Set the default printer in Windows

[Adrian Worley]

I have entered a letter in Open Office's word processor. It is complete, and I wish to print it. Upon attempting this it says "No default printer found". I can't find the option to set the only printer connected to the machine as the default. How do I do this?

[FJCC]

What options are available if you go to the menu File -> Printer Settings and click on the Name drop down list?

[JeJe]

Default printer is a Windows setting.

https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000251.htm

If your printer doesn't appear on the list of printers - are the drivers installed, is it online?

[Adrian Worley]

>>> File -> Printer Settings and click on the Name

Gives the same "No default..." pop up box. When I close that, another box pops up, if I press "Print" there, the pop up disappears, and the sound of the silence is deafening.

>>> are the drivers installed, is it online?

Yes and yes.

I will try copying the text into WordPad.

<edit>
A little formatting to change, but printed okay from WordPad - forget it, problem solved.

[RoryOF]

Or, instead of copying into WordPad, use OO /File/Export as PDF, and print from the system PDF viewer.

What Printer do you have installed? How is it connected to the computer?

[Adrian Worley]

I copied it to WordPad. A little formatting had to be rejigged, but printed fine, so case closed. It is an HP "Color LaserJet Pro M254nw" - their spelling of colour.

[RoryOF]

How connected?

[Adrian Worley]

The "n" trailing the bulk of the model name means "networked" - it is connected via a regular net cable to the router on my desk. I bought the "n" version so I could print from either of the systems connected to the router. I think the "w" means it has wireless connectivity as well, but that is of trivial interest to me, it stands on my desk 20cm from my router. If it lasts as long as the Laserjet 4 it replaced, (about 25 years), I'll be well pleased with it. Actually, if I last another 25 years i'll be suprised. The LaserJet 4 had a wired parallel interface, I needed a card in this machine to provide that as modern motherboards do not have parallel ports.

[RoryOF]

There should be no difficulty in OpenOffice printing to a Network printer - this computer can print to four on my network.

I found this note on setting default printer in Windows 8.
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/win ... d763e9a129

[JeJe]

You could try LibreOffice, if it doesn't have the same problem you should be able to print without needing to make adjustments.

[RoryOF]

I think the problem is at the Windows level, in that he is unable to define a Default printer.

[Adrian Worley]

I'll have a look at that for future reference, but as I said, the letter is printed now, I've not posted it yet, easier to do in the morning. Case closed. I will also look at LibreOffice, always good to find alternatives.

Thanks to both for helping.