Printer/scanner Help ....please

[Neveracrossword]

I was unable to scan a document earlier. When I checked my laptop, I got 'printer offline' and couldn't print anything either. I searched online for help and was told to 'remove device' and then 'add device' - and I assumed I'd get back to a list, including the current printer. Sadly for me, only the first part worked - my laptop now can't find any printers! I'm using Windows 10. The Kodak printer was previously connected by Wi-Fi. Any advice gratefully received!

[zebo]

Have you changed your router ? I spent a few days cursing before realising that I hadn't put the new password into the printer.

[Neveracrossword]

No, Zebo, we've changed nothing! I've had previous problems with the scanner, resolved by kind ABers, but no issues with the printer. It's infuriating to see it sitting there, switched on, but my laptop cannot detect it!

[Buenchico]

1. Reinstall the driver software ; AND
2. Go through the process to pair your printer/scanner with your router again.

[Neveracrossword]

Thanks, Buenchico… as a technophobe, I don't know where to start with the 'install drivers' part! I assume it's not the ones I used last time, for the scanner?

[Neveracrossword]

Sorry, I meant 'reinstall the driver software' - my techno-fear confused me.

[zebo]

I have a combined printer/scanner but I've never been able to scan into the computer even though I can print, the drivers are installed and everything so I shall follow the clever people's replies with interest! Good luck.

[Neveracrossword]

Thanks, Zebo. I updated the drivers once - I believe Buenchico took me through the process. I don't know if I need the printer itself to be installed, recognised on my laptop, first, before I do anything further.

[Buenchico]

You'll either need the CD that came with the device or the software from the manufactuer's website. (In theory it's always best to use downloaded drivers, as they'll definitely be the latest versions but in practice the ones on the CD are usually good enough).

So either insert the CD into the laptops CD drawer (if it's got one) and follow the on-screen instructions or download the set-up file and double-click on it to run it. (We'll need to know the printer model if you need help locating the download).

Pairing the printer to your router is often as simple as pressing and holding the WPS button one device for a few seconds and then repeating the action on the other device but we'll need to know the make and model of your router (plus that of the printer) if we're to be able to confirm that (or to provide you with alternative instructions).

[Buenchico]

Zebo:
It appears that the scanner driver hasn't installed properly (if at all) on your computer. 'All in one' devices are really entirely separate devices within a common housing, with each component part having its own driver. So you need to download and (re-?)install the scanner driver.

[Neveracrossword]

Thanks, Buenchico, I got called away. I have installed all the software, but when I get to the Add Printer, none can be found - not from the usual list of available printers, not from 'add a wireless printer'. The recurring message is always 'No printer detected'. It's a Kodak AIO 1.2 (I think!) PS I have no idea what WPS buttons are, and the laptop and printer are in different rooms.

[Neveracrossword]

Buenchico, the printer is Kodak ESP1.2. I've just tried printing something from the upstairs laptop - it too comes up with 'Printer Offline'. It isn't - the router's working fine, the blue light is on the printer unit.

[Buenchico]

Your laptop and your printer don't talk directly to each other. They communicate via your router and it's beginning to sound as if the connection between your router and your printer has been lost.

You've not provided the make and model of your router, so I don't know whether it supports 'WPS' (which is a quicker way of connecting devices to it than having to mess around with passwords) or not. However you can quickly find out for yourself by looking at your router to see if there's a WPS button on it. It's often marked by a double-arrow symbol, a bit like a recycling one, as illustrated here
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3d/Cisco_router_WPS_button.jpg
or here
https://thesimple.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/115004687072/KB24343-002_EN_v8.png
Sometimes though it uses a different symbol, as here
https://thesimple.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/115004687052/download.jpg
or just the letters 'WPS'.

If there IS a 'WPS' button on your router, scroll down to 'Connecting to a WPS wireless router' here
http://resources.kodak.com/support/shtml/en/manuals/urg01381/urg01381c2s1.shtml
and follow the instructions (using the 'Push Button Configuration' part of the boxed instructions when you get to that stage).

If there ISN'T a WPS button on your router, use the same link as above but referring to 'Connecting to a non-WPS wireless router' instead.

[Buenchico]

Your 1608 post wasn't there when I started looking for links for my answer above.

Just because your router is working normally with your laptop doesn't mean that it can't have lost the connection to your printer. My old router dropped its connection to my printer once every few weeks (even though the router always worked perfectly well with my desktop PC, my laptop and my phone), requiring me to reset the connection. So I still suspect that your router and your printer aren't talking to each other, which is why your laptop can't 'see' your printer.

[Neveracrossword]

Sorry again, Buenchico - I missed the Router info. It's a BT Hub, an Infinity one. I am a bit reluctant to start pressing buttons on the router, in case we lose the internet. I might just buy another printer/scanner - possibly the Canon Pixma MG5750? Why did the problem happen so suddenly?

[Neveracrossword]

Thanks again, Buenchico. I think I will try the 'switch it all off' trick - ie switch off the router for five minutes, then see if that makes any difference.

[Buenchico]

All versions of the BT Smart Hub are equipped with a WPS button:
https://cdn1.alphr.com/sites/alphr/files/styles/16x9_860/public/2016/06/dsc_6867.jpg?itok=-LTHfDY4

It's purpose is to enable you to quickly establish a new wi-fi connection to a device (such as your printer) without the need to enter a password. Pressing it CAN'T affect your internet connection and it CAN'T affect the router's wi-fi connection to any other device. So it's entirely safe to use!

[Buenchico]

(BTW: Although you don't need a new printer anyway, your suggestion of the MG5750 is an excellent one. It's the best printer on the market for general home use at the moment)

[Neveracrossword]

Thanks for all your help, Buenchico. Having switched the router off and then back on again, my printer has reappeared on both laptops and my scanner works too. I assumed the problem was with the printer/scanner, whereas it must have been some blip with the router! I'll keep a note of the Canon - I had a vague recollection that you'd mentioned one before.

[Neveracrossword]

Buenchico, I forgot to say... although my problem turned out to be more of a communication issue than anything truly technical, I am very grateful for your advice and information. It was interesting and helpful - especially the stuff about the router and the laptops 'talking' to each other!