What To Know
- If you’ve just sent a print job and realize it’s a mistake, you can usually cancel it directly from your computer’s print queue.
- Find the print job you want to cancel within the list of documents in the queue.
- Locate the print queue management section within the utility and use the available options to cancel or delete print jobs.
Printing can be a frustrating experience, especially when you’re faced with a stubborn print job that refuses to budge from the queue. Brother printers, known for their reliability, can sometimes fall victim to this print purgatory. But fear not, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to conquer the dreaded printer queue and get your Brother printer back on track.
Understanding the Brother Printer Queue
Before diving into the cancellation process, let’s understand the printer queue‘s role. Think of it as a virtual waiting room for print jobs. Each time you send a document to print, it joins the queue, patiently awaiting its turn to be processed. The queue manages the order of print jobs, ensuring that they are printed in the sequence they were received.
The Power of the Cancel Button: A Quick Fix
In many cases, the simplest solution is often the most effective. If you’ve just sent a print job and realize it’s a mistake, you can usually cancel it directly from your computer’s print queue. Here’s how:
1. Open the Print Queue: On your Windows PC, click the “Start” button, type “print queue,” and select “Printers & Scanners.” On a Mac, open “System Preferences” and navigate to “Printers & Scanners.”
2. Locate the Job: Find the print job you want to cancel within the list of documents in the queue.
3. Cancel the Job: Right-click the print job and select “Cancel” or “Delete.”
When the Cancel Button Fails: Advanced Techniques
Sometimes, the simple “Cancel” button doesn‘t work its magic. This could be due to a corrupted print job or a communication issue with your Brother printer. Don’t despair! We have a few more tricks up our sleeve:
1. Restart Your Brother Printer
Restarting your printer can often clear up minor glitches and reset the print queue. Here’s how:
1. Turn off the printer: Unplug the power cord from the printer.
2. Wait a few minutes: Allow the printer to completely power down.
3. Plug it back in: Reconnect the power cord and turn the printer back on.
4. Check the Queue: Once the printer is back online, check the print queue to see if the troublesome job has disappeared.
2. Clear the Print Queue Manually
If restarting the printer doesn’t do the trick, you can manually clear the print queue. This method involves removing all print jobs from the queue, including the one you want to cancel. Here’s how:
1. Open the Print Queue: Follow the steps outlined in the previous section to access the print queue.
2. Select All Jobs: Press “Ctrl+A” (Windows) or “Command+A” (Mac) to select all the print jobs in the queue.
3. Delete the Jobs: Right-click any of the selected jobs and choose “Cancel” or “Delete.”
3. Use Brother’s Printer Utility
Brother offers a dedicated printer utility that can provide more control over your printer’s settings and functions. This utility often includes a feature for managing the print queue.
1. Download the Utility: Visit Brother‘s website and download the utility for your specific Brother printer model.
2. Install and Launch: Follow the on-screen instructions to install the utility and launch it.
3. Manage the Queue: Locate the print queue management section within the utility and use the available options to cancel or delete print jobs.
Troubleshooting Tips for Persistent Problems
If you’re still facing issues canceling print jobs, consider these troubleshooting tips:
- Check for Paper Jams: A paper jam can sometimes cause the printer to become unresponsive and prevent print jobs from completing or being canceled.
- Update Printer Drivers: Outdated printer drivers can lead to various problems, including print queue issues. Visit Brother’s website to download the latest drivers for your model.
- Reset the Printer to Factory Defaults: If all else fails, resetting your Brother printer to factory defaults can help resolve stubborn issues. Refer to your printer’s manual for instructions on how to perform a factory reset.
Preventing Future Print Queue Headaches
Now that you’ve conquered the printer queue, let’s take steps to prevent future frustrations:
- Monitor the Queue: Regularly check the print queue to ensure that unwanted jobs don’t accumulate.
- Prioritize Print Jobs: Use the print queue’s options to prioritize important jobs, ensuring they are printed first.
- Avoid Printing Large Files: Printing large files can put a strain on your printer and potentially cause delays or errors. Consider sending them to the printer in smaller batches.
Beyond the Queue: Keeping Your Brother Printer Running Smoothly
While mastering the print queue is essential, remember that regular maintenance can keep your Brother printer running smoothly. Here are some tips:
- Clean the Print Heads: Regularly cleaning the print heads can prevent clogging and improve print quality.
- Replace Ink Cartridges: Using low-quality or incompatible ink cartridges can lead to print issues. Always use genuine Brother ink cartridges.
- Keep the Printer Dust-Free: Dust and debris can accumulate inside the printer and affect its performance. Clean the printer regularly with a soft, dry cloth.
Embracing the Print-Free Life (Almost)
While we can’t eliminate printing altogether, we can strive to make it a more efficient and less stressful experience. By understanding how to manage the print queue, troubleshoot common issues, and maintain your Brother printer, you can conquer the print purgatory and enjoy printing with confidence.
Common Questions and Answers
1. Why is my Brother printer showing a print job in the queue but not printing?
This could be due to several reasons, including:
- Paper Jam: Check for paper jams and clear them if found.
- Out of Ink: Ensure that the ink cartridges are not empty.
- Communication Issue: Verify that the printer is connected to your computer and that there are no network connectivity issues.
2. Can I pause a print job in the Brother printer queue?
Yes, most Brother printers allow you to pause print jobs in the queue. You can typically find the pause option in the printer utility or the print queue management interface.
3. What should I do if my Brother printer is not responding to print commands?
Try the following steps:
- Restart the printer and your computer.
- Check the printer’s connection to your computer or network.
- Update the printer drivers.
- Contact Brother support for further assistance.
4. How do I prevent accidentally sending multiple copies of a document to the printer?
Always double-check the number of copies you are selecting in the print dialog box before sending a print job. You can also set your printer’s default settings to print one copy by default.
5. Can I delete a print job from my Brother printer directly from the printer itself?
Some Brother printers offer a control panel that allows you to manage print jobs directly from the printer. However, this feature may not be available on all models. It’s best to refer to your printer’s manual for specific instructions.
