Printers are high-tech devices designed to print text or pictures. Very often there are such problems that the printer does not want to print documents, outputs them slowly, or performs some other actions that were not set by the user. There are a huge number of reasons why the device refuses to work. The worst situation is when the device simply ignores the actions of the owner. Do not immediately lose heart when such a problem arises, because you can solve it on your own, without resorting to the help of a specialist or even buying a new device. This article will cover the main reasons and solutions to the question why the printer does not print a Word document.
First steps
First of all, you should check if the problem is really with the printer? Maybe the user is setting the commands incorrectly, or the appropriate drivers are not installed on the computer, withoutwhich the printing device cannot communicate with it. First you need to try restarting the computer and the printer itself, and then printing another document. If it is obvious that the snag is in the device for printing, then proceed to the following measures.
Restart print service
Most often the problem is solved in this way. You need to restart the service called "Print Manager". To do this, simultaneously press the Windows and R keys. Next, enter the command: services.msc. The window that opens is the status of all services running or installed on the computer. In their list, you need to find a service called "Print Manager" and restart it by right-clicking and selecting the "Restart" action. Thus, we will clear the print queue, which could simply become clogged and block all incoming commands.
After the manipulations, the problem should be solved, if this is not a more severe case. This method is definitely worth a try, if only to determine the root of the problem.
USB cable problems
If the previous method turned out to be useless, you should follow the following points:
- Check the cable for mechanical damage (cracks, kinks, etc.). If you find the slightest defects, you need to check the wire on another device to determine if it is the problem.
- Try plugging the cable into a different USB slot on your computer. It may turn out that the port just turned out to be inoperative.
- Do not use too long wires (more than 200 cm). This can lead to frequent crashes between devices.
- You can try using a different USB cable to connect the printer and computer.
- You can try connecting a wireless printer with a wire if it refuses to work.
These manipulations can also help solve the situation when the printer does not print Word documents. Let's move on to another type of reason.
Working with drivers
Driver is a program that controls the device and connects it to others. Therefore, the availability of an updated and working program is a prerequisite for the correct operation of the equipment.
How to install the driver?
If there is no CD with the appropriate utilities for the printer, you can find them on the net, they are freely available for download. You need to go to the official website of the manufacturer and select your device model. You should find the drivers of the required version and download them to your computer. Read the license agreement and follow the installation instructions. After all operations, you need to run the program and make sure that there is a connection with the printer that needs to be connected to the computer.
It happens that the user does not know the model of his printer and what manufacturer he has. In this case, you need to look at it on the computer: in the control panel, find the “Device Manager” tab, in the list of devices there should be a line “Printers” or “Hardware”, where you can find your printer model.
It is possible to install the driver according to its description. You can determine it by right-clicking on the shortcut to your printer in Device Manager (as described above) and open "Properties". At the top, click the "Details" button. In the "Properties" field, select "Driver Description" and copy it.
Next, you need to find a driver search service on the Internet and paste the copied value into the line. It remains only to download the program and follow the installation instructions.
If the utility is already installed, but the printer does not print documents from the computer, then you should update the program.
How to update the driver?
You can use the easiest way - reinstall the utility. To do this, you need to find the "Devices and Printers" button in the control panel. Next, select your printer that is connected to the computer and right-click on its icon. Then you need to remove the device.
Now, when you reconnect the printer to the computer, the system will require you to install the driver and start searching for the required version.
Other reasons
The printer does not print a document - what if all the previous steps did not help? The most obvious things should be checked. Namely, is there paper in the printer, is there enough ink to print, or is the cartridge completely disconnected?
Checking the default device
It may happen that the computer has rearranged the priority from the main deviceto a virtual one, and because of this, it happens that the printer does not want to print the Word document. This is checked as follows: you need to go to the "Control Panel", then to "Devices and Printers". In the opened list of devices, you need to select the one you are going to use and, by right-clicking on the mouse, select "Use by default".
After that, the computer will use this device to print documents. In the same window, it will not be superfluous to diagnose problems by selecting the appropriate button when you right-click on the printer.
Another way to check why your HP printer is not printing Word documents is to display a test page. To do this, go to the Control Panel and click on the "Devices and Printers" tab. On the icon of your printer, double-click the left mouse button. The setup window will open if the driver is installed on the printer. In this window, you need to go to the settings and click "Test Print".
After that, the device should print a test page, where you can see what the problem is: if the ink is unevenly applied, then the cartridge may have deteriorated; if the sheet is blank, then the problem is either in the ink or in the printer itself.
Select document printing options
It also happens that the machine seems to display text, but it is placed incorrectly or some of its fragments are simply not visible. In this case, you should choose the right size and print quality. You need to find the desired file, the printing of whichyou need to produce and right-click on it, selecting "Print". In the window that opens, you will see all the settings that you can change for yourself, thereby choosing the optimal position, quality and size of the text or picture.
All of the above actions are basic and directly related to the problem of why the printer does not print a Word document. Now consider secondary factors that also happen and can affect the operation of the device, but are not directly related to the main difficulty.
What to do if there is a paper jam?
This situation happens to every user from time to time when the device crumples the paper. The prerequisites for this may be the moment when the HP printer prints a Word document slowly. The problem can be solved by your own efforts without the help of masters. First you need to understand the causes of paper jams:
- Incorrect paper loading in the tray. For example, if the sheets are of a non-standard size (for example, 10 x 15 photo paper), then it must be placed in a specific place in the tray, which is usually allocated and designated by manufacturers. Also, A4 sheets may be stuck together, which may cause a jam.
- Poor quality paper. The printer is a rather expensive device, so you need to select good paper for it. Bad sheets can leave small particles inside the machine that accumulate over time and can cause performance problems.
- Damaged paper pick-up mechanism. The roller may lose its function over time. For example, he candry and just don't act on the loaded sheets or wrinkle them. To remedy the situation, experts recommend lubricating the rollers with alcohol. To do this, wet a cloth with alcohol and use your hand to get close to these same mechanisms that are located at the bottom of the tray where the paper is placed. Wipe them well to restore the ability to grab sheets.
- Poor quality or non-original paint. It is very important to use the correct brand of ink cartridges to avoid the risk of problems with the device, including paper jams.
To solve this problem, do the following:
- Turn off the printer so that it does not hold jammed paper. When repairing equipment that is turned on, you can get paint on your hands or even get burned if the printer is a laser printer.
- The sheet should be pulled out exactly along the path along which it should pass. If you do otherwise, you may damage parts of the machine or leave pieces of paper inside the printer, which will complicate the problem.
- Before removing the sheet, remove the cartridge from the carriage so that ink does not get into unnecessary places. After all the procedures, you need to install the cartridge back and make sure that the carriage is able to move.
To avoid experiencing paper jams again, follow these guidelines:
- Do not put too many sheets in the tray at the same time. Due to the large amount of paper, the printer wheels can simply fail and deteriorate.
- Insert sheets individually to make sure thestack has no glued sheets.
- Choose only paper designed for printing or recommended by the manufacturer.
- Specify the type of paper used for printing in the machine settings.
- Regularly cleans cartridges. This feature is available on some models.
How to clean the printer at home?
One of the reasons why the printer does not print a document in the queue may be dirty cartridges or dry ink. Such problems usually occur when the device is not used for a long time and the paint becomes unusable. Of course, you should not immediately resort to the help of specialists or carry the printer to the service, as it is quite expensive, and it is possible to solve such a problem yourself. It is worth noting that in the offices, paint drying is almost never observed, since documents are constantly printed there - the device is always in operation. Therefore, to prevent drying out, you should display a page with some text or an image at least once a week.
The first step is to prepare all the tools that will be used: napkins, alcohol, water, containers for liquid. Step by step instructions for cleaning the carriage:
- Open the cover of the device and remove all available cartridges, as well as the carriage for them.
- Wipe all parts and elements inside the printer from dust and paint.
- You need to mix alcohol with water in equal proportions and put the carriage there so that the paint and accumulated dirt get wet.
- After 2 minutes, wipe the part with napkins to remove excess moisture, andalso remove soaked paint.
- Restore all elements in place.
Cleaning the cartridge
There are two ways:
- Steaming. To do this, hold under steam the part of the cartridge from which the ink comes out for 4-5 seconds.
- Soaking. You will need window cleaner. This liquid must be placed in a container and the working part of the cartridge should be lowered there. Soaking is done for 24 hours.
How to clean the printer head?
This item can only be cleaned with a computer. In the printer settings displayed on the monitor screen, you need to find the cartridge cleaning function and start the process. If it was not possible to find it in the settings, then you can start the operation by holding the cancel operation button on the printer (often shown as a cross) for some time. After cleaning, it's best to print a test page to make sure the cartridge is working. Most likely, if the problem was in the cartridge, then the problem when the printer does not want to print a Word document will be solved.
How to clean the laser printer drum?
First of all, you need to turn off the printer. Next, open the lid and remove the drum (you can see how this is done in the instructions; this is quite simple). Then wipe the contaminated places with a damp cloth (it is forbidden to use alcohols and other flammable substances as a humidifier). After cleaning, replace the drum and check the operation of the printer.
Conclusion
All of the above reasons and actionswill surely help you solve the problem when the printer does not print Word documents. However, if all the same attempts were in vain, then, most likely, the situation is beyond the control of ordinary users, and it is best to give the printer to the service, where they will repair it or indicate further actions.
