Help with computer to printer connection...?

Question

I just bought a new printer to go with my new computer. The printer has a usb connection to the computer instead of the regular plug. I have installed, uninstalled, and installed again and nothing makes it work. It just says "problem communicating with the printer." Does anyone have any ideas on what I can do to fix this? Advice is appreciated and thank you in advance.

Answer 1

Chances are the drivers that came with your printer are not functioning properly. You say its a new computer, which means it is probably running Windows Vista... The thing is: Windows Vista sucks at recognizing drivers and devices... In fact, well over 85% of software WILL NOT RUN on a Vista machine...



So that being said, your best bet is to go the manufactor of the printer's website (hp.com, lexmark.com, ect) and see if there is a driver download for your printer model that will work on your Operating System.



If you fail to find one, you might try registering at www.driverguide.com and seeing if they have a driver.



In anycase, once you find a driver and install it, you should have no further communication problems.

Answer 2

Try this:

Plug in the USB cable of the printer to the pc and then you'll see the "Found Hardware" notification on the corner--then follow the wizard to add the printer driver (most likely from the CD that came with the printer)--after installation--if doesn't work---restart.

Good Luck.

Answer 3

The last time I installed a new printer , the directions said not to plug in the USB until they said to - or it won't work . You may need to uninstall and reinstall it . Double-check your printer instructions . I went around a few times before I got it right .

Answer 4

You have to follow the installation instructions as to when you plug it in. if this is not the problem, go to the contol panel and open the "add new hardware" panel.Also check for new drivers for the computer. Also check there are no on/off buttons on the printer.

Answer 5

I go along with who_me. Unplug your printer, re-install the software, plug in the usb and reboot. Your plug and play should pick up and configure the printer when it says "found new device".

Answer 6

install the driver and software from the cd included....

then try plug the usb port to your pc....