First, note the error message. Try to reproduce the actions that cause the error message.
If the error message appears on your printer, consult your printer manual or contact your printer manufacturer.
If the error message appears on your screen, write it down for future reference, and then continue to troubleshoot.
A printer driver communicates between your software program and your printer. When you use Microsoft Publisher, the printer driver tells Publisher what the printer can do and also tells the printer how to print the publication. To print correctly, you must install the correct printer driver. It is recommended that you obtain the most recent printer driver available from the manufacturer of your printer. If your publication doesn’t look right when you print it, you might not have the correct printer driver installed.
To be sure you are using the correct printer driver in Publisher:
- On the File menu, click Page Setup.
- Click the Printer and Paper tab.
- Under Printer, check that the printer shown in the Name box is the one you want.
If the selected printer shown is the one you are using, you are probably using the correct printer driver.
Check the printer you have selected
If the selected printer is not the one you want, click the correct printer, and try printing your publication again.
If the correct printer doesn't appear in the list, then you might need to install it.
- On the Microsoft Windows taskbar, click Start, point to Settings, and then click Printers.
- Double-click Add Printer.
- Follow the instructions in the Add Printer Wizard.
Note The files that are needed to load your printer driver are often already on your machine. If you have to load your driver from disks or a compact disc, make sure that these files match your current version of Microsoft Windows.
I cannot print my publication.
A complex publication can be difficult to print. Print a simple publication first to see if you can print from Microsoft Publisher at all.
- On the File menu, click New.
- In the New Publication task pane, click Blank Print Publication.
- In the publication, type your name.
- On the Standard toolbar, click Print
.
If you cannot print this publication, go to the section below called "Print from another program."
If you can print this publication, your original publication might be too large. Remove all graphics and objects from the original publication, and then try printing again.
To determine whether your printing problem is specific to Publisher, print from another program.
- On the Microsoft Windows taskbar, click the Start button, point to Programs, point to Accessories, and then click Notepad.
- Type your name.
- On the Standard toolbar, click Print .
If your file does not print, your printing problems may be related to the Windows operating system. Consult Windows Help for assistance with Windows printing problems.
Part of my publication is cut off or missing.
If elements in your publication are cut off, make sure you've selected the correct paper size for printing.
- On the File menu, click Page Setup.
- Click the Printer and Paper tab.
- Under Paper, select the paper size you want, and then click OK.
If elements in your publication appear to be cut off or missing, make sure that your printer's memory settings are correct for HP LaserJet printers (or equivalents). The memory setting on your printer driver influences your printer's ability to reproduce your publication. If your printer driver's memory setting is too low, your publication may not appear complete when printed.
To check your printer's memory settings, run a printer self-test to find out exactly how much memory your printer has. If you’re not sure how to do this, consult your printer manual. If you have problems with the self-test, contact your printer manufacturer.
The self-test prints a page from your printer that lists the amount of memory your printer has installed. On laser printers, the amount of memory can vary greatly, so it is important to find out exactly how much memory is present. Make a note of the amount of memory listed on the test page, and then make the necessary changes to your printer's settings.
- On the Microsoft Windows taskbar, click Start, point to Settings, and then click Printers.
- Right-click the icon for the printer you want, and then click Properties.
- Consult your printer manual to locate your printer driver's memory setting.
- Click the tab specified by your printer documentation.
On many laser printers, the memory setting is on the Device Settings tab. If your printer manual doesn't specify a location, you may need to examine the different tabs to locate the memory setting.
- Enter the amount of memory that matches what is stated on your printer's self-test.
- On the Microsoft Windows taskbar, click Start, and then click Printers and Faxes.
- Right-click the icon for the printer you want, and then click Properties.
- Consult your printer manual to locate your printer driver's memory setting.
- Click the tab specified by your printer documentation.
On many laser printers, the memory setting is on the Device Settings tab. If your printer manual doesn't specify a location, you may need to examine the different tabs to locate the memory setting.
- Enter the amount of memory that matches what is stated on your printer's self-test.