";
- among the list of all devices connected to the computer, find the scanner of your printer and right-click on it;
- in the context menu that appears, select the driver update line;
- indicate where to look for software and wait for the process to complete.
You can also find them on the website of the manufacturer of your device.
Additional problems and solutions
The following is a set of the most common options for why a scanner on a printer might not work. It is worth noting that many of them are also the reason for the lack of operability of the printing device itself:
- The power supply or the wire was damaged during a violation of the operating rules or as a result of marriage. Here you must either find the same part, or simply exchange it under warranty.
- The cable connecting the computer and the printer has failed. Try to find a replacement for him.
- Violation of the scanner was caused by sudden surges in voltage. As a result of the frequent repetition of this process, the printing device may completely fail. If you find jumps, just turn off the device.
- Incorrect printer settings. In this case, it is recommended to reset to factory settings.