Computer Help and Support

cilla4progress

(25,792 posts) Mon Oct 11, 2021, 11:10 PM Oct 2021

Microsoft update frustration!

After updating yesterday (brand new HP laptop) my HP printer no longer prints envelopes from Word!

First it wouldn't print them at all saying it's a media (paper) mismatch

Then in Word it was making me SAVE not print the envelope.

Now the envelope prints but the font is fuzzy, jagged and unreadable! Regular documents are fine!

Others have mentioned this online. The only fix I found was connecting the printer via USB. I guess I could try that? But it's not very near to my laptop!

ARGGHHHH!!!

TIA

10 replies

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Microsoft update frustration! (Original Post) cilla4progress Oct 2021 OP

Try reinstalling the printer driver. Then try reinstalling Word. Earth-shine Oct 2021 #1

Can you save, then print? canetoad Oct 2021 #2

Yes, Word was trying to get me to do this - cilla4progress Oct 2021 #4

My bad. Should have elaborated on dedicated printer canetoad Oct 2021 #5

I effin' fixed it!!! cilla4progress Oct 2021 #7

Red wine & puff with ya canetoad Oct 2021 #8

thanks cilla4progress Oct 2021 #9

Forgot to say canetoad Oct 2021 #6

Perhaps it's suggesting you spare the paper? Anon-C Oct 2021 #3

Maybe try removing the printer and reinstalling it. Renew Deal Oct 2021 #10

Earth-shine

(4,044 posts)

1. Try reinstalling the printer driver. Then try reinstalling Word.

Reply to cilla4progress (Original post)

Mon Oct 11, 2021, 11:16 PM

Oct 2021

canetoad

(18,073 posts)

2. Can you save, then print?

Reply to cilla4progress (Original post)

Mon Oct 11, 2021, 11:19 PM

Oct 2021

A quirk of several programs is that a document must first be saved before printing.

Are you using a dedicated envelope printer? Or setting the dimensions etc and printing straight from the document?

Difficult problem to diagnose without further information, BUT.... a wired connection is nearly always more reliable, less trouble, than wireless. A good investment for a few bucks is a two or three metre USB extender cable.

cilla4progress

(25,792 posts)

4. Yes, Word was trying to get me to do this -

Reply to canetoad (Reply #2)

Mon Oct 11, 2021, 11:38 PM

Oct 2021

but I couldn't figure out how? Never seen it before! It defaulted to print to PDF. I switched it to my printer.

No, not a dedicated envelope printer. Just my HP 8715. It prints everything else fine, but not envelopes!

Thanks -will try the cable.

(Yes, I do print straight from the document using Word typical mailings / envelopes command).

UPDATE: no input for cable on my new HP laptop! Huh???

canetoad

(18,073 posts)

5. My bad. Should have elaborated on dedicated printer

Reply to cilla4progress (Reply #4)

Mon Oct 11, 2021, 11:52 PM

Oct 2021

I meant software - I know of 'envelope wizard' type programs.

The most recent Win10 update hit my machine a couple of days ago and it's quite a radical difference. I've had to go looking for things after this update.

It's possible that the default to PDF meant that Windows couldn't find any other printer - that is, installed printer driver. I've experience this in the past, Microsoft seem to be good about providing hardware drivers. So the first question to ask is: Can the computer recognise the printer.

Go to 'Control Panel'....Devices and Printers

In the Printers section, does your printer Model show? ....tbc

cilla4progress

(25,792 posts)

7. I effin' fixed it!!!

Reply to canetoad (Reply #5)

Tue Oct 12, 2021, 12:09 AM

Oct 2021

I must have done over 50 searches for my issue in google. One gal indicated she fixed it by downloading an additional driver - at printer properties /advanced. I had already updated all drivers multiple times and used HP fix doctor. Nothing helped. But I did as she suggested - actually windows? went out and found a specific driver and it fixed it!

Wow - I've never fixed anything quite so complicated before! Ready for a beer and a puff.

Thanks, Cane!