- Updated November 2022: This tool will stop these errors and fix common problems: Get it at this link.
- It will scan your computer to find problems.
- The tool will then correct the issues that were discovered.
- The IP address of the printer is dynamic.
- The basic services are disabled.
- It can also be used to enable certain services that are running.
- The software will help you fix your PC problems and prevent others from happening again.
Printer Cannot Be Contacted Over The Network
You might need to make network settings for the printer again if you’ve changed the network environment, such as the wireless router or provider.
Cannot Connect To Printer On Network
You can also reset the printer’s network settings to restore the printer’s default settings if it is experiencing connection problems. By resetting the printer’s network settings, the printer will start over from scratch.
This issue affects network printers that were added as network printers, and many users have reported errors such as “Printer cannot be contacted over the network”.
In order to connect to the network, turn off all devices you want to connect to. After about 10 seconds, turn them back on in the following order: wireless router, computer, and printer. If it is difficult to communicate with the router via radio waves, move the printer and computer or smart device closer to it, and then re-enter your network settings.
A printer connected to a network is very useful since many users can access it simultaneously without having to worry about cable connections. You can, however, resolve the problem yourself if you get the error message “Unable to contact printer through the network” when trying to troubleshoot a printer. The following solutions can help you solve this error message.
What causes the “Unable to contact printer through network” message?
- Printers have dynamic IP addresses.
- It is not possible to access the basic services.
How to solve the “Cannot communicate with the printer over the network” problem?
We highly recommend that you use this tool for your error. Furthermore, this tool detects and removes common computer errors, protects you from loss of files, malware, and hardware failures, and optimizes your device for maximum performance. This software will help you fix your PC problems and prevent others from happening again:
Updated: May 2024
Disabled key services: In the case of a network printer, many critical services must be in place for the printer to function. Ensure all necessary services are enabled.
Reinstall the printer
- The Control Panel can be found under the Start menu.
- Select Hardware and Sound from the view by category menu in Control Panel.
- To view the section on devices and printers, click View Devices and Printers.
- The Printers section will appear after you click on the printer you want to remove.
- When the dialog box asking you to remove the device appears, select Remove Device and click Yes.
- Above the Devices section, click Add Printer.
- A list of all printers is now displayed on your system.
- To add a printer, click Next after selecting it.
- The installation process can be completed by following the instructions on the screen.
- There will be a new printer listed under Printers.
Enable certain services
- The Run dialog box can be accessed by pressing Windows + R.
- The Services tool can be accessed straight away by typing services.MSC and clicking OK.
- Remote Access Routing and Access, Remote Access Automatic Connection Manager, and Safe Remote Access are all listed in the list
- The Remote Access Connection Manager service and the Socket Tunneling Protocol Service are provided by the company.
- To access the properties of each service, right-click it.
- Ensure that the service is running by checking the Service Status message.
- In order to suspend a service, click the Suspend button. If the service has already been suspended, you can skip this step.
- To save your changes, change the Startup Type to Automatic, click Start, and then click OK.
- All the above services should be performed in the same manner.
- There is a possibility that your system will display an error message when you click the Start button.
RECOMMENATION: Click here for help with Windows errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t my printer be contacted over the network?
If the printer cannot be contacted over the network, you can try assigning it a static IP address, which may help some users to effectively resolve the problem. Select Manual IP, enter the IP address you want to assign to your printer, and click Apply to save the changes.
How do I troubleshoot a printer that cannot be contacted over the network?
- Make sure that some services are enabled.
- Remove the printer and add it again.
- Set a static IP address for your printer.
How do I troubleshoot a network printer?
- Make sure the printer is turned on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your device.
- Restart your printer.
- Set your printer as the default printer.
- Remove the print queue.
- Reset the service that manages the print queue.
Cannot Connect To A Network Printer
A firewall might be preventing your computer from connecting to the printer. Check the firewall settings on each computer and make sure Printer and File Sharing is enabled.
Yesterday our printer failed, so we replaced it with a new one. I shared it so other colleagues can print. When I tried to connect to the shared printer wither from Devices & Printers or from Network, I got the error code 0000001b. All computers are running Windows 10 v21H2, network is set to Private, sharing is enabled. I read elsewhere that I should uninstall some recent Windows updates. I found no matching update in the list. Also elsewhere suggested to enable SMB 1.0, didn’t work. Any other solution?
Most devices in a network have a dynamic IP address, which makes it hard for users to contact them over the network. If you want to fix this, you can give your printer a static IP address.
Mark Ginter is a tech blogger with a passion for all things gadgets and gizmos. A self-proclaimed "geek", Mark has been blogging about technology for over 15 years. His blog, techquack.com, covers a wide range of topics including new product releases, industry news, and tips and tricks for getting the most out of your devices. If you're looking for someone who can keep you up-to-date with all the latest tech news and developments, then be sure to follow him over at Microsoft.
