The key feature of a printer working
correctly is the printer driver. By now it is clear that drivers are
necessary for the operating system to communicate with the system
hardware. Without the proper drivers installed the system cannot
print. Error messages will most likely appear, stating that the
incorrect driver has been installed and that the operating system is
unable to find the printer.
Incorrect Printer Drivers
Drivers will usually be included with the purchase of a printer.
However, this does not always mean that they are the correct
printer drivers. An operating system may be running that the
manufacturer did not include printer drivers for. Consequently,
there is now a printer that contains incorrect printer drivers.
Most manufacturers maintain a website that contains downloadable
printer drivers.
In some cases there may be the correct printer drivers and the
printer will still not work. This usually means that the printer
hardware is not compatible with the system hardware or with the
system operating system.
Incorrect Printer Software Parameter Setting/Switches
In some instances the correct driver may have been installed, but the
printer may still not be functioning. Some printers and printer
drivers have numerous software and parameter settings or switches. In
these instances, check the printer software and parameter settings.
Sometimes after installing the drivers, the specific settings or
switches must be configured to allow the printer to work properly. For
example, there could be a non-standard size paper in the printer. The
current settings may not recognize the paper size and therefore the
printer settings must be changed to recognize that size paper.
