Brother wireless printer not working on HP Pavilion Notebook PC

[ceejaycee]

I recently updated from 8 to 8.1.  My wireless printer will not print, even though I re installed it.  It works with other computers, and it is listed as installed and my default printer. I can even print a test page, but it will not print other things.

Help!

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

ceejaycee,

When you change versions of the Operating System, you may need to go back to your printer's driver page and get a newer, updated version of the printer software that can run on the new Operating System.

Before you do install your printer software, you do need to make sure you have all the Windows Updates for Windows 8.1 -- even if you are one of the people in the world that dislike Windows Updates, this is not the time to avoid them.  You MUST install the Windows 8.1 Updates after the Upgrade to Windows 8.1 or your computer just won't run correctly.  Period.  You can avoid surprises by setting Windows Updates to Notify - many of us do that -- you do have to install the Important Updates (never the Optional Updates).

One of the reasons you need to install the Windows Updates is to make sure you have the most recent .NET Framework and the C++ libraries needed for the Windows 8.1 programs and drivers that you may be installing on your computer.

Printer Software

You might try the following:

• Create a Restore Point:   Create a Restore Point – Win7  OR  Create a restore point Win8

• Make sure Windows Updates are current / up-to-date

• Remove existing copy of printer software from Programs and Features
  

• Close all your programs and shut down the computer
• Disconnect everything (little Unifier for the keyboard / external mouse can stay)
• Perform the Hard Reset for your notebook model
• Boot the computer and log in

Reminder:  Hard Reset is just a device Reset.  The procedure does not wipe out your files nor does it destroy your Windows setup in any way.  It just "clears the cobwebs".  Depending on the cause of the problem, this kind of "reset" can fix a variety of computer glitches.

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• Download and install new Windows 8.1 version of Printer Software package from Brother website  **
  

** For example, if the printer software was rated for Windows 8 and now you are running Windows 8.1 -- that same printing software package may not work.  You need to go to the Brothers website, look up your printer model, and -- for Windows 8.1 -- download and install a new copy of the printer's software.

Good Luck.

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Click Accept as Solution when the Answer is a good Fix or Workaround!

Although I strive to reflect HP's best practices, I do not work for HP. 

[ceejaycee]

I took your advice and downloaded a new version from Brother that supports the 8.1 version of windows. Thank you! My printer now works.

ceejaycee

[Dragon-Fur]

ceejaycee,

You are welcome.

I am glad it was that easy, after all.

If you are in the USA, Happy 4th!

Click the Kudos Thumbs-Up to show you appreciate the help and time from our Experts.

Although I strive to reflect HP's best practices, I do not work for HP. 

Click Accept as Solution when the Answer is a good Fix or Workaround!