Network printer goes offline when computer is shut down and restarted, how do I avoid this?

Question

When I add a printer device, it will work until the computer shuts down and is restarted.  Then the printer is listed as offline (it is not as other computers work fine with the printer).  The only way I can find to get printing done is to reload the printer.  The old Printer listing in the device cannot be removed and does nothing. I tried trouble shooter and it says to contact administrator.  This is Windows 7.  None of my other computers (2) have this problem.  Help and thanks for any advice. Kurt

Answer 1

Hi Kurt,

·         Which troubleshooter did you try?

·         What is the make and model of the printer?

·         Have you made any changes to the computer prior to the issue?

Follow the methods listed below:

**Method 1:**Follow the steps mentioned in the article listed below if the symptoms mentioned in the article match to that on your computer:

The new printer status is "Offline" after you delete a print queue and then restart a Windows-based computer

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2027593

Method 2: Next, try updating the printer driver on your computer. Printer problems sometimes stem from out-of-date driver software, and can be solved by installing—or reinstalling—the latest driver.

Hence, I would also suggest you to remove the hardware, uninstall the software and drivers, then reboot the system and reinstall the latest drivers for the printer from the manufacturer’s site and check.

Refer this link for more information on updating drivers:

Update a driver for hardware that isn't working properly

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Update-a-driver-for-hardware-that-isnt-working-properly

Method 3: You may restart the Print Spooler service and check if the issue persists.

You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps.

a.       Open Administrative Tools by clicking the Start button, and then clicking Control Panel. In the search box, type administrative tools, and then click Administrative Tools.

b.      Double-click Services.  If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

c.       Right-click the Print Spooler service, and then click Properties.

d.      On the General tab, next to Startup type, make sure that Automatic is selected.

e.      If the service is not already running, under Service status, click Start, and then click OK.  If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

Refer the following link for more information:

Share a printer

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Share-a-printer

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File and printer sharing: frequently asked questions

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/File-and-printer-sharing-frequently-asked-questions

Let us know if this helps.