How to Troubleshoot a Deskjet Printer (10 Steps)

Remove the printer's USB cable from your computer.
Uninstall the printer's software. (Visit 'Start,' 'Control Panel' and 'Uninstall a Program.')
Restart the computer.
Turn off the printer and wait one minute before turning the device on again.
Insert your software disc and follow the onscreen instructions to reinstall the software. Reinsert the USB cord when prompted.



Press the 'On' button again if you pressed it once and the printer did not turn on. Press the button a little more slowly the second time. Pressing the button very quickly does not give the printer long enough to actually register that it should turn on.
Make sure that that the print cartridges are properly loaded in the printer and that there is a supply of paper loaded into the printer if the device is not printing when you click 'Print' on your computer.
Open the lid to the printer to check for a paper jam. If there is a paper jam, carefully pull the jammed piece of paper through the printer, being careful to not tear it.
Check to make sure the printer cable is securely connected into both the printer as well as the USB port on your computer. Also make sure this cord is not more than about 10 feet long. A cord longer than this can cause printing problems.
Connect the USB cord to another USB port on your computer and attempt to print again. The printing problems could stem from a USB port not working properly.