Let’s troubleshoot some common printer issues

Following on from my last blog, I thought I might run through some of the common issues you can come across with your printer. 

1. Printer not turning on 

• Check the power cable is plugged in correctly and turned on both at the wall and printer 

• If it is intermittent, replace the cable with a new one 

2. Page doesn’t print  

• Check that the printer is on 

• Check your print queue to make sure an old or faulty file is not blocking your file 

3. Paper Jams  

• Check all points in the printer, including the back as some models have back access. (check you user manual for guides) 

• never try to forcibly remove the paper, as it may cause damage to internal parts, especially the rollers 

• To prevent jams, make sure the paper isn’t bent or folded and is fed correctly into the printer.  Use good quality paper. 

4. Error Messages/Alarms/Beeps from the Printer 

• If your printer has a LCD display, read the error message and follow the instructions shown. If you have warning LEDs or beeps instead, observe the pattern or frequency of these warnings and refer to your printer’s manual to learn more about the problem 

• Try to familiarize yourself with the most common problems by referring to your printer’s manual. All the more better if they can be avoided in the future. 

5. Windows is unable to recognize or communicate with the Printer 

• Check the USB or parallel cable running from the computer to the printer. It needs to be firmly in place at each end. If the cable or connector is damaged, replace it immediately 

• The driver for your printer might be missing, outdated or corrupted. So make sure your visit the manufacturer’s website (do a Google search) and download the latest driver available for your printer.  

• You could also try uninstalling the printer from the Windows Control Panel and reinstalling it again 

6. Print out issues 

• The colour and print quality has become poor.  Either the Ink cartridges may be running low, or your paper quality is poor. 

• Parts of characters and symbols are missing.  The ink cartridges could be clogged, run a print clean. 

• Colour printout appears smudgy or smeared.  Make sure you have selected the right paper setting.  As a guide Low quality if for text documents and High quality is for photos, etc. 

• Photos and graphics look grainy.  This could be due to the actual image quality and not related to your printer.  Check your image and ensure it is high quality. 

7. Printer returns a blank page after printing 

• The content sent to the printer for printing was blank, check and try again 

• The printing process was interrupted, try again 

• Ink cartridge is empty, check the ink status.  Ensure any new cartridges installed have had the protective cover removed before installing. 

8. You have replaced your ink cartridges and the printer still refuses to print. 

• Remove the ink cartridge and turn off the printer, wait a few moments then turn printer back on and reinstall the ink cartridge. 

• Refer to your user’s manual and follow troubleshooting tips 

There are lots of different issues that come up with printers, when you purchase your printer make sure you retain your user’s guide and keep it handy.  Each manufacture will have a troubleshooting section in it for you to refer to.  Worse case you can also contact the manufacture via their website. 

As always speak to your local computer store as to which printer will best suit your printing needs.  There are quite a few options out there and all offer different functions.