1) Make sure the printer is plugged in! If it is plugged into a surge protector, make sure it is on.

2) Ok, you can't print and Windows, etc. says it can't find the printer. Make sure the darn thing is turned on and there are no error lights (LEDs) lit. If there are error lights, check the manual to see whats up. You should hear the print mechanism initialize when power is applied and most printers have at least one light which will be illuminated when it is on.

3) Read the manual! You would be supprised how many people think that they are Tim the Tool Man Taylor, and dont need instructions. Of course sometimes reading the manual does nothing, but usually It's more handy than staring at your printer and thinking evil thoughts.

4) Did It come with a disc? Um, that disk has all the drivers on it needed to run that thing. Also possibly you were tinkering around your program files and inadvertantly moved, or deleted something....or something. So try throwing the disc in again and reinstalling. If you didn't get a disk with your printer then your going to have to find drivers for it Via the Internet. Please read on.

5) No manual, or disk? Then get on that internet and find the manufacturer. Most manufacturers will have a manual that you can view. Make sure you are looking at the correct make and model!

6) Is the error light blinking at you? Well at least your plugged in! Some common reasons for this is that possibly the printer isn't plugged into your computer, or is loose, or the the cat munched the wire! Just double check all connections. Is the paper jammed? Printers only like one piece at a time. Are you out of Ink? Easiest way to check that is to look at your printer properties for ink levels. Most printers have a built-in diagnostics program which can be very useful for troubleshooting problems and test-printing without a computer. They are usually initiated by pressing a button or two while turning on the printer. Check your user manual. If the printer test-prints OK, you have probably eliminated the mechanical print mechanism as the problem.

7) Getting the can't find printer error? The printer test prints, but it won't go on line... Well, is the cable from the printer to the computer connected. Screw down the DB-25 connector at the computer end and clip the Centronics connector at the printer end (your printer and computer may have different connectors; e.g., USB). Push-in and wiggle the connectors. Some SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) are physically identical to the male DB-25 connectors used for standard IBM/IBM-compatible printer ports. Plugging a printer into a SCSI port can damage the SCSI host board and the printer. also check for bent pins.

8) does it have a stuck print queue? Start > Settings > Printers > double click the printer > Printer >Purge Print Documents

9) Getting back to installing software. If you dont have the disc and you need to reinstall the drivers, first you need to find them. Goto the manufactures page and look around for the Make and Model device drivers, they sometimes are stupidly hard to find. If you can't find it on that site try searching Google and type in: [name of printer] [model number] drivers then search. When you find the correct driver download it. After that, they are usually Zipped. unzip the folder for now to desktop (so you can find it easy) and click it. If it is nice and easy it will be an install, simply install. If it is not, goto control panel and click on 'Add New Hardware' follow the first steps then find printer. When you find the printer and your ready to install the drivers for it dont let windows search for best driver. Find it yourself, its on the Desktop. After finding it click ok, and it will do its thing. Reboot the computer, and see if it works now.

10) If after step 9 it still doesnt work, and you are using XP. It could mean a Service is not running. Goto Sart > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > and Services. (Please don't start muckin around in here unless you know forsure what you are doing! You can have more things than your printer not working after!!) Scan down the list until you see "Print Spooler Service" if it is off, or set to manual, then change it to Automatic. Click Apply/OK, then reboot.

10) If after step 9 it still doesnt work, and you are using XP. It could mean a Service is not running. Goto Sart > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > and Services. (Please don't start muckin around in here unless you know forsure what you are doing! You can have more things than your printer not working after!!) Scan down the list until you see "Print Spooler Service" if it is off, or set to manual, then change it to Automatic. Click Apply/OK, then reboot.

11) If after these steps, you are still having problems, Please e-mail , or messenger me, I would be glad to help.

Although my StarShip is off the ground, it still has a long venture ahead!

Feedback, submissions, ideas? Email jazagod@yahoo.com