Wi-Fi printer connection has stopped working

Jolly_Roger

I recently tried to print a document from my laptop, which runs XP, using my wi-fi connected Canon Pixma MP560. They have always worked fine before, however, this time there was a problem. The printer came on, but the flap through which prints emerged was unable to open completely, because there was a book underneath. The printer software on the laptop said it was unable to print the document. I inserted a thumb drive directly into the printer and heard a grinding noise inside, but received no print. I took the machine in for repair and it was returned today, with sample prints to show it had been repaired.
However, when I tried to use it in the wi-fi network, the laptop was unable to detect the printer.
I checked the connection between the printer and the router, reentering the access code. The printer assured me it was being picked up by the router (which is used with BT Infinity 2). I therefore uninstalled the drivers on the laptop and reinstalled them, but had to abort the operation once again because the laptop was unable to detect the printer.
None of the troubleshooting tips in the Canon manual helped.
Since the laptop is speaking to the router and the router is speaking to printer, why can't the laptop speak to the printer?
I stress, prior to the recent incident, both worked perfectly.
Any advice greatly appreciated.

dispossessed

Although, even the most robust hardware will eventually fail, printer manufacturers have been caught using various tricks to ensure such events occur.

Perhaps worth keeping in mind.

Having said that - start by re-installing the drivers but with the printer connected to the laptop by cable.

When troubleshooting any device attached to a network the standard protocol is always to connect via cable in the first instance.....then proceed to a wireless connection if desired.

Jolly_Roger

Thanks, I'll give that a go.

System

I would also, as a matter of course, switch of the router and leave it for a bit then start it again - amazing what connection issues can be overcome by that sometimes:beer:

Jolly_Roger

I did think about that, but given that both devices are clearly talking to it, haven't. But I will give it a go, too.

Sharon87

dispossessed wrote: »

Although, even the most robust hardware will eventually fail, printer manufacturers have been caught using various tricks to ensure such events occur.

Perhaps worth keeping in mind.

Having said that - start by re-installing the drivers but with the printer connected to the laptop by cable.

When troubleshooting any device attached to a network the standard protocol is always to connect via cable in the first instance.....then proceed to a wireless connection if desired.

This. When I first set up my printer this is what I had to do before it worked. I have a similar printer to the one you have.

Jolly_Roger

Sharon, it is nice to know I am not alone in having the same problem. I will have a longer look at this at the weekend when I have more time and then report back!
Thanks.

Jolly_Roger

Well, that was a success!
I uninstalled the old drivers, reinstalled them from a CD-ROM and this time opted for cable connection, rather than Wi-Fi - and it worked!
Now, where should I go next?
I rebooted the BT Infinity 2 home hub, because last night, while my ethernet connected PC was getting 70 megs, my wi-fi connected laptop was down to 0.5 megs! After the reboot, it is getting 20 megs, which is enough, although not great.
To try and get the laptop and printer to connect via the hub, do I now need to uninstall the wired drivers and ask the CD to install drivers for Wi-Fi, or is there a short cut?

Jolly_Roger

Actually, I can answer my own question. I put in the drivers relating to the wifi operation of the printer and - guess what? - although this time around the laptop was able to identify the printer as existing and therefore allowed me to complete the install of the drivers, I couldn't print wirelessly afterwards.
This is maddening! Both computer and printer are definitely recognising the router. Both worked quite happily together wirelessly before, but now won't. However, put in a cable and cable drivers and I can print from the laptop, which is how I surf the Net and am communicating with you now.
So why can't I print wirelessly?