Excell cannot connect to printer

Question

Ok, this is an odd one.  I have a few users that need to print to a networked printer from Excel.  When they go to print to it, there is an error stating that Excel cannot connect to the printer.  There are also many other networked printers that work perfectly fine at the same time.  I can choose any of those, and it prints fine.  It's just this one.  BUT, if I open Devices and Printers (yes, just open it), and try printing again, there are no issues...it connects to the printer immediately and prints just fine.  It doesn't happen all the time, so it's been hard to troubleshoot.  Has anyone seen this before?

Office 2013 64-bit

Windows 7 Pro 64-bit

Answer 1

Hello,

The issue you're experiencing with your printer might be due to misconfigured driver. It would be great if you can provide us more details regarding your concern. Please verify the following:

• When did the issue start?
• Are you experiencing the same issue with other Office apps?
• Did you make any system setting changes prior to the issue?
• What troubleshooting steps have you done so far?

For now, we advise updating the printer driver. Kindly follow the steps outlined in this article on how to update drivers in Windows 7.

We're looking forward to your response.

Answer 2

Thank you for the prompt response.

It is possible that your issue is hardware related. We advise running the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter. This troubleshooter will diagnose and fix your PC for any hardware issues found. You can access the troubleshooter from this link, select Find and fix problems with devices and hardware. Please make sure to temporarily disable your security software before running the troubleshooter to avoid software conflicts.

We'll be waiting for your response.

Answer 3

The issue seems to have started a couple weeks ago.  Nothing has changed with the print driver...the printer is an HP LaserJet 4515, and has been in service for a good while without issues.  Others (including myself) can print to the printer at the same time the error is happening on another PC.  I have not tried other Office apps while the error is happening.  The next time I get a call, I will try that as well.  I just find it very odd that opening Devices and Printers seems to fix the issue...almost like it just needed refreshed or something.

It's odd because every other printer works fine except for that one (we have about 25 printers mapped).  Even some that have had drivers updated much more recently than the one in question.

Answer 4

Hi,

We noticed that your post has been inactive for quite some time. We just want to check on things and confirm if you're still experiencing this issue. If so, don't hesitate to post back with relevant information based on Devlin Sco's questions as this will help us better identify the issue at hand and come up with the most appropriate solution or advice.

Do post back if you need further assistance.