Printer disappeared, Devices & Printers doesn't load

[JonF]

Windows 8.1 Pro x64. A day or do ago my ancient Brother MFC-7420 printer disappeared from Device Manager. It still appears in the list of printers to which to print in an application but printing to it produces nothing. When I open Devices and Printers, the green bar takes a long time and stops with a little bit left to go, and the window remains blank.

I ran Windows Repair AIO with no effect. Can't find this particular problem Googling. Help?

{ABE} Bluetooth service is automatic and running.

 

[Mark Phelps]

I would start by removing and reinstalling the printer and its drivers.

 

[JonF]

So would I. The printer does not appear in Device Manager or in Programs and Features and Devices and Printers does not load. Sorry I didn't include that.

 

[Mark Phelps]

How is the printer connected to the PC? Is it a local connection, using USB or is it a network connection?

I've generally used only Epson and HP printers, but with these, you do not connect the USB cable until told to do so by the installation program. You run that, it installs some software and drivers, and then you get a popup telling you to connect the printer. IF you start out with the printer connected, it often won't install properly.

 

[JonF]

It's connected by USB. Whether or not it is connected makes no difference. Brother doesn't supply a driver because it is included in Windows 8.x. I cannot uninstall it or install it because Devices and Printers never fills in the window.

I have been using this as my main printer for around eight years, Win7/Win8/Win8.1. Seems to me that the issue is with Windows' printer system.