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Troubleshooting Print Issues in Edge IE Mode for Legacy Websites
Resolve Microsoft Edge IE Mode printing failures with actionable steps for office users and SMEs, covering keyboard shortcuts, printer checks, Print Spooler restarts, and Windows troubleshooting tools.
Many organizations, especially SMEs and agencies requiring access to older specialized websites, may encounter issues when using Microsoft Edge in Internet Explorer mode (IE Mode) and are unable to print documents. This article from SyncTech Solution will help you understand the causes and provide safe, step-by-step solutions to restore smooth workflow.
### Understanding Before Fixing: Why Does Printing Fail in IE Mode?
Internet Explorer Mode (IE Mode) in Microsoft Edge is a feature that allows users to open older websites specifically designed for Internet Explorer within the modern Edge browser. Its operating principle involves simulating the Internet Explorer engine to run in the background within Edge.
This inherent complexity can sometimes lead to issues, particularly with printing. This is because print commands are routed from the older (IE) engine, through the newer (Edge) browser, to the operating system (Windows), and finally to the printer. This multi-layered command relay can be more prone to errors than usual, such as incorrect default printer selection, unresponsive drivers, or a frozen Windows print management service (Print Spooler).
### Before You Begin: Preparation
Before proceeding with troubleshooting, a little preparation will ensure a smooth and safe process:
1. **Note the printer name and model:** Verify the exact name of the printer you intend to use, such as "Canon LBP2900" or "HP LaserJet Pro M404dn". Knowing the correct name will help you select the right printer.
2. **Check the connection:** Ensure the printer is powered on, properly connected to your computer or network, and shows no red or orange error indicator lights.
3. **Save important work:** If there is unsaved data on the webpage, copy or save it beforehand, in case the browser needs to be closed or the computer restarted.
### Safe Solutions: 5 Steps to Fix Printing Issues in IE Mode
Follow these steps in order to systematically resolve the issue.
**1. Confirm the Issue is Specific to IE Mode**
* **WHAT:** Differentiate whether the problem originates from IE Mode or affects all applications.
* **WHERE/HOW:**
* Try opening another website in a regular Edge tab (not IE Mode) and attempt to print.
* Open another application, such as Notepad or Microsoft Word, type a short message, and try to print it.
* **WHY:** To confirm that the issue is solely due to the interaction between IE Mode and the printer, rather than a direct problem with the printer itself or its drivers. This helps in focusing troubleshooting efforts.
* **EXPECTED RESULT:** If printing from a regular Edge tab and other applications is successful, the problem is definitely with IE Mode, and you can proceed with the following steps. However, if other applications also fail to print, the issue might be with the printer driver or connection; in this case, skip to steps 4 and 5.
**2. Try Using the System Print Dialog**
* **WHAT:** Directly invoke the Windows print dialog instead of the browser's Print Preview window.
* **WHERE/HOW:** While on the webpage in IE Mode, press the keyboard shortcut **Ctrl + Shift + P**.
* **WHY:** The Print Preview window displayed in the browser might malfunction in IE Mode. Using this shortcut bypasses this step and calls the standard Windows print dialog, which is more stable.
* **EXPECTED RESULT:** The Windows print dialog will appear directly (without a preview page), allowing you to select a printer and click Print immediately. If this method successfully prints, you can always use this shortcut as a temporary workaround.
**3. Check and Select the Correct Printer**
* **WHAT:** Verify that the browser has selected the correct destination printer.
* **WHERE/HOW:** When the print dialog appears (whether by pressing Ctrl+P or Ctrl+Shift+P), look at the "Destination" or "Printer" field and ensure you have selected the actual printer you wish to use, not other options such as "Microsoft Print to PDF", "Save as PDF", or "OneNote".
* **WHY:** Sometimes the browser may remember the last used printer or automatically switch to a virtual printer, preventing print commands from being sent to the physical printer.
* **EXPECTED RESULT:** After selecting the correct printer, the document should print normally.
**4. Restart the Print Spooler Service**
* **WHAT:** Restart the entire print queue management service in Windows.
* **WHERE/HOW:**
1. Press **Windows + R** to open the Run dialog.
2. Type `services.msc` and press Enter.
3. In the Services window that opens, scroll to locate the service named **Print Spooler**.
4. Right-click on Print Spooler and select **Restart**.
* **WHY:** The Print Spooler service is responsible for receiving print jobs from various applications and forwarding them to the printer. Sometimes, this service may stop working or have old print jobs stuck in its queue. Restarting it effectively clears the queue and reinitializes the entire printing system.
* **EXPECTED RESULT:** Wait briefly for the restart to complete. Then, try printing from IE Mode again. If the issue was caused by a frozen service, this method is often effective.
**5. Use the Windows Print Troubleshooter**
* **WHAT:** Have Windows automatically check for and resolve common printing issues.
* **WHERE/HOW:**
1. Go to **Settings** > **Bluetooth & devices** > **Printers & scanners**.
2. Click on the problematic printer.
3. Click **Run the troubleshooter** (On Windows 10, the location may be Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Printer).
* **WHY:** This tool is designed to check for common issues such as a non-functioning Print Spooler service, network connection problems, or corrupted driver files, and it will attempt to fix them automatically. It is a safe method for general users.
* **EXPECTED RESULT:** Windows will display a scan report. If issues are found and resolved, the system will notify you. Then, try printing again.
### Verify the Result
After following these steps, return to the webpage in IE Mode and try printing again:
* The Print Preview window or System Print Dialog should appear correctly.
* After clicking Print, a printer icon should briefly appear in the bottom-right corner of the screen (Taskbar).
* The printer should start working and print the document.
### What If It Still Doesn't Work?
If you have tried all methods and still cannot print, the problem might be more complex than usual:
* **For employees within an organization:** This issue might stem from company security policies (Group Policy) that restrict certain functionalities in IE Mode. In this case, **you should contact your organization's IT department directly** to have them investigate and adjust administrator-level settings.
* **For general users or SMEs:** Try updating the printer driver by downloading it directly from the manufacturer's website. Alternatively, you might need to consider that the website is not fully compatible with IE Mode, which may require finding a way to export data to another file format for printing. If unsure, consult an IT professional for safety.
In summary, printing problems in IE Mode often arise from conflicts between old and new technologies. Checking from the simplest points, such as selecting the correct printer, to using Windows tools, usually helps resolve the issue. Most of the time, no complex fixes are needed, and knowing when to seek assistance from IT is also crucial.