printer problems after connecting new router

Ciao Deb,

I'm Ugo, a Microsoft Independent Advisor willing to help other Microsoft customers.

Regarding your question, can you please share make and model of your printer?

Please let me know.

Ciao

Ugo

Hi again Deb.

Yeah, driver finders aren't as useful as going to the PC's Support Downloads web page for your exact model, HP Serial or Dell Service tag number (from sticker on PC) to import any newer drivers than what are currently installed in Device Manager, reached by right clicking the Start button.

For the sound, start by running the Sound Playback troubleshooter at Settings>Update & Security>Troubleshoot.

Try rolling back the sound driver in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start Menu. Choose Sound controller device, then Driver tab, then Roll back if available. This can correct a problem with Windows Update others experienced recently.

Update the Sound driver from the PC's Support Downloads web page. While there make sure you also have the latest Chipset, Display, Network, USB and all other drivers, comparing with the version presently installed in Device Manager.

If no newer driver then uninstall the one presently installed in Device Manager, reached by right clicking the Start Button. Restart PC to reinstall.

When did this behavior begin? If you have an idea you might be able to System Restore back to a point before it began: http://home.bt.com/tech-gadgets/computing/how-t...

It's possible this was caused by a Windows Update so if nothing above works, go to Settings>Update & Security>Windows Update, check the Installed Updates list for Updates that might have been just installed, try uninstalling them using the Uninstall button present there. Then hide the Updates using the Hide Updates tool downloaded from here: http://download.microsoft.com/download/f/2/2/f2...

Go over this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Start with Step 4 to turn off Startup freeloaders which can conflict and cause issues, then Step 7 to check for infection the most thorough way, then step 10 to check for damaged System Files. Then continue with the other steps to go over your install most thoroughly.

If nothing else helps then run a Repair Install by installing the Media Creation Tool and choosing from it to Upgrade Now. This solves many problems and will also bring it up to the latest version which you need anyway and by the most stable method. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...

But remember that Factory or Upgrade installs are inferior installs which most enthusiasts won't even run because they'd expect endless issues. Consider doing the Clean Install in this link which compiles the best possible install that will stay that way as long as you stick with the tools and methods given: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

There is also an automated Refresh that reinstalls WIndows while shedding corrupting factory bloatware, saves your files, but doesn't clear the drive to get it cleanest: https://www.howtogeek.com/265054/how-to-easily-...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

Wow, that's impressive that you took so much time and effort to respond.  I really appreciate it.  I think I'll work on this over the weekend, and I'll let you know how it goes!

Since you're so savvy with computers, perhaps you'll know how to guide me with this next question.  My speakers suddenly stopped working on this HP EliteBook laptop and I thought maybe it was a driver problem and bought a subscription to update my drivers which didn't fix anything!  If I plug a speaker into my computer, it will work, but the speakers inside the computer appear to be toast.  Any suggestions?

Thanks so much; I really appreciate your help,

Deb

Ciao Ugo,

My printer is an HP Office Jet 8610.

Grazie,

Deb

Hi Deb. I'm Greg, an installation specialist and 8 year Windows MVP, here to help you.

Rather than spending too much more time fiddling I'd simply Clean Reinstall the printer which always works, lasts longer and actually saves time:

1. Power up the printer, if wired unplug it's USB cable from PC.
2. Go to Settings>Apps>Apps and Features to find and Uninstall the printer software.
3. Next copy and paste in Start search box: printui /s /t2 (Note that there is one space before each forward slash).
4. Right click result to Run as Administrator.
5. Open the Print Server properties, Remove the printer’s drivers for this printer and for any other printers you don't use presently. If you get a message about access denied or the printer being in use and you cannot find the driver or any installed program that would account for this, you may restart the computer in a diagnostic startup and then use the printui command to remove the driver package(s): https://www.isunshare.com/windows-10/enable-dia...

You must restart back to normal mode before you will be able to install the printer again.

6. Now type Control Panel in Start Search, open CP, choose Icon View. In Control Panel open Devices and Printers, right click the printer to delete the Printer and any scanner or fax of the same name. Restart PC.
7. Go to the printer model’s Support Downloads webpage to download and install the latest full software package. Now is also the time to check for any newer printer firmware to install which matters a lot.

Older software may need to be installed in Compatibility Mode to run correctly: https://www.groovypost.com/howto/run-old-softwa...

8. Extract Printer software, right click Setup file to Run as Administrator. Follow the setup screens closely as you install the software. For USB it should prompt when to plug in the printer.

If you have further problems reply back with results of each step.