Click --> Start Button
go to --> Settings
Open --> Control Panel
in control panel open --> Printers and Faxes
open printer in question, a window will pop up
This should be your Print Que - any print jobs waiting will be listed here
click on --> Printer (some might have File, to the left on the menu)
on the menu select --> Properties
another window will open, this should be your printers properties,
This is where you will click on --> Print Test Page
here you can make changes to the configuration, some ink jets offer alingment and cleaning.
If you are able to sucessfully print a test page, your printer is working
if not check connection to printer
if strange characters are printed, replace the drivers..