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PIXMA MG6450 Another computer is using the printer

Yatesy1990
Apprentice

Up to now we've printed ok but yesterday our Windows 8 laptops report that "Another computer is using the prnter". We have a Canon MG6450 printer; ona  wireless network. We have rebooted our laptops; the router; and switched off printer but to no avail. Any other suggestions ?

 

Another computer is using the printer.
The following status is the usage status of that computer.
---
Creating print data

 

A follow up query is why is there a need to register is the need to send email docs to [Email address removed in accordance with forum guidelines] to get printed ? It is both time consuming, over elaborate and completely unnecessary to use a "Print from E-mail" service and " to complete the printer owner registration".

 

1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION

DaBoss
Apprentice

I solved my problem on the MG5520 using Windows 8.1 stuck with the "used by another computer" error!

 

I noticed in my settings (computer settings - devices - printers)  that there are two Canon printers listed - make sure you DO NOT select the printer that ends in "WS" when trying to print a document. EX:  "Canon MG5500 series printer" vs "Canon MG5500 series printer WS".

If you have any print jobs pending in that queue for that printer ending with "WS", then you will need to cancel all pending print jobs under the "WS" labeled printer before it will allow any other print job to be performed.

Next, when you go to print a document, make sure you select the correct printer (without "WS" at the end).

 

This cleared up the "being used by another computer" error, and I didn't have to uninstall or reinstall any drivers or disable any wireless settings or use a USB cable!

I was so happy that I even took the stupid half hour to register an account with Canon so I could share my solution to this annoying problem. And now I know that I should inform my wife to not print anything on the wrong printer queue anymore!

 

I hope this saves someone from the frustration I felt.

 

Here is a more discriptive walkthrough for technologically challenged individuals:

 

*This first part s not actually necessary - it is just to show you that there are two DIFFERENT print queues

Step 1:

Get into your PC settings menu. If you don't know how to get there, then go to your Apps screen and use the Search feature by typing in "settings". The first thing to pop up should be PC Settings (click on that).

Next, you have to select "PC and Devices" to the left of the screen

Then you want to select "Devices" to the let of the screen

There you will see a list of devices installed on your computer, and you should see two Canon printers (one ending in WS). EX:  "Canon MG5500 series printer" vs "Canon MG5500 series printer WS"

 

Step 2:

Log into each user profile on your computer and check the print queues to see who is trying to print on the "WS" printer queue.

You can see the print queue  by clicking on the little triangle in the bottom right of your screen, then clicking on the little printer icon.

If there are pending print jobs, cancel ALL of them for each user account on your computer.

 

Step 3:

Once all print queues are clear, try printing a document and be sure to select the printer WITHOUT "WS" at the end of the name and it should work!

 

Good luck!

View solution in original post

83 REPLIES 83

Dogdog64
Apprentice
I, too. Have this problem with mx723. I tried emailing Canon and no matter how I try to explain it, they keep thinking the printer is no longer recognized on the network. As someone else stated, the printer is not releasing the computer or vice versa. I never had this problem until both computers started using windows 10. Why can't canon take the time to actually listen.

57jed
Apprentice

I had the same error msg. with my MX472 and I just reinstalled the driver software and I am now printing agan! GOOD LUCK

 

Jack

Michael
Product Expert
Product Expert

Hello.

 

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Dogdog64
Apprentice

I wrote in that I had the same problem. I was fortunate to get someone from Canon (after much trouble) to give me an answer. This worked for me.  Disable the LAN DRX setting. This is under device setup, device settings, LAN setting, other settings. Disable LAN DRX. 

The solution from "Da Boss" upthread, dated 12-7-14 worked for me.

 

Short version is, cancel all printing jobs you find - go into settings and if there is a printer instance "Canon xxx WS" and if it is set as default, deselect it. You will most likely have another instance of your Canon printer NOT marked "WS" so make that one your default printer. Worked for me! Make sure whenever a print job comes up, you do NOT select the WS version to print your job.

whe714BPW
Apprentice

Same error message with HP Envy 360, i7 processor, Windows 10 (horrible operating system that shares all personal data with Microsoft if you use any newer MS software - switch to Linux!).   The "WS" after the printer name was the key, and yes, there's some app for that.  But I just deleted the printer, skipped microsoft's auto-download of drivers (junk) and used the printer's install disk.   Bingo!  Problem is gone.

- Bill in NJ

 

I believe you've all riotously, illiberally and intemperantly turned ON 'Prevent Paper Abrasion', which is just terrible.

 

Unclick its box and all returns to normal, no need to change low ink cartridges nor drivers [though I did anyway].

 

 

Printer Properties/Maintenance/Custom Settings/Prevent Paper Abrasion - unclick

 

and then Apply Settings.

 

And then for me everything worked again.

bohtm4711
Apprentice

SOLVED!

 

I went to devices in control panel and removed the printer, then after a few seconds it automatically added itself back, and after that I was able to print fine again.

 

Very strange.

lotus1016
Apprentice

When I clicked on print there were two Cannon printers listed, one with WS.  I mistakenly clicked on the WS...and that was the problem.  When I went to that printer, I saw that it was collecting data.  When I deleted that print job and went back to Cannon 5600 for my printer, it solved the problem.

Mikeyswifey09
Apprentice

I am running my canon MG7120 through Windows 10 over "secured" wifi and I keep getting the same message as everyone else:

 

Another computer is using the printer.
The following status is the usage status of that computer.
---
Creating print data.

 

However, there are no other computers in the house, much less one that is linked to my printer. What can I do to resolve this problem.

 

PS. I have had nothing but problems with this computer since my husband got it for me almost 2 yrs ago and it has sat more than it has printed because everytime I turn around there is one error message after another.

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