When I got a new computer a few years ago I soon found out that I had problems hooking up my old printer. I liked my old printer because all it did was print and did a good job of it. With the new computer there was no way to make a connection. The wires from the old printer just would not connect to the new computer. I tried looking for adapters and then I found out that the old printer was not on the new computer's mind.
So I bought a nice printer. No color though. Stay with black. However, there were still about 50 different directions on the thing. Not very many of them made sense to me. There were no instructions with the printer and to set it up I had to spend a few hours with Mr Brother. I did get it connected . At first they tried giving me oral directions but I found them difficult to follow. They emailed the steps and I could follow them
The printer also had a scanner. Since I've had the printer I've only used the scanner a few times. Again there were no directions. So I just tried the buttons until it scanned. The next time I came to scan I went through the same experimental procedure.
Yesterday I needed the scanner and had to send the scan by email.
This time I decided to write instructions. It was a challenge. It took me an hour to write the instructions. Then to test things I had the Micro Manger go through the instructions so there was some editing.
So now I'm a whiz at scanning. Maybe some day I will learn to print both sides?
I feel your pain Red! I've never met a printer that I liked. We have gone through many over the years. I can tell you that these days when you get something new like that, the manual for how to operate it is usually online. Just do a Google search for operations manual for the printer brand and model. That goes for other electronics as well. Personally I think it is sad they don't even come with directions these days!
ReplyDeleteThere was nothing that gave instruction on steps for various. functions.
DeleteThese things are never straightforward. What I dislike most about printers is the cost of new ink cartridges. It's a bloody scandal.
ReplyDeleteCost of ink is why I got black and white.
DeleteDear Red, this computer stuff, without instructions - of course - is needlessly (and very intentionally) overly complicated. And reeks like sulphur.
ReplyDeleteI can tell that you definitely don't like dealing with these machines.
DeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteIt is a shame you old printer was not compatible with the new computer.
The ink for printers is so expensive, I am not happy with the printer I have now. Take care, have a happy day!
My old printer was a tank. They were used commercially for many years.
DeleteI am of the firm opinion that printers are instruments of mental torture sent to inflict pain on anyone over the age of ten!
ReplyDeleteLOL :)
DeleteI'm sure your feelings are shared by many.
DeleteI am on my second scanner. The first still worked, but the older software wasn't compatible with the newer operating system. I expect that this will happen again.
ReplyDeleteFor sure the new stuff won't work with the old stuff.
DeleteWell done! I bought us a wireless printer/scanner. It's great.
ReplyDeleteThe wireless on this one is fine once I got it connected.
DeleteI can do the scanning but for the life of me, I can never figure out how to reset the oil reminder light in my car after getting the oil changed and I can't ever remember how to reset the filter change warning on our stove hood. Every time I have to struggle with google and figuring out which video to watch. Like you, I have written down the directions but I need to find a place to store them where I can find them the next time.
ReplyDeleteGreat comment . I'm sure many agree.
DeleteModern technology can be a nightmare! You'll be glad to have a scanner, though. It's a great way to store documents and old pictures and that kind of thing.
ReplyDeleteI don't use it much but I can see it could be more useful .
DeleteI recently bought a new printer also. A Brother all-in-one. Same issues, I had to break out instructions to figure out how to scan, then I saw an shortcut icon on my computer titled Brother Utilities that was an easy click to scan. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI'll have to check this out. there are more things I would like to know.
DeleteI know how to print both sides ... I go ask my wife to do it!
ReplyDeleteNo such luck here!
DeleteWe have an old printer and an even older scanner. I'm pretty sure there will be a new one of each in the far future. I hope we can master it as well as you have done!
ReplyDeleteI guess things that do complicated operations have to be complicated.
DeleteNew computers don't like old machines hooked up to them or old software. The technology wants you to upgrade all the time. I hate that!
ReplyDeleteWe keep asking for bigger and better.
DeleteI always ask my husband!
ReplyDeleteYou have a good deal going!
DeleteOn occasion I'll scan things at the office.
ReplyDeleteSome things you can only do by scanning.
DeleteIsn't it just awful, one new thing leads to five more. I know how to print two sided, but I probably have a different printer. You'll learn when you have to, or else just keep using two pieces of paper and the staper.
ReplyDeleteI use your stapler routine.
DeleteThere are no printed manuals for anything anymore. You have to to on line to find them. Then you have to try to interpret them. Buying new technology is a challenge.
ReplyDeleteWE are in the process of restoring a scrubbed computer. To actually took it back to the Geek squat to get started. They had expected us to start at zero.
Good luck with that new printer.
ReplyDeleteIt's rare to find a printed manual with anything these days from cameras to computers and printers. That said, YouTube is a great source of information on nearly everything these days. Glad your scanner is working and hope it continues. I also have a Brother printer which is not fancy, but serves my purposes very well.
ReplyDeleteOur printer died years ago, and we used it so seldom that now we just put the file on a thumb drive and go to the local shop that prints it for almost nothing. :-)
ReplyDeleteImagine my surprise when my new computer tells my printer to print on both sides of the paper...who knew!
ReplyDeleteoh how weird that printer did not has manual along .
ReplyDeletei could have find it impossible .
i am thinking to have printer too an i hope it will have instructions how to connect or use ,that is really essential thing to do for sellers
Hi Red, When I first started reading this post I thought things might not end well. But, hey, there is a happy ending. Congrats on being a whiz at scanning! John
ReplyDeleteI hope you're not getting multiple comments since I'm redoing my comments now on my desktop since my iPad is not cooperating.
ReplyDeleteWe use the Epson scanner V600 series which works well. We had the Epson before this too until it died. Our printer is super old. It's an HP LaserJet P1006 and has been working very well. My brother convinced us to get separate machines in case one broke down, we'd still have the other to use. I gave up on color printers since the ink is so expensive.