Tech Support Across Time Zones: The Printer that Wasn't Plugged In (Twice)

A family member troubleshooting a printer issue remotely with tech support on a laptop, illustrating family connections.
In this photorealistic scene, a tech-savvy family member assists their father with printer troubles, showcasing the importance of remote support in maintaining family connections, no matter the distance.

There’s an old saying in tech support: “Users lie.” But nothing quite prepares you for the moment you realize the “user” is your own father—and you’re troubleshooting his printer across seven time zones, while simultaneously picking up after your dog.

If you’ve ever been the designated family tech guru, you know the unique blend of pride and panic that comes when you get that phone call: “The printer’s not working.” You’re pulled from your evening walk, your mind races with troubleshooting steps, and, above all, you know—deep down—that the simplest explanation is usually the right one. But will your relative admit it? Unlikely.

Let’s set the scene: u/beerbellybegone, an intrepid tech support hero, is strolling peacefully with their dog when Dad calls. Dad’s printer, the bane of home offices everywhere, has struck again. Seven time zones away, Dad utters the phrase that chills every techie to the core: “It says, ‘Printer not connected.’” The troubleshooting begins.

The Universal Printer Problem

First question: “Is it plugged in?”
Dad: “Of course it is.”
Techies know this is where the game begins. With calm persistence, our hero channels the wisdom of r/TalesFromTechSupport and asks for a double-check. This is followed by the classic “unplug, blow, and replug” maneuver—because sometimes, you really can fix electronics with nothing but a gust of air and a little hope.

But alas, the dog needs attention, the kids need putting to bed, and Dad’s printer still refuses to cooperate. Our protagonist promises a remote session later, secretly praying the problem will fix itself in the meantime (it never does).

When TeamViewer Becomes a Lifeline

Hours later, armed with TeamViewer and a mug of patience, the real investigation begins. Printers panel: “Not connected.”
Troubleshooter: “No errors found.”
Removing and re-adding the printer? Windows can’t even find it.

Now, it’s time for the triple-check. Our hero gently nudges Dad—now nearly 76 and not exactly fond of crawling under desks—to please, please, please check those cables just once more. Cue five minutes of muffled sounds, grunts, and the kind of language you only use when your head’s stuck under a desk.

The result? Printer USB wasn’t plugged in. Vindication! Dad, sheepish but victorious, plugs it in, and—miracle of miracles—the test page prints. Peace is restored. For now.

Why Does This Happen (to All of Us)?

There’s a lesson here, and it’s not just to always check your cables. It’s about the strange psychology of tech support—the way we all want to believe we’ve covered the basics, and the embarrassment that comes from missing something obvious.

No one likes to admit they overlooked the simplest thing. Whether you’re a septuagenarian or a seasoned sysadmin, there’s a universal human tendency to jump to complex solutions when the problem is staring us in the face. And yes, sometimes, users (even beloved family members) fudge the truth—twice.

The Tech Support Playbook

If you’re the family IT wizard, here are a few hard-earned tips:

  1. Always start with the basics, even if they swear they checked.
  2. Ask for a double-check—and then a triple-check. Cables, power, and connections are the root of most home tech problems.
  3. Stay patient and keep your sense of humor. Tech support is as much about empathy as it is about technical know-how.
  4. Remember: You’re not alone. Every techie has a story like this—just browse r/TalesFromTechSupport for proof!

The Joy (and Pain) of Helping Family

In the end, these moments become family legends. Sure, you might groan when you get a call at 2am because someone’s accidentally set their display language to Turkish, but there’s a certain satisfaction in coming to the rescue—even if it means reminding Dad (three times) to check the USB cable.

So next time you’re asked for tech support, put on your detective hat, swallow your pride, and remember: sometimes, the cable really isn’t plugged in—no matter what they say.

Have your own tale of family tech shenanigans? Share it in the comments below! And remember, the next time you’re troubleshooting remotely, trust but verify… and maybe bring a flashlight.

If you enjoyed this post or have your own “user error” stories, let’s hear them! Misery loves company—especially when it comes to printers.

Original Reddit Post: Remote family printer tech support