Can't print Word, PDF or Internet files; but can print Wordpad & Open office

[David961]

My printer (set on default printer) suddenly doesn't work with Word, PDF or printing from Mozilla (only navigator I have).

However, I am able to print a test page (from Control Panel > Printer> etc.), a Wordpad .txt file & an Open Office docx.

I checked printer drivers ;

I made sure all my Windows update were installed;

I tried to download HP Print & Scan Doctor, but for some reason when I hit "run" it doesn't open.

Word says "Unable to connect";

Adobe Acrobat says nothing (and no document appear in Control Panel > etc. "See what's printing") ;

trying to print pdf with Pdf Architect 4 gives me the following message: "Critical error. Impossible de vérifier les autorisations de lancement (...) The service can not be started, either because it is disabled or because it has no enabled devices associated with it".

Windows' troubleshooting is no good (it does detect a problem, but without identifying it).  I am able to print the troubleshooting report, which only says "issue not present" for the list of problems (print job; print spooler, default printer; etc. etc. etc.)

[John_Getzke]

Start with a uninstall and reinstall of the latest software package from HPs support website for your OS.  This will repair any printer connections that you have to the printer as well as any temporary driver corruption that could be blocking some kinds of doucments.

[David961]

I'm sorry I did not understand.

Do you mean that I should uninstall my printer driver? This was the first thing I did when I had my problem (and I don't remember how to do it ;-).

[John_Getzke · Accepted solution]

Go into Programs and Features and remove the printing software from there.  Also clean up the Print Drivers, queues and any thing else that would interfere with a fresh install.  This normally happens for you automatically if you use the Unisntall wizard from Programs and Features.

If that isnt making any sense then try rerunning the install wizard and see how far it gets.  Shoot us a copy of any errors you recieve.

[David961]

OK, it finally works! Thanks a lot for your help.

Actually, since I couldn't identify the correct software in Programs & Features (several HP programs, but my PC is HP... and none with the name "printer" or "laserjet"), I went to Devices & Printers and right-clicked "remove device". Just powering off & on the printer was then sufficient.