Printer won't print

stu2900

15 years ago

We installed a new video card and now our old dot matrix printer won't print. Any ideas on how to make it print?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (10)

azinoh
15 years ago
Is there an error message?
stu2900
Original Author
15 years ago
Nope, it doesn't say a thing. It just doesn't print anything.
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
Printer won't print
Q
Comments (15)
I can certainly sympathize with your situation...I have been without a printer for many months now because the ink cartridges are so expensive. I have a Canon Multipass 550 which has been a lifesaver in the past...being able to fax, copy and print...then when you do breakdown to buy one...install it and it still says empty cartridge, you really want to scream. But get this...the cartridge isn't the problem...it's the print head...to the tune of $50 or so and this is the third time I have replaced it and lord only knows how many cartridges were full before I wised up! Now get this....those print heads can be washed in your kitchen sink, dried on the counter and reinstalled...I sure am glad I saved the other two, i'll try that next time! But, now...I can't get the printer to print everything on the page....it prints one or two lines of the document, then skips a good paragraph size area and picks up the print again......any suggestions! and of course, it doesn't help that the manual is online and no hard copy is provided...I'm ready to do the old uninstall/reinstall thing and see if that helps! Technology sucks....here today, obsolete before noon the next day! and it wasn't a cheapee either...about $250- $300 smack a roos 2-3 years ago! Even with the cheapees....you spend a fortune on ink, that's were they make the money i guess! So what do I have to lose if the washing dosen't work......blank pages! Congratulations to anyone who can buy Canon Cartridges for $2.00 what is the secret! Here is a link that might be useful: http://homepage.ntlworld.com/wilf.james/cartclen.htm
...See More
I messed up my printers....I need help...long
Q
Comments (7)
What IowaGirl and ChemoCurl wrote will work. It's the only way to cancel your print job. Unplugging the printer won't do work because the computer will continue spooling the print command. So, cancel the print as explained above. The problem is it takes so long for it to cancel, so you will have to restart the computer for the cancel command to take effect. The dreaded problem I have with WindowsXP is doing it the one time doesn't work. If the first time doesn't work, restart the computer and do it a second time. Then restart again. Otherwise, you just have to sit and wait for the print job to cancel.
...See More
Need hellp=new printer, won't print from Documents
Q
Comments (1)
Call Epson for help. If there is something wrong with it they will know and probably tell you to return it. I have had a couple of electronic things I had to take back.
...See More
mike_kaiser_gw
15 years ago
Reinstall the drivers for your printer.
owbist
15 years ago
If Mike's suggestion fails to cure it try re-seating the LPT1 connector on the rear of the computer. You may have dislodged it while swapping the video card.

Are there any indicator lights on the printer showing it has power?
stu2900
Original Author
15 years ago
The drivers have been reinstalled the connector seems to be ok and the printer is lit up. The computer says the printer is there and ready to go. It still won't print.
zep516
15 years ago
Does it test-print? Â Most printers have a built-in diagnostics program which can be very useful for troubleshooting problems and test-printing without a computer.Â

Also if there was another printer installed at one time, it's possible that it's selected. Click start control panel, printers, make sure your printer is selected.

Check the print queue double click your printer name, displays information about documents that are waiting to print, clear any out that did not print.
stu2900
Original Author
15 years ago
I was able to get the printer to print a font sample test, but it still doesn't print anything sent from the computer. I should probably tell you there is another printer attached to this computer, but it prints fine.
owbist
15 years ago
I should probably tell you there is another printer attached to this computer, but it prints fine.

Well now, perhaps the computer cannot access a USB printer and one using the LPT1 connection. Long time since I had an LPT1 connected printer, not sure if there is anything in the BIOS to affect this.

Was the old video card separate or built into the mobo? You might try reversing that just to confirm whether it has any bearing on the printer. Seems odd but anything is possible I suppose. If the old card was built in did you make the changes in the BIOS to accept the new card?
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
15 years ago
have you tried disconnecting the second printer to try to see if having 2 on the pc is conflicting? if not I would try that. when you go to print do you select which printer to send the print job to?
dcarch7 d c f l a s h 7 @ y a h o o . c o m
15 years ago
Can you still get ribbons for dot matrix printers? :-)

If you find you can only get one printer working at a time, get a printer switch to switch back and forth.

dcarch

Related Stories

HOME TECH 3 Kitchen Contraptions You Won’t Believe

By Mike Elgan

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

Full Story

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

Full Story

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

Full Story

129

BATHROOM MAKEOVERS 9 Powder Room Splurges You Won’t Regret

By Michelle Gage | Interior Designer

Make a big statement in your smallest room

Full Story

EVENTS Maker Faire: Pancake Printers, an Electric Giraffe and So Much More

By Mary Jo Bowling

Passionate makers bring their latest wares to an annual festival where creativity meets tech

Full Story

DIY PROJECTS Reinvent It: Grow a Mini Vertical Garden in Printing Press Drawers

By Becky Harris

Make a living wall composition from vintage finds and greenery, for an artful indoor garden

Full Story

Guest Picks: Affordable Art for the Home

By Melissa de la Fuente

20 Beautiful Art Prints That Won't Break the Bank

Full Story

TASTEMAKERS 3D Printing Takes Furnishings to New Heights at ICFF 2013

By Chris Dorsey Architects, Inc

See how three-dimensional printing, laser cutting and other innovative technologies are changing the face of furnishings

Full Story

SHOP HOUZZ Shop Houzz: Oversized Canvas Print Sale

By Houzz

Save up to 65% on oversized abstract-style prints now through September 20, 2015

Full Story

DECORATING GUIDES Design Tastemaker: Sian Zeng's Magical Prints

By Houzz

Enchanting magnetic wallpaper, surreal cushions and more add an element of fantasy to indoor spaces

Full Story

Printer won't print

Comments (10)

azinoh

stu2900
Original Author

Related Discussions

mike_kaiser_gw

owbist

stu2900
Original Author

zep516

stu2900
Original Author

owbist

ravencajun Zone 8b TX

dcarch7 d c f l a s h 7 @ y a h o o . c o m

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Printer won't print

Comments (10)

azinoh

stu2900Original Author

Related Discussions

mike_kaiser_gw

owbist

stu2900Original Author

zep516

stu2900Original Author

owbist

ravencajun Zone 8b TX

dcarch7 d c f l a s h 7 @ y a h o o . c o m

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

stu2900
Original Author

stu2900
Original Author

stu2900
Original Author