Printer Driver Management

Correct Answer: Verify if the printer driver is installed.

The best first step to resolve the issue of a newly installed printer not showing up on the computer is to verify if the printer driver is installed. The printer driver is the software that allows the computer to communicate with the printer. If the driver is missing or outdated, the printer may not be recognized by the computer. Replacing the printer cable or resetting the router would not address a missing driver issue. Reinstalling the operating system is an overly drastic measure for this specific problem and should only be considered as a last resort if other troubleshooting steps fail.

Correct Answer: Roll back to the previous version of the printer driver.

Rolling back to the previous version of the printer driver is an effective solution to resolve issues caused by an updated driver. Rebooting, updating printer firmware, removing and re-adding the printer, disabling UAC, or updating the operating system may not address the problem.

Correct Answer: Use a print server with model-specific drivers

The best practice for managing printer drivers in a network environment with multiple printer models is to use a print server with model-specific drivers. This approach offers several advantages: 1. Centralized management: A print server allows for easier administration of printer drivers from a single location. 2. Reduced workstation overhead: Workstations don't need to store and manage multiple printer drivers locally. 3. Consistent driver versions: Ensures all users are using the same, up-to-date drivers. 4. Simplified deployment: New printers can be added to the network more easily. 5. Better performance: Model-specific drivers often provide optimal functionality and features. The other options are less effective: Installing all available printer drivers on each workstation is inefficient and can lead to conflicts and increased maintenance. Using generic drivers for all printers may simplify management but can result in reduced functionality and performance for some printer models. Manually updating drivers on each computer as needed is time-consuming, prone to errors, and can lead to inconsistencies across the network.