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How to Use and Troubleshoot Non-Dell Branded Printers

Summary: This article provides general troubleshooting steps and links to information for your Non-Dell branded printer.

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
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Instructions

Printer Troubleshooting Steps and Procedures

Note: The following steps apply to all brands of printers.
  1. When connected by a USB cable, reseat both ends of the cable going from the computer to the printer.
  2. Restart the computer.
  3. Turn the printer off.
  4. Unplug the printer power cable from the A/C outlet or surge protector and wait at least 30 seconds.
  5. Plug the printer power cable back into the A/C outlet or surge protector.
  6. Turn the printer back on.
  7. Print a test page. For instructions on how to print a test page from Windows, see the Dell Knowledge Base article How to Print a Test Page in Windows.
  8. No further actions are required when the page prints successfully.
  1. Ensure that the required printer is set as the default printer.
    1. Press and hold the Windows key Windows Key and then press the r key.
    2. In the Run box type, shell:PrintersFolder and then touch or click OK.
    3. Touch or click to highlight the required printer.
    4. Touch and hold or right-click the required printer.
    5. Touch or click Set as default printer.
      Note: When Set as default printer in not an option, it means that the printer is already set as the default printer, and usually has a check mark next to it.
  2. For networked printers (connected by a wireless or wired network and not a USB cable) ensure that the computer is on the network and the printer portal settings and IP address are correct. (For instructions on how to ensure that the computer is on the network and the printer portal settings and IP address are correct, see Dell Knowledge Base article Networked Printer Ports Properties and IP Address Troubleshooting in Windows 11 and Windows 10.
  3. Run the Printer troubleshooter to diagnose and automatically correct any printer spooler issues. For more information, see the Dell Knowledge Base article How to Resolve Printer Spooler Errors.
  4. Print a test page.
    See the instructions detailed above.
  5. Perform a System Restore to a time when the printer was working. For instructions on how to perform a System Restore, see Dell Knowledge Base articles:

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Non-Dell Printer Drivers, Manuals, and Support

For additional support, drivers, and manuals for your non-Dell printers, contact the printer manufacturer.

For additional information about printer-related articles, see these Dell Knowledge Base articles:

Affected Products

Chromebox, Alienware, Inspiron, Legacy Desktop Models, OptiPlex, Vostro, XPS, G Series, Dell Printers, MultiFunction Printers, Printer Accessories, Legacy Printers, Smart Printers, Chromebook, G Series, Alienware, Inspiron, Latitude, Vostro, XPS , Legacy Laptop Models, Mobile Devices, Latitude Tablets, Mobile Streak, Surface, Venue, XPS Tablets, Fixed Workstations, Mobile Workstations ...
Article Properties
Article Number: 000129397
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 06 Feb 2025
Version:  11
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