Need Help Quick

[Callie Herchenbach]

I have owned Dell computer since January. I received a
Lexmark printer with it and after many problems (it would
not install and stay that way) so after speaking with
Dell officials, was instructed to send it back to
Lexmark. I sent it back by UPS and have never received
credit. Then I bought a HP750. Problem is that I have
never used Windows XP and don't know the first thing
about how to start. I have written a few letters which I
cannot print. Screen will read "preparing document", then
it never prints! I am very disappointed as I recently
retired and thought this would be beneficial to me. Now I
am thinking of selling the whole package as I feel
overwhelmed and frustrated. This a.m. I went to web site
for instruction and all I find, so far is how to put a
picture on the screen saver. I want to know how to print!

[Len Segal]

Callie,

The first experience with a computer can be overwhelming.

First, I would go to any good bookstore and look for a series of books
titled "x for Dummies" (sorry, I know that the title is a bit insulting but
they do write some very good "down to earth" books on computers). There
probably will be a "Computers for Dummies" and a "Windows XP for Dummies"
book. Take a quick look and I'd advise buying both of them. They should help
you get over the learning hump so that the computer can be useful to you.

Next, assuming from your remark about being retired that you are a "senior
citizen", I would contact your local Senior Center or "Council on Aging"
(usually town/city run) and see what classes or help they might offer to get
people "kick started" in using computers. In my area I know that they offer
free or nearly free classes to get people started.

Don't let it get the best of you! Read and get some local help until you
feel comfortable using the computer for your needs.

--

Regards,
Len Segal, MCP
Microsoft - MVP
--------------
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"Callie Herchenbach" > wrote in message
...
> I have owned Dell computer since January. I received a
> Lexmark printer with it and after many problems (it would
> not install and stay that way) so after speaking with
> Dell officials, was instructed to send it back to
> Lexmark. I sent it back by UPS and have never received
> credit. Then I bought a HP750. Problem is that I have
> never used Windows XP and don't know the first thing
> about how to start. I have written a few letters which I
> cannot print. Screen will read "preparing document", then
> it never prints! I am very disappointed as I recently
> retired and thought this would be beneficial to me. Now I
> am thinking of selling the whole package as I feel
> overwhelmed and frustrated. This a.m. I went to web site
> for instruction and all I find, so far is how to put a
> picture on the screen saver. I want to know how to print!


---
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[Dan DeStefano]

unfortunately, there are a host of things that could be preventing you from
printing. the best place for you to start, in both troubleshooting your
printing problem and learning about xp, would be with the built-in 'help and
support center', which is accessed by clicking "help and support" on the
start menu. on its first page, you will find a plethora of things you can
do, from troubleshooting a problem to searching the entire help database, to
taking a tour of whats new in xp (useful if you are coming from a previous
windows version). also, your printer's manufacturer (you sent back the
lexmark, correct?) will have some kind of online troubleshooter to help you
fix your problem. other resources such as microsoft's knowledge base
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];kbhowto and
www.google.com are useful resources when searching for answers to problems
(google even has a "groups" tab where you can search support newsgroups such
as this one).

Dan DeStefano


"Callie Herchenbach" > wrote in message
...
> I have owned Dell computer since January. I received a
> Lexmark printer with it and after many problems (it would
> not install and stay that way) so after speaking with
> Dell officials, was instructed to send it back to
> Lexmark. I sent it back by UPS and have never received
> credit. Then I bought a HP750. Problem is that I have
> never used Windows XP and don't know the first thing
> about how to start. I have written a few letters which I
> cannot print. Screen will read "preparing document", then
> it never prints! I am very disappointed as I recently
> retired and thought this would be beneficial to me. Now I
> am thinking of selling the whole package as I feel
> overwhelmed and frustrated. This a.m. I went to web site
> for instruction and all I find, so far is how to put a
> picture on the screen saver. I want to know how to print!

[phil]

Hello Callie,

My knowledge of computers is limited too. I am 74. But lately, I have been
watching this newsgroup and copying a lot of info.

I had problems with my printer too, until I followed the instructions which
I copy herewith.
Unplug your printer.
Remove all the printer drivers.
Reboot
Leave printer unplugged
Install printer software and drivers
Turn off the computer
hook up the printer
reboot
It should detect and install the printer
Good luck, it worked for me. Let me know. Good day. Phil

[Sharon F]

Callie Herchenbach wrote:
> I have owned Dell computer since January. I received a
> Lexmark printer with it and after many problems (it would
> not install and stay that way) so after speaking with
> Dell officials, was instructed to send it back to
> Lexmark. I sent it back by UPS and have never received
> credit. Then I bought a HP750. Problem is that I have
> never used Windows XP and don't know the first thing
> about how to start. I have written a few letters which I
> cannot print. Screen will read "preparing document", then
> it never prints! I am very disappointed as I recently
> retired and thought this would be beneficial to me. Now I
> am thinking of selling the whole package as I feel
> overwhelmed and frustrated. This a.m. I went to web site
> for instruction and all I find, so far is how to put a
> picture on the screen saver. I want to know how to print!

You've received some excellent advice so far. I just want to add that the
purchase of most hardware devices includes free technical support calls for
installation issues. Take advantage of these freebies! The techs can walk
you through the steps of installing the software needed to run the printer.
Setting the new printer as the default printing device. They should stay on
the line long enough to guide you through printing a self-test page and
printing out your first document (to be sure the printer is working as
expected).

Remember, no one was born knowing everything there is to know about
computers. We all start out as "newbies" and eventually learn through
reading. A little bit of help from other users in newsgroups such as these
usually factors into the learning process as well.

I hope that you start enjoying your PC and PC purchases very soon.

--
Sharon F
Microsoft MVP, Windows - Shell/User

[Microbes@Work]

One simple way you may wish to try (assuming no computer knowledge):

Turn on your printer.
Turn on your PC.
Click 'Start' and go to 'Control Panel'.
Double click 'Printer and Fax'.
Delete everyting there (by hitting the Del key)
Click 'Start', 'Turn off Computer', 'Restart'.
You should be able to print.

AC

On Wed, 30 Apr 2003 05:04:30 -0700, "Callie Herchenbach"
> wrote:

>I have owned Dell computer since January. I received a
>Lexmark printer with it and after many problems (it would
>not install and stay that way) so after speaking with
>Dell officials, was instructed to send it back to
>Lexmark. I sent it back by UPS and have never received
>credit. Then I bought a HP750. Problem is that I have
>never used Windows XP and don't know the first thing
>about how to start. I have written a few letters which I
>cannot print. Screen will read "preparing document", then
>it never prints! I am very disappointed as I recently
>retired and thought this would be beneficial to me. Now I
>am thinking of selling the whole package as I feel
>overwhelmed and frustrated. This a.m. I went to web site
>for instruction and all I find, so far is how to put a
>picture on the screen saver. I want to know how to print!