That darn printer!

Hello dear AnythingTech clients,

Time for another newsletter from me. This one addresses a common frustration: printers.

It’s like they know when something is urgent or important. And that’s when they mysteriously don’t work (despite having happily worked previously).

Some common things to get your printer going (if you’ve watched the IT Crowd then you’ll be familiar with this):

Have you tried turning it off and on again?

1.     Switch it off at the wall (unplug it) and leave it off for 10 minutes (by the clock).

2.     Switch off your device you’re trying to print from (phone or computer) for a couple of minutes.

Look for new software…

1.     Depending on how “smart” your printer is, it might have a screen on it. Navigate your way to software update (should be under Settings) and see if it needs an update.

2.     Phone printing people: install the app for your brand (e.g. if it’s a Canon, install the Canon printing app. If you’re not sure what it is, google it). If the app is already installed, uninstall it and reinstall it.

3.     Computer printing people: install the app for your brand, and see if the printer needs a little update (this can also be called “firmware”).

Make them talk to each other again…

1.     On the computer: go into settings and tell the computer to “forget” the printer. Then re-add it to the “Printers and device” list

2.     On the phone: go into the app for the printer, and remove the device. Then re-add it.

And if all that doesn’t work, have a little poke around in its innards. Remove the toner, firmly shut the lid, really let it know who’s boss and if it doesn’t shape up, it’ll be shipped out!

If all of that doesn’t work, maybe it’s time for a new printer. Or give me a bell! 

Best of luck!

Ruth