So you finally got that new camera, printer, or scanner you’ve always wanted, but there’s a problem—it isn’t working with your computer. There are a number of reasons this could happen.
Hardware devices come in two categories: Plug and Play and non-Plug and Play. A Plug and Play device is one that can be configured with little input from you. You simply connect the device to your computer and your PC automatically detects and configures it for you. In some cases, you might need to install new drivers or restart your computer for it to recognize and install the hardware.
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If your device is non-Plug and Play, you may need to use the software disks that came with the device, as many printers require their own installer package.
Is the device properly installed?
It may seem like an obvious thing, but sometimes, the solution is as easy as making sure that the hardware device is installed correctly and that all cables and cords are plugged in securely—and that the device is turned on. If the device uses a USB cable, try plugging it into a different USB port and see if that fixes the problem. If you’re using a laptop, look on all four edges to find all possible USB ports since not all laptops have them on the same side.
Check for driver updates
If the device is external, such as a printer, and you have access to another computer, see if the device will work on that computer. If it does and you’re using an older computer, it’s possible that you don’t have the drivers necessary to operate the hardware device. A driver is a special program that enables your computer to work with a specific device, such as a printer. Microsoft Update compares available device drivers with those on your PC and offers to install any new or updated versions you need. (While you’re at it, Microsoft Update will recommend and install any other updates your PC needs.) If your device isn’t on the Microsoft Update site, contact your hardware manufacturer and ask for drivers compatible with your operating system.
Sometimes, you have so many additional peripheral devices—printer, scanner, camera, external hard drive—that a conflict occurs. Remove these items one at a time and see if this resolves the problem. By doing this, you might be able to narrow down the problem to the specific device. For example, the problem might have occurred when you installed your printer, in which case, you can try one of the solutions listed previously or contact the manufacturer for help.
Contact tech support
If all else fails, contact technical support for the manufacturer of the hardware device for further assistance. They may be able to help you troubleshoot the problem further. Another great resource is the Windows newsgroups. Here, you can talk to other Microsoft users about problems and possible solutions regarding printers, faxes, music, photos, and more. Some computer manufacturers may have newsgroups specific to their hardware, as well.
