wireless printer won't print unless connected

Discussion in 'Hardware' started by MTHall51, Jul 27, 2010.

  1. MTHall51

    MTHall51 Specialist

    Just got a wireless inkjet printer; Problem is that it will not print without being connected which defeats the entire purpose. Any thoughts on this? All the laptops work great in our home, as does my smartphone, showing great WiFi signal.
    Running Windows 7 Printer is a Lexmark
     
  2. DavidGP

    DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

    Hi MT

    What model version is the Lexmark? as many printers have specific setup instructions, I know that my HP needed me to not connect it to begin with, then choose Network printing opposed to USB in the setup then plugged in the USB for some setup then just unplug the USB and WiFi printing, once all installed and WiFi printing tested you can print also via USB, for me I could anyways.

    Just uninstall the driver and software and just re-install again, but give us the model number and we will find the exact info to troubleshoot.


    If you do uninstall the lexmark driver and software, just try this for me as Windows 7 is superb at many things and Device Stage is one of them (need newish hardware) but I did not need to install any HP downloaded/CD drivers, the drivers for my printer came from the HP ones supplied to Microsoft.


    With Printer on (unhook USB cable for now)

    To attempt this click Start > Devices and Printers > Add a Printer > Add Network, Wireless or Bluetooth Printer > it will search for a bit but hopefully your Printer will show in the main Window, if it does highlight it and click Next and follow the prompts to install the driver.
     
  3. usafveteran

    usafveteran MajorGeek

    You mean "connected" to a computer, right? Do you use a router in your home network? If so and if your printer is networkable, i.e. via ethernet connection to a router, then you should be able to set up your printer on your network (meaning connect it to your router) and have access to it from any computer on the network.

    I know this is not a solution to getting it working wirelessly but thought I'd mention this approach since it's still a way to get your computer setup for access from multiple computers.
     
  4. brownizs

    brownizs MajorGeek

    The one thing I loved about getting the HP OfficeJet 4500 that we have, is that all you had to do, was go into the printer control panel, set the SSID & WPA/WPA2 passcode, and away you go. No need to hook up to a computer to install.

    Software was the same way. Install the software, it found the printer. Easy Peasy, lemon squeezy.
     

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