Resolving Stuck Print Jobs
Stuck print jobs can prevent you and other users from printing. Follow these steps to clear the print queue and restore normal printing functionality:
Method 1 (admins only): Using Command Prompt (Recommended) (On the printer server)
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator
- Press the Windows key, type "cmd", right-click on "Command Prompt" and select "Run as administrator"
- Stop the print spooler service by typing:
net stop spoolerand press Enter - Navigate to the print spooler directory by typing:
cd C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERSand press Enter - Delete all files in this directory (these are the stuck print jobs)
- C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS
- Restart the print spooler service by typing:
net start spoolerand press Enter - Refresh your printer settings
General Printer Troubleshooting
If you're experiencing other printer issues, try these troubleshooting steps:
Connectivity Issues
- Check your network connection (verify if the printer is connected via wireless or LAN)
- Ensure you are properly authenticated on the network
- Run the Windows printer troubleshooter
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Printer
- Restart your computer
USB Connection Issues
- Check your computer's USB settings to ensure the ports are enabled
- Restart your computer to reset USB connections
- Update or reinstall USB drivers
- Inspect the USB ports for any physical damage
- Try connecting the device to different USB ports to rule out port-specific issues
'Unknown USB Device (Set Address Failed)' Error
- Ensure the printer is properly connected to the computer
- Download the latest printer drivers from the manufacturer's website
- Run driver installation as an administrator
- Check USB ports and cables for any damage
- Uninstall and reinstall the printer in Device Manager
Printer Driver Installation Issues
- Download the most recent drivers directly from the manufacturer's official website
- Ensure you're downloading drivers compatible with your computer's operating system
- Temporarily disable antivirus software during installation
- Run the driver installation program as an administrator
- If automatic installation fails, try manual installation through Device Manager
- Restart your computer after driver installation
Disappearing Printers
If printers have suddenly disappeared from your system:
- Restart the print spooler service (follow Method 1 steps 1, 2, and 5 above)
- This can help reset printer connections and bring offline printers back online
Secure Print Issues
- Verify you are connected to the correct server
- Look for printers specifically labeled for secure print (typically at the bottom of the printer list or with 'redirected' or 'admin' in the name)
- If no secure print option is visible, try switching to a different server
- Log out and log back in to refresh printer connections
- When printing sensitive documents like checks, ensure you're using a printer with secure print capabilities (such as CAS printer or production room printer)
Remote Access Printing Issues
- Check NetExtender settings to ensure local traffic and file copying are allowed
- Verify that login scripts are correctly installed on the desktop
- Confirm drive connection settings
- Ensure the remote computer has necessary permissions for local file access
- If you can't print or save files when using a remote desktop connection:
- Verify your server connection
- Check that you're connected to the correct server
- Ensure your network drives (like K drive) are online
- Use any available troubleshooting scripts provided by your IT support
Brother Label Printer Issues
- Check the device manager to ensure the printer is recognized
- Download and install the correct Brother drivers for your specific model from the manufacturer's website
- Manually install the printer through your computer's printer settings
- For QL-710W connectivity issues, add the printer through device settings and run a test print
- If the printer is blinking red during a test print, this may indicate a driver or connection problem
Print Quality Issues
- If your printer is producing lines or marks on printed pages, use the built-in cleaning function in the printer settings
- For persistent issues, contact the printer manufacturer's technical support
- Professional servicing may be needed if self-cleaning doesn't resolve the issue
- For Canon printers with line issues, a technician may need to clean components like the transfer cleaner assembly and ITB (Image Transfer Belt)
- Regular maintenance can prevent quality issues - use built-in cleaning functions periodically and keep the printer clean
- If you notice lines or creases when printing on letterhead, especially from a specific printer drawer, stop the print job to prevent wasting paper and check the drawer for paper alignment issues
Printer Sleep Mode Problems
- Check and extend the printer's sleep timer settings to the maximum available time
- Consider assigning a manual IP address to prevent automatic sleep mode
- Create a TCP/IP port on your computer to maintain a more consistent connection
Canon Auto-Toner System Issues
- If your Canon printer stops communicating with the auto-toner system:
- Ensure the printer is turned on and connected to the network
- Perform a communication test
- If the test fails, try turning off the main power and then turning it back on
- For persistent issues, contact Canon Customer Service at 1-800-613-2228 or email autotoner@cusa.canon.com
- Note that if communication fails, you risk running out of toner without warning, which can cause unexpected downtime
- The auto-toner service automatically tracks printer toner usage and remaining percentage
- When toner reaches a low threshold, replacement toners are automatically shipped to prevent running out
USB Connection Recognition Issues
- If you're experiencing repeated 'USB Device Not Recognized' pop-up messages:
- Disconnect all USB devices
- Try the device in a different USB port
- Check for any physical damage to the USB port or device
- Update USB drivers if the problem persists
Software-Specific Printing Issues
Draft Form Printing Issues
- If you see 'NO CONTENT' when trying to print draft forms, try refreshing the page
- Clear your browser cache
- Restart your computer
SurePrep Printing Issues
- If you're having trouble printing SurePrep workpapers to GFR:
- Attempt to rename and re-download the binder
- Give the download sufficient time to complete before cancelling
- Check if the issue is specific to a particular client or binder
- Verify the file can be opened on your machine
- If you encounter an error preventing you from printing an engagement:
- Fully close the engagement binder
- Sign out of the application
- Sign back in and attempt to print again
- Check if the engagement is still processing on the SurePrep server
- Wait for the 'DWP PDF Printing' process to complete
- For persistent issues, contact SurePrep support for further assistance
Scanner and Email Issues
- If scanned documents are delayed when sending to email, try restarting the printer
- Check your network connectivity and ensure email settings are correctly configured
- For new copiers where the address list isn't showing when trying to scan to email, verify network connectivity and printer configuration settings
- Ensure the copier is properly connected to the email system or directory services
Remote Desktop Connection Issues
- If you can't print or save files when using a remote desktop connection:
- Verify your server connection
- Check that you're connected to the correct server
- Ensure your network drives (like K drive) are online
- Use any available troubleshooting scripts provided by your IT support
- Log out and log back into the system
When to Contact IT Support
If you've tried the above steps and are still experiencing issues:
- Contact your IT support team if you cannot clear stuck print jobs directly from the printer's control panel
- IT support can remotely access the printer's computer, clear the print spooler, and remove stuck documents from the print queue
- For persistent printer problems that the above steps don't resolve, reach out to IT support for further assistance
Note: Always ensure you have saved any important documents before attempting to troubleshoot printer issues, as restarting services or your computer may cause unsaved work to be lost.
Comments
0 comments
Please sign in to leave a comment.