Computer not recognizing printer connection

[kimbo215]

I tried to print something today and my computer is not recognizing that I have a printer. I tried to troubleshoot it myself- No printer showed up in the control panel, but the programs were still installed. I uninstalled those and tried to reinstall the printer, but the computer did not recognize that the printer was plugged in. I tried both USB ports and everything my non-computer mind knows. I would appreciate any courses of action one could suggest.
I just installed Mozilla but I don't think that would have anything to do with it.

Thank you
Kimberly

[GrandDad]

Welcome to WD kimbo215 .

What make and model is printer and how old ?
what ver. of windows you running ?

Have you checked in 'Device Manager' if any devices show
a problem ?(it will have a "yellow '?' " or red mark or marks)

Do have some other USB device to try to make sure USB is working on PC ?

[eboyjones]

I gather the printer did work at one time.

USB printers can be touchy. I have found you have to get out your installation instructions and set the printer up just like it says. Some printers say to set up the software, power on the printer and and then plug in the USB. Others say plug in the USB and then power on. (I have an Epson and an HP and each is different in setting up the USB). Just go step by step.

Also do as the previous post says and check your device manager for conflicts and check control panel/printers and see if there are any printers listed. You might have to start from scratch and uninstall software and reinstall step by step.

[Jovi17]

k

[corturbra]

Hi, welcome to Windrivers.

Not a Bon Jovi fan by any chance?

Anyways, this problem can also be caused by a corrupt spool driver....

Let us know your version of windows, the printer details and any messages that you might get when attempting to print (other than the extremely helpful Microsoft ones "there was an error printing")

Can you print a test/configuration page directly from the printer itself?