skip to main content

printer won't connect

17 years ago

dell dimension 8200 about 3-4 years old.the usb printer cable plugs in the back of the tower right next to the mouse.if i plug it in next to the mouse neither one works.if i plug it in without the mouse,nothing happens.plugging in the mouse alone makes the mouse work.thanks

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

owbist
17 years ago
What happens if you plug the printer in the second USB port and also when it is plugged in the front of the computer? Is it possible the mouse DIN connector has an oversized plastic housing causing both to be off off alignment slightly?

Can you borrow another USB cable to see if yours has failed? Can you try the printer in another computer to ensure it is working correctly?

Click Start/Control panel/System/Hardware/Device manager and scroll to the bottom for the USB jacks. Click the plus sign beside the USB connectors to drop the menu down and see if they are all working correctly. Do that by right clicking on each one and clicking Properties
mes444
17 years ago
This doesn't answer your question directly, but can you use an older permanent plug type cable for the printer and use it that way, avoiding the usb problem all together? Just a thought.
Related Discussions
HP Deskjet printer won't print
Q
Comments (23)
Here's my latest attempt. Uninstalled the software everywhere I could find it. Did an Error Check and then a defrag. Rebooted. Downloaded the software again. Disconnected the printer and reconnected it accoriding to instructions on the Quck Start poster that came with my printer. After installation, I did a manual test page, which printed out fine. I made sure the printer is listed as the default. But when I tried yet again to print from a computer file, yet again nothing happened. If I had a cd, I don't now. That's strange because I have the cd for my scanner,which is older than my printer. I also have cd's that came with my first computer, years ago. But no printer cd. There is still an explanation in front of the Printer Port in the DM, and the printer is still not listed there. The link you gave, grandms, didn't help, unfortunately. I will go to the hp site to locate the live person when I have the time to devote to it. I've spent so much time on this, my RL is slipping, and I have to catch up. Thanks to everyone who has tried so hard to help me. If any more ideas occur to anyone, just post it. I'll be checking back here, as I always do. I love this site. Dee
...See More
HP Printer won't cancel document
Q
Comments (6)
If you use a Windows PC, you should be able to access a print queue or jobs list starting with Devices and Printers from the Start menu or in Control Panel. When you open that, double click on the icon that represents your printer and you should see that particular print job listed where you can select and then delete it.
...See More
Color printer won't work w new cartridge
Q
Comments (11)
I have found on some models for some reason they want you to replace the black cartridge also, have you tried removing and replacing the current black cartridge along with the new color one? you may try that and even adding a new black one to see if that is what it takes. and to clarify is it printing at all? does the black print? what happens when you do try to print?
...See More
2003 HP printer won't accept paper
Q
Comments (9)
A shot in the dark here. It's an old HP fix-it. Shut down your system. Disconnect printer from system. Unplug printer from the wall for sixty seconds. (If it is plugged into a surge suppressor/power strip unplug it from the strip.) Reconnect printer to system. Plug printer back in directly to wall. Turn on printer and let it configure. Boot up system. Cross fingers. Print. The thought process is some HP transformers are fussy and don't like an unstable electrical supply; particularly through power strips/surge suppressors (two different things in actuality) In their fuss they can drop settings, handshakes and configurations. DA
...See More
marthapartha
17 years ago
Could you post your computer specs or give the make and model of your computer?
kudzu9
17 years ago
I've got a Dell 8100 that's about the same age, and one of my rear USB ports simply failed. I needed all of them, so I bought myself an inexpensive, powered USB hub and that not only gave me more ports, but made access easier since it sits on top of my desk. It's a Belkin with 5 ports in the back of it for cables, and 2 on the top for things like thumb drives. I think I got it for about $30.

One other thing, though. My computer also has 2 concealed USB ports under a flap on the front. You could try those in a pinch or as a diagnostic technique if you have them.

Related Stories

HOME TECH 3 Kitchen Contraptions You Won’t Believe

Pizza hot from the printer, anyone? These cooking gadgets harness imagination and high tech — and have price tags to match

MORE ROOMS Where to Put the TV When the Wall Won't Work

By Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR

See the 3 Things You'll Need to Float Your TV Away From the Wall

KIDS’ SPACES 7 Kids’ Bedroom Decor Ideas That Won’t Break the Bank

By Karen Egly-Thompson

Take an economical approach to decorating your child’s room with these DIY ideas

SMALL SPACES 10 Tiny Kitchens Whose Usefulness You Won't Believe

By Vanessa Brunner

Ingenious solutions from simple tricks to high design make this roundup of small kitchens an inspiring sight to see

FURNITURE 12 Sofa Colors That Won't Box You In

By Judith Taylor Designs

With any of these colors as a base, you can change your decor as often as you change your mind

REMODELING GUIDES You Won't Believe What These Homeowners Found in Their Walls

By Mitchell Parker

From the banal to the downright bizarre, these uncovered artifacts may get you wondering what may be hidden in your own home

BUDGET DECORATING 15 Summery Decorating Ideas That Won't Break the Bank

By Laura Gaskill

Transport yourself seaside with a bit of paint or a few airy accessories

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Connecting Work and Play in South Australia

Travel mementos and eclectic finds show a shop-keeping family’s love of diverse styles

ARCHITECTURE Meet the Chilean Architect Who Just Won the Industry’s Highest Honor

By Mitchell Parker

The 2016 Pritzker Architecture Prize laureate ‘epitomizes the revival of a more socially engaged architect’

HOME TECH 7 Ways to Charge Up and Connect After Disaster

Products and tips for communicating and keeping essential items running till the power's back on

Sponsored

More Discussions

Can I stop my modem from gathering and sharing our data?

12

UPS needed - which ones?

9

sound missing on Dell

3

Upgrading Windows 11 from Home to Pro

2

Any suggestions for a very secure non-web-based email?

3