Jeff Barnett wrote on 10/22/2019 12:57 PM:
Mandy wrote on 10/22/2019 12:17 PM:
For Win XP and Win 7 Question

How do I know if a printer is actually there.
In Printers And FAXes it say all are ready but that is bogus.
I know one is off and is is "Ready".Â* Haha.

Is there some printer ping or other test.

No, I do not want to print a test page since I will have to walk a
mile to see if it prints.Â* Yes on the same LAN.

I have a few printers connected via my home network. I use my browser to
connect to their address, e.g., "198.168.0.4". Then I can set options on
my printer, request its status or its supply status, etc. My printers
are all from HP and the network connect and control stuff is standard
operating procedure. If it doesn't answer when you try to connect you
know it is unplugged or off. If it does answer, your status peeks will
tell tell you if its ready to go, busy, out of paper, jammed, or you
name it. I presume these capabilities are available on other than HP
printers that connect via networks wired or wireless.

This is a PS to the above: Set your router to give the same IP address
every time to the printer. That enables you to create a shortcut in your
bookmarks for that printer. Essentially this allows you to recall the
printer's name rather than its IP address. You'll appreciate that
convenience as you age.
--
Jeff Barnett