My printer all of a sudden does not print any more even though I have done nothing to change its settings. It does print a test page when pressing a combination of buttons on the printer panel but will not print a Windows test page (which is prompted to be printed after installing the printer driver). The computer always comes back saying the printer is not connected. All cables are connected and all the lights on the printer are on.

The fact that the printer prints a test page indicates that the printer is working ok. However, as the Windows printer test page will not print, this indicates that there is in fact a problem with the connection between the printer and computer. Firstly, ensure that the cable is connected firmly to both the back of your computer and the back of the printer. Also, have a look to see if the cable is damaged in any way (e.g., frayed near the connectors). If this is the case, you may need to buy a new cable. Secondly, try reinstalling the printer driver. Make sure that you have the printer drivers handy or the Windows CD if you are using drivers included with Windows. You first need to remove the current printer driver. Go to the ‘Start’ menu > ‘Settings’ > ‘Printers’. In the window that appears, right-click on the driver currently installed for your printer and in the context-menu that appears, click ‘Delete’. This will remove the printer driver from your computer. Now, ensure that your printer is on and then reboot the computer. With any luck the printer will be recognised while Windows is loading and you will be prompted to install drivers for the printer. If so, install the drivers as prompted. However, if you are not prompted to install drivers for your printer on boot up, go back into the ‘Printers’ window and if the wizard doesn’t automatically appear, double-click on ‘Add Printer’ to start the installation of your printer.

If you are still having problems with your printer, try downloading the latest printer drivers from your printer manufacturer’s website. There should be instructions included in the download on how to install the drivers. Another possible cause of the problem could be due to a recent change in your computer. If you have recently installed any new software or upgraded software on your computer, this could be in conflict with your printer. In this case, try uninstalling the software. If after trying these suggestions you continue to have problems, please contact me again with any additional details on the problem which might have come to light as you tried the above suggestions.