The printer is an electronic medium that is used as a printing tool and is now very common in society. Only by buying a one-time printer, we can print whatever we want and as much as we want.
Moreover, the period of use of this tool can be said to be quite long and long. Thus, jobs such as printing photos, files, documents, and so on will become very easy.
In addition, how to use it is quite practical. Only by connecting the printer cable to the hardware (laptop or computer), then pressing a few buttons and the “print” command, we will get the desired printout.
Under normal conditions, the printer will run smoothly and produce good prints. However, as we all know, every electronic device is not always perfect, including a printer.
There will be times when this tool experiences errors or damage, such as the printer cannot pick up paper or does not respond to the commands given. If this happens, usually the words “Not Responding” will appear on your computer or laptop screen.
But don’t worry, because when this happens you don’t need to immediately replace it with a new one. There are several ways that can be done so that the printer returns to work as usual.
The Causes of Printer Not Responding
There are several reasons why the printer does not respond to commands. The causes may vary depending on the types of printers.
The following are common causes:
1. The Problem on the Printer itself
Usually a crash or lag occurs which causes the printer to not be able to respond to the system that has sent a command to print.
2. System Crash
This problem is also common where the system is interrupted so that it cannot send commands to print to the printer.
3. The Cables are not Properly Attached
To connect the printer to the hardware (hardware), it takes several cables as a “power supply”.
A common error that causes the printer to not respond is that the cable that connects the two devices is not properly connected.
The way to overcome this is to first unplug the cable that has been installed, then plug it back in. Make sure it is in good position and securely attached.
4. The Driver’s Installation
The printer requires the installation of a driver whose function is to connect between hardware devices. Without it, or if the driver encounters a problem, the printer will automatically crash as well.
An example is a printer that is not responding. To solve this problem, you can look for websites that provide driver installation. Currently, there are many that provide, even for free.
5. Incompatibility with the Windows
As we know, the existing printer version is always updated from time to time, as well as the Windows version.
Sometimes there are some printers that will only work on certain windows series, and if they don’t match then they won’t respond.
For example, if we use the old printer version in the new windows series, and vice versa. If the problem with the printer not responding is this, then there is no other choice but to replace it with a new one.
6. The Printer is too Often Used
Every electronic device, including printers, has a limit or maximum limit for use. Each printer has its own limits.
If it has been operating too often, the best solution that can be taken is to give a pause as a “rest time” for the printer device.
7. Hardware’s Problem
Interference with the printer itself is also one of the reasons why the response cannot be given. Generally, printers that are rarely used will experience problems in certain parts.
So, as much as possible keep using the printer to print anything even if only one sheet.
How to Fix Printer not Responding
Then after knowing the various problems above regarding why the printer cannot respond, then what are the next steps or actions to be taken? Here are some of them:
1. Knowing the Cause
Recognizing the causes that have been mentioned and explained above is the first step that we can take. By knowing the problem, the faster and more precise the solution will be taken.
2. Services.msc
Services.msc is one of the programs found on the Windows system that can help manage and run various services on the system, whether it is running or not.
If the printer does not respond, then one way that can be done is to set services.msc by following these steps:
- Press Windows Key + Run (R) as a shortcut to open the services.msc page
- Once it opened, type services.msc manually. Then click OK or press the Enter Key on the keyboard
- If this is the case, wait for the service window then select the “print spooler” menu then press “stop service” to stop the running program
- The next step is, minimize the page then go to Windows Explorer and select C:/Windows/System32/Spool/PRINTERS
- Delete all file in the menu and then
- Return to the initial window, namely services
- Restart your computer or laptop to start printing and refresh again
3. The USB Cable
The USB cable here is intended to connect hardware to the printer that will be used. There are times when we put it wrong or not stick.
Therefore, the first thing to pay attention to is to make sure, and if it still doesn’t work, then you can also unplug and re-plug the USB cable.
4. Reinstall the Driver of the Printer
Now that you know how important the printer driver is, it doesn’t mean it’s free from trouble. If this happens, then the only way is to reinstall (reinstall). Thus, the printer will work better.
5. Go to the Service and Maintenance
The last way that can be an option is to do a service or check that allows us to find out what the problem is.
It’s even better if we check or service regularly so that the handling of the damage is not too late
The printer is indeed an electronic device that is very useful and practical, however, it still cannot be avoided from damage as well.
The fix, we don’t need to immediately replace it with a new one. You can try the methods described above first.