dell 946 printer won't print

Isnelson,

Follow these instructions below and then tell me what happens.

Make sure your computer has the latest Windows Updates, especially .net framework, needed to run many applications and the latest Java.

Disconnect your printer.

Download and run this patch to completely remove the printer from your computer. Run the patch(a MUST on Vista computers) until it prompts you to restart your computer.

Restart your computer.

Download the proper drivers.

XP Drivers

Vista 32-bit Drivers

XP & Vista 64-bit Drivers.

All other drivers

Install the proper drivers. You'll be prompted when to connect your printer(powered on).

As for scanning, if you have the disk that came with the printer, then insert the Printer disk and stop it from running. Go to My Computer and double click on it. Look for the drive with the Dell disk in it. Right click on it, left click explore. Look for the OCR Folder. In the OCR Folder, there is an Abbyy Folder. right click on setup.exe, that's in the Abbyy Folder and left click run as administrator. This will install the OCR program.

Also try reading...

Update list of applications to send scans to

Scanning

Scanning using USB connection, open the Dell All-In-One Center, click on scanning and copying and scan from there.

Scanning wirelessly, use the scan buttons on the printer.

Rick

I have a laptop running Vista Home Basic, and it doesn't see my Dell 946.  I followed the above instructions, but even after I plug the USB cable into my computer, the "Next" button remains dimmed.

SteveMuzik,

Since this is a laptop, then try...

Disconnecting the printer. Run the patch(printer cleanup utility) until it prompts you to restart your computer. Restart your computer. Now try this.

Go to device manager(right click my computer, left click properties, left click hardware, left click device manager)

Go to the USB Controller section and click the + sign.

Starting at the bottom, USB Root Hubs, and working your way to the top, USB Universal Controllers, un-install everything in that section.

Restart your computer. Windows will find everything again and correct the problem one. Please be patient. The new hardware wizard may work 3-5 minutes before it's done.

When the new hardware wizard is finished reinstalling all the USB Ports, then install the printer drivers next. You will get a prompt that the printer is not connected. Connect the printer at this time.

Rick

...I should add that before Windows reported the error message I just quoted, another window opened and displayed the message "Unknown Device installed.  The software for this device has been sucessfully installed... ...Ready to use."

Steven

Rick-

I followed your instructions, and all went well until I received the prompt that the printer was not connected.  I connected the printer, and Windows reported "One of the USB devices attached to this computer has malfunctioned, and Windows does not recognize it."  The Dell button labeled "Next" remained dimmed.

I don't think there's actually anything wrong with the printer, because it worked when it was connected to my now-deceased desktop computer.  Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

Steven

Steven,

If you disconnected everything that is connected with the USB Ports, then followed these instructions...

Go to device manager(right click my computer, left click properties, left click hardware, left click device manager)

Go to the USB Controller section and click the + sign.

Starting at the bottom, USB Root Hubs, and working your way to the top, USB Universal Controllers, un-install everything in that section.

Restart your computer. Windows will find everything again and correct the problem one. Please be patient. The new hardware wizard may work 3-5 minutes before it's done.

When the new hardware wizard is finished reinstalling all the USB Ports, then install the printer drivers next. You will get a prompt that the printer is not connected. Connect the printer at this time.

Then installed the printer, it should work.

Rick