Skip to main content

Basic Steps for Printer Troubleshooting

There are basic solutions to common printer problems like paper jams, printer driver problems, low ink problems and installation issues. Although printers are designed differently, most problems are common to all printers. Knowing some basic printer troubleshooting techniques is beneficial whenever you encounter problems with your device.



Instructions

1. Ensure that the printer driver is installed. If you just purchased the printer or if you just had your operating system reinstalled, you also have to reinstall the printer driver for it to function properly.

2. Check the data cable and the power cable of the printer. They should be properly connected to their respective ports. If the data cable is not properly connected, the printer will fail to communicate with the computer.

3. Install a new ink or toner cartridge if you receive "low ink" errors on your screen whenever you print a document, or if the printouts have started to get blurry. Some printers require both the black and color cartridges to be replaced before it starts printing again. Make sure that the cartridge you are using is compatible with the printer and that it is not refilled or re-manufactured.

4. Use printer features such as "printer alignment," "print head cleaning" or "nozzle check" to avoid distorted, blurry or garbled printouts. Refer to the user manual of your printer for steps on how to access these features.

5. Clear the printing queue if the printer refuses to print any document. The computer may be having a difficult time reading which document to print so it stopped printing anything. If you are using Windows XP, click "Start" and then "Printers and Faxes." For Windows Vista users, click "Start," "Control Panel," "Hardware and Sound" and then "Printers." If you have Windows 7, open "Control Panel" and then "Devices and Printers." Double-click the name of your printer to display the printing queue. Delete the documents listed in the queue and try printing a document again.

6. Troubleshoot a paper jam error. Turn off the printer and turn it back on for the device to eject the jammed paper automatically. Some printers have an "eject" button that you have to press for the printer to eject the jammed paper. If this does not work, open the top cover of the printer and reach for any jammed papers inside.


Source:- eHow.com

Labels

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Lexmark Printer Error 900-43

Error Code Error Message Solutions ERROR 20 ERROR 200 Input Paper Sensor was not triggered - Paper may be jammed at the sensor. Remove toner cartridge for better access to jammed paper.   Paper not being picked up check paper tray & pickup rollers Replace rollers if worn smooth or cracked ERROR 21 The exit sensor was not made in time after the input sensor as made. ERROR 22 The exit sensor was not unmade in time. ERROR 23 Jam at the duplex unit. Paper is either not leaving the duplex entry sensor in time ...
1 comment
Read more

Printer Troubleshooting - Tips to Restore Laser Printer Performance

Like all laser printers, the Kyocera laser printer also has its set of performance woes that could be resolved by simple troubleshooting. When the printer has been in operation for a long time, troubles usually commence with the rubber rollers or from the sensitive components that are already aging. However if trouble emanates from the toner cartridge, a Kyocera compatible cartridge replacement can resolve the issue and allow trouble free printing to proceed once again. Defective Rollers. The function of the rubber rollers is to seamlessly move paper from one printer component to the next; failure often results in paper jams. The Kyocera laser printer employs several of these rubber rollers in its operations. This begins with the pick-up rollers from the paper tray to the OPC Drum (Organic Photo Receptive); to the fuser assembly rollers and down to the exit rollers that is responsible for the exit of paper from the printer. Since paper is abrasive, continuous contact will result in t...
1 comment
Read more

Dell 1135n Multi-function Laser Printer

Searching for a multi-purpose fax, scan, copy and print device for office use is far more difficult than it should be these days, mainly because there's such a wide range of products out there that all do a fairly similar job. Dell has made a solid, if uninspiring, shift in the printer market recently, and the 1135n complements associated models in the same range by adding multi-function capabilities along with wired network support. Despite its tilt towards an office environment, this is really a medium-yield laser printer with a 250-sheet main tray, 80-sheet output bin and a 40-sheet automatic document feeder.   <A target="_blank" href="http://ad.uk.doubleclick.net/jump/vnu2.uk/reviews/bus-hard/peripherals/laser-printers/;page=article;artid=2267082;topcat=business-hardware;cat=peripherals;tag=hardware;sect=hardware;pos=mpu1;tile=3;dcopt=;sz=200x200,300x250,336x280;gs_cat=&quot;+gs_channels+&quot;;ord=1664423074?"><IMG alt="" borde...
2 comments
Read more