computer doesnt recognize printer

[yesterday]

i have been using this printer before without any problems. yesterday i wanted to print but it wouldn't print. the ink was full there was no jam yet it wouldn't print.

the printer status window said it was printing but nothing would happen and then sometimes it would automatically delete the printer job. i deleted the printer using control panel and tried installing it again through control panel but still nothing.

i have also gone through the processes in help and support but none seem to work.

any ideas.
thanks.

[michaewlewis]

We can't easily come up with ideas without more information.
Please tell us what kind of printer it is, in addition to how old the computer is, the operating system, cpu, ram, etc.
Did you install any software recently? When was the last time you did a spyware/virus scan?

[yesterday]

printer- lexmark z12
win xp sp2
1 gb ram
my computer is  2-3 yrs old.
i did a virus scan a couple of days ago along with a spyware scan
i have installed software but thats unrelated to the printer.
thanks for your help so far.

[michaewlewis]

I've always thought Lexmark makes poor quality printers. If you bought the printer at the same time you bought your computer, there's a good chance it is dead.
You will probably have to buy a new printer. Your best bet is to buy an HP or Epson printer. My personal preference is HP, but I've heard good things about both. They are a bit more expensive than a lexmark, but they will last longer and give much better results.

[yesterday]

thanks mate.

[ale52]

Might try this as sometimes a job gets stuck in the print spooler.

using Windows Explorer navigate to %systemroot%\system32\spool\printers
(usually c:\windows\sytem32\spool\printers) and delete any files with .shd
or .spl extensions


Alan <><