Tech Tips

A printing problem doesn’t always mean a printer problem.  If you can’t print check the printer for attention lights or error messages at the printer that may resolve the problem.  If you get a message at the PC that indicates the document failed to print you may need to check beyond the printer.  Make sure there is proper power to the printer.  Make sure the data cable to the printer is properly connected.

Here’s a special note: it is possible to insert the USB cable (printer end) into the network connector on the printer.  This can happen if someone reconnected the USB cable without getting a good view of the rear of the printer.  I have never seen a customer damage a printer doing this but it would have to be moved to the correct position

Use the owners manual to determine how to print an internal document from the printer without requiring a print job from the PC.  This may be selected as a Demo page, a configuration page a settings page or some type of report.  If you successfully print then you have verified a high level of printer function. You could still have a hardware interface problem.

Exhaust all possible causes before you start considering a network connection or a wireless connection as the issue.  If you don’t feel comfortable troubleshooting a wireless or network problem consult an IT professional.

When transporting your inkjet printer to a new location or for service, follow these tips:

Do not remove the ink cartridges.

It may seem like a good idea but this could contribute to toner leakage but may also allow air bubbles to enter  the ink transport mechanism of the printer.  When the printer is transported it is important to keep the printer in its normal upright position.  For instance, tilting the printer on to it’s back may cause a toner leak.   A toner leak of course could be very messy but if the liquid ink finds its way to components or circuit boards then serious damage could occur with the printer.

When it is time to take your inkjet printer for service there is another  good reason to leave the ink cartridges in the printer.  The ink maybe part of the problem.  It is best to take the printer in it’s “as failed” condition to a repair center  to aid in proper diagnosis of the problem.  Also a printer taken to a service center for repair requires an adequate ink supply in the printer to perform a diagnosis and repair.  The customer would normally be charged for a new set of inks no matter what service center is performing the repair.

Problem: vertical black lines when faxing or copying using the automatic document feeder (ADF) but does not exhibit this problem when using the flatbed scanner.   This particular problem applies only to a multifunction machine with both flatbed and ADF capability.  The solution might be as simple as cleaning the narrow strip of glass that the ADF unit passes the document over.  Most cleaning efforts can be done with a slightly damp cloth.  If the glass has whiteout on it, you will need to break up the whiteout with your finger nail.  If you try to use something other than your finger nail you may actually scratch the glass.

A printing problem doesn’t always mean a problem with your printer.  If you can’t print:

1 – Check the printer for attention lights or error messages at the printer that may resolve the problem.

2 – If you get a message at the PC that indicates the document failed to print you may need to check beyond the printer.

3 – Make sure there is proper power to the printer.

4 – Make sure the data cable to the printer is properly connected.

5 – Make sure the printer cable is inserted in the right slot.

– It’s possible to insert the USB cable (printer end) into the network connector on the printer.  This can happen if someone reconnected the USB cable without getting a good view of the rear of the printer.  I have never seen a customer damage a printer doing this but it would have to be moved to the correct position

Use the owners manual to determine how to print an internal document from the printer without requiring a print job from the PC.  This may be selected as a Demo page, a configuration page a settings page or some type of report.  If you successfully print then you have verified a high level of printer function. You could still have a hardware interface problem.

Exhaust all possible causes before you start considering a network connection or a wireless connection as the issue.  If you don’t feel comfortable troubleshooting a wireless or network problem consult an IT professional.