Wireless printer off-line

15 years ago

We had a power failure last week, and I haven't been able to use my wireless printer since. It says it's off-line.

The guy who set my wireless network up told me the printer should not be turned off, but that if it was, it should be turned back on before the Dell laptop, otherwise the laptop would not recognize it. (Actually, he said Dells were stupid! LOL) The power flickered, and they both came back on at the same time, and now the Dell doesn't recognize the printer. (Everything is hooked up to a surge protector.) I was told if that happened, I would have to add the printer again. Unfortunately, I don't remember how he said to do that. I've tried turning both off and turning the printer on first and then the laptop, but that doesn't work either.

I can't figure this out and am at my wits end. Can anyone tell me how to get my printer up and running again? I would be very grateful for any help I can get. I'm lost without my printer!

~Sandy~

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Comments (8)

grandms
15 years ago
I haven't worked with wireless printers, but I believe what you need to do is uninstall the printer software, then install it again. Then turn off the laptop and any other comps in your network. Turn on the printer and then the laptop, as the tech told you and see if it works properly. This certainly won't hurt anything.

Hope this helps.
PKponder TX Z7B
15 years ago
Another option is to power down your equipment, (modem, wireless router, printer and all computers) then bring everything back up in the following order:
modem ...wait until the 'online' light is steady
router, wait 2-3 minutes before powering anything else
printer
all computers

This should re-syncronize the components of the network and get everything communicating again.

Pam
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there are 2 different passwords not sure which you mean but I think you are meaning you forgot the password to access your wireless network that is different than the password for the router, the one for the router is the one that lets you access the inner settings of your router. Those are all extremely important and should be written down and kept somewhere safe, the one's for both the router and wireless network can be written on a piece of paper and taped to the router on the bottom or side not blocking the vents. There is a free program you can use to gain your passwords, you have to use it from one of the computers that is actively on the wireless network. It may trigger your antivirus program and say it is an infection it is not, it is just the type of file it has to use to get access to your passwords, it will only work on your pc for your passwords only. Usually it is better to use it with the AV turned off so you do not get the warning, once you have your passwords then go to add remove programs and remove the programs you should not need them again and of course turn on the AV. this one is the one that will find your wireless network passwords WirelessKeyView Frequently Asked Questions info about the programs
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There should be instructions with your printer if it is "wireless" capable. I am not familar with Epsons as I have HP, but I expect the procedure is similar. Before you begin, you will need two pieces of information: The network name of your Router/Gateway and the security code sometimes called password. The ID name might have the form "2 wire488"; the security key may have 8 to 12 digits. Often, the security key is on a label on the gateway/router. With these two pieces of information, enter the setup menu on your printer and turn on the radio or whatever it is called. Next, follow instructions to connect to your gateway by suppling the gateway ID and security code. If the instructions do not appear on yoru printer's display, get instructions from its manual. After the ID and security code have been entered, there will be a short delay while the printer and router establishes the wireless connection. Once the printer has been linked to the router, any device on your local area network (LAN) can send print jobs to the printer. However, the sending device must contain a driver for the printer. Once the link has been established, the printer should be able to retain this connection after being shut down and restarted at a later time. Optionally, the link can be turned off at the printer by entering its menu and turning off its radio. This frees the channel on the router. The link is automatically re-established when the printer's radio is turned back on.
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Not sure about the Lexmark, but the wireless HP's have a Network Setup Wizard that is accessed from the front of the printer that works similarly to Windows. You set up an Ad Hoc (without router) network and seek the available networks...it finds the nearest, you select your network (his laptop) and finish. Much easier than it sounds. There should be step by step instructions with screenshots on the CD or in the paper manual. Pam
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use2bcapecodr
Original Author
15 years ago
Whoops...I powered everything down like Pam said and restarted in the order she suggested. Still can't access the wireless printer...and now my other computer has disappeared from the network. Now what?

I tried putting the installation CD in the laptop, but it doesn't recognize it. Why not?

~Sandy~
use2bcapecodr
Original Author
15 years ago
OK...my bad! I turned the wrong computer on first. I redid it all and have my network up and running again...but still can't access my wireless printer.

I could bite the heads off nails right now!

~Sandy~
zep516
15 years ago
Click - Start - Click - Control Panel in there look for Printers & faxes double click it, look for your printer, right click on it or double click it see what options are present, also there should be a network folder in control panel try looking in there for the printer, what were after is some setting maybe.
mikie_gw
15 years ago
What make and model printer ?

Sounds like you might need to use an ethernet cable to wire it up to the router then access and configure the printers wifi settings. Or just leave it wired.
use2bcapecodr
Original Author
15 years ago
Thank you so much for the input, but I finally gave up fighting this thing every time there's a power interruption and bought a USB cable...hooked it up...and I'm good to go. No more stressing out...and running to the other end of the house just to print something! The other computer is really slow and takes forever and a year to fire up to use it's wired printer.

Thanks anyway. I really do appreciate so many suggestions!

~Sandy~
skyyprincess5_aol_com
13 years ago
My wireless printer seems to drop off and I am unable to make it print. When I go into printers, it says "offline". Also, my phone seems to drop off. Do these problems have anything to do with my router?

Wireless printer off-line

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grandms

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