Printer Problems

[paparon]

Yesterday my printer has stopped working. When I try to print it just goes to an area to save the file. I contacted Lexmark and they told me to call the Premium Support center but I just wait online for them with no answer. I was told by the Lexmark chat representative to turn off the windows firewall. I am running Microsoft Security Essentials and not sure if I should turn off the firewall in windows.

 

[Layback Bear]

Welcome to the forum.

You should not have to turn off the firewall in order to print.

Could you explain this in more detail?

When I try to print it just goes to an area to save the file.

 

[Berton]

Check in Devices and Printers to assure the printer is shown, the icon is not dimmed, is shown as Default. Try to print a test page, click Printer Properties not the Properties at the bottom of the context menu, that is for the icon/shortcut.

 

[Digerati]

I was told by the Lexmark chat representative to turn off the windows firewall

Clear words from an idiot! If a newly installed printer fails to print, then it might be good to look at the firewall settings, but you should never have to turn off a firewall - ever.

How are you connected to the printer - direct through USB or printer cable, or is the printer networked? Have you power cycled the printer? And I agree to check in Control Panel > Devices and Printers to make sure your printer is listed, and is set as the default.

Also note that typically there is an option to "print to file" where instead of sending the print job to the printer, Windows sends it to save as a file. So make sure you are not selecting that.

 

[Berton]

Also note that typically there is an option to "print to file" where instead of sending the print job to the printer, Windows sends it to save as a file.

Also check that other Devices such as OneNote or the Fax is not set as Default, will be noted by a green checkmark on the icon

 

[Layback Bear]

Also note that typically there is an option to "print to file" where instead of sending the print job to the printer, Windows sends it to save as a file. So make sure you are not selecting that.

Very good point Itaregid.

 

[Digerati]

Also note that typically there is an option to "print to file" where instead of sending the print job to the printer, Windows sends it to save as a file. So make sure you are not selecting that.

Very good point Itaregid.

Thanks. I discovered this a long time ago - the hard way!