What is one basic troubleshooting step when a networked printer is not responding?

Running the ping command to the printer's IP address is a fundamental troubleshooting step when diagnosing connectivity issues with a networked printer. By using the ping command, you can quickly assess whether the printer is reachable over the network. If the ping is successful, it indicates that the printer is powered on and connected to the network, suggesting that the issue may lie elsewhere—such as with the print job itself or with the printer settings.

On the other hand, if the ping fails, it provides crucial information that there is a connectivity problem, prompting the user to check the network configuration, cable connections, or even the printer's network settings. This step is particularly useful in isolating the problem to either the network or the printer itself, making it a very effective initial diagnostic tool.