Ok, I realize you said you don't think it is the printer and I am inclined to agree, but let me ask this: Are the cables SNUG on both ends? I solve a lot of printer problems just by unplugging the cable and plug it right back in. Is/are the printer cartridges ok? Any leaks? Some "inkage" around the jet holes is fine. If they are cracked or it leaks or the ink is dried, try replacing it. Next, can you print a self-test page FROM THE PRINTER, not the PC? If that prints out fine, we have resolved the printer is ok. Try searching for a new driver on the Internet. Be sure you or your son selects the driver for your specific printer and for Windows ME. Most drivers need to be unzipped, but the good part is most of them will have a program to install the driver for you. Look for that- it will have obvious from the name. If there is no installation program with it. write down were you saved the driver. It probably will look like "C:\Download" or something. Then do this: 1. Goto START 2. Choose SETTINGS 3. Select PRINTERS 4. Click on ADD PRINTER. 5. A wizard will appear and guide you through it. That is all there is to it for installing a new driver. If this does not work, write back and we will try to help some more. Robert At 07:43 AM 3/27/2003 -0700, you wrote: >My son is having trouble with either Explorer or a printer. I can't figure >out which, but I dont' think it's the printer from the sounds of it. Any >time he tries to print anything, it's scrambled but here's the confusing >part.....he hits preview print and regardless of what it is, it shows >scrambled in the preview...then prints the same way. >Now, one more thing threw me off. He downloaded the most recent version of >Explorer but hasn't installed (once, I had some problems with Explorer and >had to delete and reinstall the browser) So there have actually been no new >installation/software changes. He went to check his hard drive, do a virus >scan, scan disk and defrag and then found out that he can no longer access >his CD-Rom. Nor can he view files in his hard drive. >I don't know much about his system, but I DO know he has Windows ME which he >hates. >What should his next step be before ending up taking it to a tech? >Thanks ! >Madeleine Jacobs > >www.armchairpaintclasses.com >www.rawhidestudios.com > >To unsub or change your email settings: >//www.freelists.org/webpage/pctechtalk > >To access our Archives: >http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PCTechTalk/messages/ >//www.freelists.org/archives/pctechtalk/ > >For more info: >//www.freelists.org/cgi-bin/list?list_id=pctechtalk To unsub or change your email settings: //www.freelists.org/webpage/pctechtalk To access our Archives: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PCTechTalk/messages/ //www.freelists.org/archives/pctechtalk/ For more info: //www.freelists.org/cgi-bin/list?list_id=pctechtalk