# 1-866-203-7571 How to Fix Canon Printer in Error State?

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Printers have become an essential part of both home and office environments. Among them, Canon printers are renowned for their quality, reliability, and advanced features. However, like any electronic device, Canon printers can sometimes face technical issues. One common problem many users encounter is the “Printer in Error State” message. This error can halt your printing tasks, disrupt productivity, and cause frustration. Fortunately, resolving it is often straightforward if you follow systematic troubleshooting steps.

This guide provides a thorough approach to fixing Canon printers in an error state, covering possible causes, solutions, preventive measures, and tips for seamless printer operation.

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## **Understanding the “Printer in Error State” Issue**

The “Printer in Error State” error typically appears on your computer or printer display when the printer cannot complete a printing task. It does not always indicate a serious hardware malfunction but usually points to configuration, connectivity, or driver-related issues.

### **Common Symptoms:**

* The printer refuses to print documents.
* The computer displays the message “Printer in Error State.”
* Printer lights may blink, depending on the model.
* Printing queue shows pending tasks that cannot be completed.
* The printer software may fail to detect the printer.

### **Common Causes:**

1. **Connection Issues:** Loose or disconnected USB or network cables can trigger this error.
2. **Driver Problems:** Outdated, missing, or corrupted printer drivers may prevent proper communication between the printer and the computer.
3. **Printer Offline:** If your printer is set to offline mode, it will not process print commands.
4. **Pending Print Jobs:** Stuck print jobs in the queue may interfere with new print tasks.
5. **Hardware Problems:** Issues like paper jams, low ink/toner, or printer spooler malfunctions.
6. **Firewall/Antivirus Interference:** Security software may block communication between the printer and computer.

Understanding the cause is the first step toward resolving the error. Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step solutions.

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## **Step 1: Basic Checks**

Before diving into advanced troubleshooting, start with basic checks:

1. **Power Cycle Your Printer**

* Turn off your Canon printer.
* Unplug it from the power source.
* Wait for 2–5 minutes, then plug it back in and turn it on.
* Power cycling resets the printer and may clear temporary errors.

2. **Check Printer Connections**

* For USB printers, ensure the cable is securely connected to both the printer and computer.
* For network/Wi-Fi printers, confirm that the printer is connected to the same network as your computer.
* Check for loose or damaged cables and replace them if necessary.

3. **Check Paper and Ink Levels**

* Ensure there is paper loaded in the tray.
* Verify that the ink or toner cartridges have sufficient ink.
* Clear any paper jams or obstructions.

## **Step 2: Restart Printer Spooler Service**

The printer spooler service manages all print jobs sent to the printer. A malfunctioning spooler can lead to the “Error State” message.

### **For Windows Users:**

1. Press **Windows + R**, type `services.msc`, and press Enter.
2. Scroll down to find **Print Spooler**.
3. Right-click on it and select **Stop**.
4. Navigate to `C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS` and delete all files in this folder.
5. Return to the **Print Spooler** service, right-click, and select **Start**.
6. Try printing again.

### **For Mac Users:**

1. Open **System Preferences** > **Printers & Scanners**.
2. Select your Canon printer and click **Open Print Queue**.
3. Cancel all pending print jobs.
4. Restart your Mac to reset the printer spooler.

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## **Step 3: Set the Printer as Default**

Sometimes, your computer may be sending print jobs to the wrong printer.

1. Press **Windows + R**, type `control printers`, and press Enter.
2. Right-click on your Canon printer and select **Set as default printer**.
3. Try printing a test page.

On a Mac:

1. Go to **System Preferences** > **Printers & Scanners**.
2. Select your Canon printer from the list.
3. Click **Default Printer** and choose your Canon printer.

## **Step 4: Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers**

Outdated or corrupted drivers are a frequent cause of the “Printer in Error State” message.

### **Steps to Update Drivers on Windows:**

1. Press **Windows + X** and select **Device Manager**.
2. Expand **Printers** or **Print queues**.
3. Right-click on your Canon printer and select **Update driver**.
4. Choose **Search automatically for updated driver software**.
5. If an update is available, install it and restart your computer.

### **Reinstalling Drivers:**

1. Uninstall the existing Canon printer driver from **Control Panel** > **Programs and Features**.
2. Visit the [Canon Support Website](https://www.usa.canon.com/) and download the latest driver for your printer model.
3. Install the driver and restart your system.

On a Mac:

* Use **Software Update** or the Canon website to download the latest driver.

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## **Step 5: Check Printer Status and Connectivity**

1. **Online Status:** Ensure the printer is online.

* Windows: **Control Panel** > **Devices and Printers** > Right-click printer > **See what’s printing** > **Printer** menu > **Use Printer Online**.
2. **Network Settings:**

* Confirm that your Wi-Fi printer is connected to the correct network.
* Print a network configuration page from your printer to verify settings.

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## **Step 6: Clear Print Queue**

Stuck print jobs often cause the printer to show an error.

1. Open **Control Panel** > **Devices and Printers**.
2. Double-click your Canon printer to open the print queue.
3. Cancel all pending print jobs.
4. Restart the printer and computer.

On a Mac:

* Open **System Preferences** > **Printers & Scanners**, select your printer, and click **Open Print Queue**. Cancel all jobs.

## **Step 7: Disable Antivirus/Firewall Temporarily**

Sometimes security software blocks communication with the printer. Temporarily disable antivirus or firewall software and test printing.

**Caution:** Only disable security software temporarily. Turn it back on after testing.

## **Step 8: Perform a Printer Reset**

Many Canon printers have a reset function that restores factory settings.

1. Press the **Menu** or **Setup** button on your printer.
2. Navigate to **Device Settings** > **Reset Settings** > **Reset All**.
3. Confirm the reset and wait for the printer to restart.
4. Reconfigure your printer settings and test printing.

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## **Step 9: Run Canon Printer Troubleshooter**

Canon provides built-in diagnostic tools to fix common printer problems.

1. Download the Canon My Printer software or use the troubleshooting feature.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to detect and repair issues.
3. Restart the printer after troubleshooting.

## **Step 10: Advanced Troubleshooting**

If the problem persists:

1. **Check USB Ports:** Switch the printer to a different USB port.
2. **Try Another Computer:** Connect your printer to another PC to check if the problem is computer-specific.
3. **Firmware Update:** Update your printer’s firmware from the Canon website.
4. **Check for Hardware Issues:** Inspect for paper jams, damaged rollers, or broken parts.
5. **Professional Support:** Call Canon customer support at **1-866-203-7571** for expert assistance.

## **Preventive Measures to Avoid Printer Errors**

1. **Regular Maintenance:** Clean the printer heads and rollers to prevent jams.
2. **Keep Software Updated:** Update drivers and firmware regularly.
3. **Use Genuine Ink Cartridges:** Non-genuine cartridges may cause compatibility issues.
4. **Stable Network Connection:** Ensure Wi-Fi printers remain connected to a stable network.
5. **Avoid Overloading Print Jobs:** Large print jobs can sometimes crash the printer.

## **Conclusion**

Experiencing a “Printer in Error State” message on your Canon printer can be frustrating, but with systematic troubleshooting, most issues can be resolved without professional help. By performing basic checks, updating drivers, clearing print queues, resetting the printer, and ensuring proper connectivity, you can restore your printer to normal functionality.

If you follow all these steps and the error persists, contacting Canon’s dedicated support line at **1-866-203-7571** is highly recommended. Their trained technicians can guide you through complex issues and provide solutions tailored to your printer model.

With the right approach, your Canon printer can be up and running smoothly, ensuring uninterrupted printing and optimal performance.

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