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My printer has stopped printing
My Dell V313w printer has stopped working. I can print pictures that I have saved but cannot print saved rtf documents nor any page from the internet. Consistently receive the error message, "Communication not available/The printer cannot communicate with the computer." Windows troubleshooter tells me, "No physical printer is installed. Hardware changes might not have been detected." All connections are in place; multiple reboots to no avail. OS is Windows 7. Any ideas?
I uninstalled Internet Explorer 11, reverting to IE 8, but I still can't print. Turning off the balloon tips likewise didn't help. The error message still reads, "Communication not available/The printer cannot communicate with the computer." The Windows 7 troubleshooter identified the problem as "No physical printer is installed. Hardware changes might not have been detected." This is wrong since the control panel shows same v313 series (USB) printer I've been using regularly for four years and which worked fine until about a week ago. I've unplugged the printer, rebooted, then plugged the printer back in and the error message remains the same. A co-worker says I might have to uninstall, then reinstall the printer software. Is this advisable or even possible? I still have a disc titled "Software and documentation for Dell v313w Printer.".
vlang412,
If the printer is wireless, I recommend using these Recommended Wireless Router Settings I use channel 11. I would make a new SSID to make connecting easier.
I would the reinstall the printer using the instructions below...
First run Delete Print Jobs to remove any stuck print job in the queue.
Disconnect the printer.
Start, control panel, programs and features, your printer, uninstall
Restart your computer. Make sure the printer is removed. Manual Printer Driver RemovalDownload the Vista 32-bit drivers for Windows 7 32-bit or the Vista 64-bit drivers for Windows 7 64-bit. Install the Vista drivers in the Vista Compatibility mode You'll get a message, the printer is not connected. Connect the printer at this time(powered on).
Links to the drivers can be found at...Dell V313 All-In-One Printer owners thread
Remember virus programs and firewalls will block communications.
I would also try these tweaks...
Start, control panel, device manager.
Go to the USB Controller section and click the + sign.
Go to each USB Root Hub and right click on it, left click properties, left click power management. Uncheck the box, allow computer to turn off this device to save power.
Restart your computer.
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Start, control panel, device manager. Click on Network and then right click on your wireless adapter, left click properties, power management. Uncheck the box, allow computer to turn off this device to save power.
Rick
PudgyOne
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Posted March 2nd, 2015 14:00
vlang412,
Try the problem solution and see if this correct the problem.
Open Internet Explorer, click on Help, then click on About Internet Explorer. It should show the version there. If you have IE11, then go to control panel, Windows Update, Installed Updates, look for Internet Explorer 11. Click on Internet Explorer 11, uninstall.
Restart the computer, when prompted. Then see if your printer works.
The other option is to turn off the balloon tips for the printer.
Start, control panel, devices and printer, your printer, printing preferences, advanced, more options. Tell it to never show. The problem with this setting is you cannot tell if you're low on ink, printer jams, Etc.
Rick