Troubleshooting a Network Printer

Physical LAN

Check your own computer's physical connection to the network. Many computers will display an icon at the bottom that looks like two monitors. If there is an "x" or a triangle-shaped sign with an exclamation point in it, chances are that your computer is not connected or is loosely connected to the local area network (LAN). First you should physically check to see if your LAN wire is plugged into the network line. Whether it's the over-sized telephone line or coaxial cable, both ends should be securely snug into their respective connectors. Some LAN connecting points in PCs also have a green light that lets you know the connection was made.

Internal Network

Check your internal computer settings to see if it's connected. In Windows Vista or XP, double click the two-monitor icon to show how your network line is running. If you see an "x" between your computer and the server, your computer is the issue and you'll probably have to contact your network administrator to continue the troubleshooting. If you have administrative rights, click the self-diagnosis button to reveal where the problem is, which is probably bigger than the network printer at this point.

The Printer Network

Make sure the printer is connected to the network properly. One way to do this is to have someone else on the network print from it. You can also send a test page from your "Print" menu. If your co-worker's page prints and yours does not, then you'll have to skip to step 5.
Double-check the printer's LAN line to make sure it's connected to the network just like step 1 if neither you nor your coworkers can print. If the line is connected, consult your printer's manual to print out the printer name and IP address from the printer.

Adding a Printer

Select "Printers" in your Control Panel and choose the "Add a Printer" function. If your printer name is already on there and is not the default printer, choose it as the default. If it is not on there, choose to add a network printer. Follow the prompts until you reach the "add a printer using the IP address" button and input the printer name. Once it is accepted, run a test page.

Resources

• Network Printers for Sale