Can't connect printer to the network

jmrpjb · 12 Apr 2013

My printer was working and I haven't (knowingly) changed anything but when I try to print, nothing happens. I ran the printer troubleshooter and it came up with, "cannot connect printer to the network". I'm not very computer savvy, so please bear with me.

My question is why do I need to be connected to a network? I have a Brother MFC-J835DW all-in-one, wireless. I checked, and I am connected to several wireless networks.

I've got the Home Premium edition of Windows 7 and I'm using IE9.

Can someone please help?

TVeblen · 12 Apr 2013

jmrpjb said:

My question is why do I need to be connected to a network?

That means that the printer is one of the devices that is a part of your home or office wireless connections (the network). This is all managed through your router.

Often devices are dropped from the router's list for one reason or another. Very annoying. The quick fix is to reset the router. Turn it off, wait 20 seconds or so, and then turn it back on. It will rediscover all the devices on the network in a minute or so. Then try to print.

jmrpjb said:

I have a Brother MFC-J835DW all-in-one, wireless. I checked, and I am connected to several wireless networks.

I doubt that you are actually connected to more than one wireless network. When you click on the wireless icon it will show you all the available wireless networks that are in range of your PC or device, but only one of those will be the network managed by your router. When you click on your network it should say "connected". If it is not connected it will say "connect".

jmrpjb · 13 Apr 2013

Thank you for your help. I can't count the number of times simply turning something off and then on again has solved the problem. I should have thought of that. Thanks again

TVeblen · 14 Apr 2013

It's the magic fix!

It's one of the first things I taught my kids: "Turn the computer off and then back on again, if it's still doing it, then come and get me".

Glad you are back up and running.