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ProbablyNot Unique
Participating Frequently
January 1, 2019
Answered

PSE 13 error "because the default printer cannot be opened"

  • January 1, 2019
  • 3 replies
  • 5449 views

I have problem like this one that is still 'unsolved'', different history:

After printing photos on epson1430 normally I put PC to sleep. [W10-64.] Returned 2 days later to resume, nothing else was done on the machine, & PSE was never closed. I was able to get into epson print menus normally but when print clicked, error:

"because the default printer cannot be opened."

I did test page & printed photo in another editor. This time when I went back to PSE could not access print menus, error:

"the printer does not exist".

I followed advice on 13.1 update, clearing prefs and also unpluging 1430. There is no USB (wireless).

This seemed to fix "printer does not exist" as I got access to print menu (for how long I can't know). But will not print, first error above, 'default printer cannot be opened'.

Please be clear that nothing was done on or to PC in short interval. PSE open entire time. Maybe this can narrow cause & help fix? No new hardware, software, changes. I checked W10 updates for these few days, a couple of security but nothing big.

Thanks for any assist.

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Greg_S.

    Does the same problem exist if you try to print from the Organizer?

    3 replies

    Greg_S.
    Community Expert
    Greg_S.Community Expert
    Community Expert
    March 8, 2019

    charkyg  wrote

    Tried SHIFTCTRLALT, I didn't receive a message regarding deleting the

    settings file. I did receive a window to confirm I allow Adobe to make

    changes to program on my computer - is that the same?

    Greg S. wrote

    No.  But you should confirm that message too.

    charkyg  (to Greg S.)

    That still doesn't work as I'm not getting the message about  deleting the

    settings file?

    In that case, in the Editor, under the Edit>Preferences>General menu, try selecting the Delete Preferences on next launch button.  Then close and reopen the Editor:

      D
      defaulti4axbp0872rm
      Participant
      March 11, 2021

      Thank you, this worked.

       

        P
        ProbablyNot UniqueAuthor
        Participating Frequently
        March 7, 2019

        Bumping own question for 2 reasons. Two months later there is no solution, and my workaround using another pc no longer available.  I have tried everything suggested here for similar errors (clear preferences, uninstall & reinstall printer. etc.). People may assume if no answer or follow up, poster solved his question. No. Second, there have been many similar posts here for diff versions of Elements over years, unsolved afaics. It seems no one in Adobe knows what causes this. What does "default printer cannot be opened" even mean? The program treats your installed printer in a way no other does, a problem no other program has, and there is no way to investigate the cause. ? A fix I have not tried is complete reinstall of PSE 13, bc it was such a big pain to dl & install in the first place. Now I feel trapped bc I have photo editor that will not print, & I have too much time invested in pshop knowledge. And I don't trust Adobe to have a fix if I upgrade.

        Greg_S.
        Community Expert
        Greg_S.Community ExpertCorrect answer
        Community Expert
        March 7, 2019

        Does the same problem exist if you try to print from the Organizer?

        Greg_S.
        Community Expert
        Greg_S.Community Expert
        Community Expert
        March 8, 2019

        @Greg_S: How you know dat? Happy to report Org does print. I have never used it. I had suspected it was about using advanced settings, so first used default. But when that worked went to advanced, printed well in Org. Not sure but I think charkyg saying same, if he goes back to Org he can print what he flipped in Editor? A mysterious solution better than none -- maybe the Ed side got corrupted? -- so I will have my fingers crossed.

        For me there is downside that Org quickly decided for itself everything I edit now goes into its Catalog, even if Org not open. So I had issue not even knowing how to access my own Cat until I learned about "media view" etc.. Org is too much Totalitarian Monster for me, its own learning curve, so I am going to have to work this out. Still rates as Answered imo.


        I've been using Elements regularly since version 3.     The Organizer and the Editor use 2 different print engines that (at least for me) can produce very different results.  I have been complaining about this for years.  I suspect that fewer and fewer users print their photos on home printers, preferring to share their images through social media.  I therefore doubt whether Adobe is going to spend a lot of time developing the printer functions.

        For me there is downside that Org quickly decided for itself everything I edit now goes into its Catalog, even if Org not open. So I had issue not even knowing how to access my own Cat until I learned about "media view" etc.. Org is too much Totalitarian Monster for me, its own learning curve,

        The Organizer has been my favorite piece of software since the beginning, so I would encourage you to get comfortable with it.  But the problem you describe sounds like you have the "Include in Organizer" box checked in your Editor Save dialog. If you really don't want to use the Organizer, uncheck this box.

        P
        ProbablyNot UniqueAuthor
        Participating Frequently
        January 1, 2019

        I try again pasting that link to own board which does not work https://forums.adobe.com/message/10561414#10561414?sr=search&searchId=f275de7e-7518-4885-87be-a1465a819f88&searchIndex=2 ?

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