Troubleshooting, part XWZ (...sorry, I lost count...)
(Re-using an AI-created image from 2024.)
I'm back in communication with my printer/scanner.
Since my last round of trying to fix it, I've been suspecting that the problem must have something to do with an old unfinished printing
job mysteriously stuck in queue, and refusing all attempts to just remove it the usual
way (via the printer app).
Today, I first tried uninstalling and re-installing the printer; but that didn't fix it either. So... then I let AI guide me into mysterious chambers I wouldn't have a clue where to look for on my own; and eventually, having emptied one such folder of four files that I had no idea what any of them was - "abracadabra", the printer was immediately willing to both print a test document, and to scan a postcard... Phew!
Unfortunately, having finished that job, I discovered that in the process, I had instead managed to lose contact with my File Explorer. It had decided to follow the example of my Firefox browser recently, and shrink to a size so small that it's useless (as I can't see what to click on). I suspect it did that in revenge, to punish me from consorting with AI and getting encouraged to fiddle with files and settings a normal non-tech user isn't supposed to dare muck about with...
While the Firefox window problem could be fixed by uninstalling and reinstalling that browser, I'm not sure that procedure can be applied to File Explorer. (?) However, my new chum AI assures me that there are alternatives to File Explorer to be found. I think I'll have to read up a bit more on that before I try it, though.
Meanwhile, I think I have at least figured out how I can reach my documents and photos in other ways. So for the moment, I'll take the Scarlet O'Hara (Gone With the Wind) approach to further troubleshooting: "I can't think about that right now. If I do, I'll go crazy. I'll think about that tomorrow."
ouch, that sounds quite complicated, I hope you got it sorted because it hurt my brain reading that.
ReplyDeleteAmy, I think I have at least found ways "around" the Explorer problem for now. (From inside other programs I can use Ctrl+O to open it in a bigger window.)
DeleteThat complicated computer stuff drives me crazy, almost. I like the Scarlet O'Hara quote, it is perfect for computer problems and dealing with big companies online.
ReplyDeleteTerra, sometimes it does seem like if one manages to solve one problem, another pops up instead!
DeleteShhh, my printer must have listened to whatever the heck yours was up to. So when I had 42 pages to print a couple of days ago, it just sat there and looked pretty (really?) (I'm trying to be nice to it so it will know how much I appreciate it!) Anyway, I finally put new expensive ink cartridges in it (having spent gas to drive 30 miles round trip to purchase them.) And it was willing to print one page at a time, most of the time. For some reason the frequent Epsom updates have meant it no longer even shows the printing que unless you quickly press a button for each process. Anyway, I eventually succeeded, and now am recuperating my sanity.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, I'm glad you managed to get it to work. My printer is a HP and I had no idea I could see the printing queue in its app on the computer until I had to look into things in connection with this recent problem.
DeleteGood grief!! Curiousier and curiouser, as Alice would say. I would have given up long ago.
ReplyDeleteGinny, I had to put the problem aside several times, and finding answers online proved very difficult - until it occurred to me to "simply" describe the problem to Google AI...
DeleteI knew you were going to fix it, Scarlett…erm, Monica, I mean! Well done. As far as I know, your File Explorer is the equivalent of Microsoft‘s Explorer, easiest way to access the files, documents and application on your computer. The only alternative I am aware of is if you have the direct link to a file. But I am sure you & AI will work that out, too - tomorrow 😊
ReplyDeleteMeike, the name on the icon on the screen just says "File Explorer" but it is a Microsoft computer. AI told me yesterday that there are at least three alternatives, though ('Total Commander', 'Directory Opus' and 'File Pilot'). However, I don't think I'll actually need to try to downlaod any of those, as I have now discovered that if I use the command Ctrl+O from inside any browser, or from OpenOffice, I can access all files in a normal window (of adjustable size) - including the OS ones. It's only when I click the desktop or taskbar File Explorer icon that I get stuck with the "mini" window. I think I can probably live with that!
DeleteSuch is the curious world of technology, where a printer springs back to life just as File Explorer decides to stage its own dramatic protest, but sometimes the wisest troubleshooting strategy is indeed Scarlett O'Hara's: celebrate today's victory and leave tomorrow's mystery for tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteRo, today is yesterday's tomorrow, and I seem to have found a solution for now - cf my reply to Meike (Librarian) above.
DeleteI do the same "think about it tomorrow" thing and usually when "tomorrow" comes the thing isn't so important anymore.
ReplyDeleteRiver, not every problem solves itself over night, but perhaps at least one may have acquired some new energy to deal with it.
Delete'Tomorrow never comes' is my thinking. It doesn't solve anything, though. 😧I hope you find solutions to your problems. It seems that as you cure one thing, another gets ill.
ReplyDeleteJanice, for now yesterday's problems actually do seem to be solved (cf my replies to others above). How long that lasts before some new update of something or other causes trouble again is another matter - neither computers nor printers tend to live forever...
DeleteAnd IT was supposed to make life easier!
ReplyDeleteAddy - haha... 😅
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