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I have tried installing several printers...mine just quit printing, When I attempt to set preferences messages show up about can't find printer and Active Service Directory unavailable. What to do?


2014/04/24 02:57
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The problem began when I changed and ink cartridge. Have purchased all new ones, tried another exact newer printer and 2 other name brand printers. Nothing works. I have installed, updated drivers and when they don't work, uninstalled and tried reinstalling...nothing works.
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Answered by
Lokesh Yadav
2016/01/11 09:18

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Hi Wanda,

You can try the below steps:

1. If there are no error messages pointing you to the problem, check to be sure that the printer is still connected, via USB or Ethernet cable or if a wireless model that the Wi-Fi is enabled and that you're connected to the right network. The printer driver and software needs to be installed on the computer you want to print from. It's possible that the driver has become corrupted; it should be reinstalled; check the manufacturer's download page for the latest version. If it still doesn't work, check out the troubleshooting section in the printer's User Manual, and if need be, contact tech support.

2. Remove your USB cable from the back of the printer and reconnect it. USB cables will only fit one way and when properly inserted. It should feel secure and you shouldn’t be able to see the metal jack/plug.

3. Your computer will have several USB ports. Try the USB cable in a different USB port - preferably one you know to work with a different USB device.

4. Make sure the USB cable goes straight from your printer into a USB port on your computer. If it goes through another device first (such as a USB hub), remove it and plug it directly into a USB port on your computer.

5. Also check/perform the below points once:
  • Close software programs like iTunes that use USB ports.
  • Temporarily disable any antivirus or spyware programs running in the background.
  • Open your print settings, and verify your printer is set as the default printer.
  • Check that you have the latest Java version installed at www.java.com/verify, and that Java is enabled for your browser.
I hope this helps.

Regards,
Lokesh


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Answered by
Nish
2014/04/25 00:30

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Hi Wanda, I would try the following first: - Checking the cables - Checking the USB/Wi-fi connections - Turning off your Firewall/security program (for wireless printers) - RESETTING the printers - Running the Printer Troubleshooter tool: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Troubleshoot-printer-problems Some additional references to resolve the \"Active service directly unavailable\" error: - http://www.ehow.com/how_4920100_vista-print-spooler-not-starting.html - http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/windows/en-US/460f297a-dd66-4476-a176-542e1519ca3e/fixed-spooler-subsystem-app-stopped-working?forum=itprovistaprinting It would also be a good idea to see if the printers work with a different PC, so we can identify the suspect here. Let us know how you go. Good luck, James
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Answered by
Mark Beare
2014/04/24 19:25

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Hi Wanda, How are you connecting to the printer? Through USB or over the WIFI or local network? I feel your pain. Printers are frustrating things! Mark
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Commented by
Wanda Schwarz
2014/04/25 00:31
I have tried both ways....USB and WIFI...neither resulted in printer working. The original printer I started with was an Epson NX230...worked fine until I had to change the cartridge then everything broke loose around here (so to speak). After trying the old cartridge, taking it to Best Buy and having them say everything was OK...brought it home only to have it not function. When I attempt to print I get a message that the printer cannot be found and another that says Active Directory not available.
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