50 Common Printer Problems: Printers are the ideal addition to a home office since they provide users with the comfort and simplicity of use without requiring them to go or pay to print documents or images. Although having a printer has many advantages, there are a few minor drawbacks, just as with any other piece of technology. However, don’t despair—many typical printer issues have simple fixes! We can discus more about 50 Common Printer Problems.
What type of printer should you purchase?
You might be surprised by the range of printer types available if you’re in the market for one. It’s easy to choose the printer that’s best for you. Do you require a high-quality printer because you usually print photos? You should use an inkjet printer because it prints images with excellent quality but takes longer to print than other printers. A LED or laserjet printer is what you need if you print frequently and do not print photos. Toner is used by LED and laser printers rather than ink, which enables users to print documents of excellent quality quickly. We can discus more about 50 Common Printer Problems.
- Whether you also need to scan and fax documents is something else to think about. If that’s the case, you should get an All-In-One printer. Visit *here* for a more thorough examination of the kind of printer you ought to buy (link to another more in-depth article to be added later)
You need a printer but are on a budget
Although the price of a printer might range from $100 to $1,000, you don’t need to spend a lot of money to have a good one. The printer will continue to cost you money after you buy it because you will need to buy replacement ink, so bear that in mind. Many businesses provide inexpensive printers, yet charge exorbitant prices for the replacement toner cartridges. For instance, the Brother HL-L2320D Monochrome Laser Printer costs $120. Cheap, huh? Until you need to change your drum and toner unit, which cost $75 and $45, respectively. We can discus more about 50 Common Printer Problems.
One option is to buy a less expensive printer, such as the Brother Monochrome printer, and then use the generic brand toner cartridges from Ink Toner Store, which are much more affordable. The normally $75 toner is now only $17.95! A marginally more expensive printer, such as an Inkjet printer, is an additional choice. Although the Brother Inkjet MFC-J6520DW costs $229.99, the ink is substantially less expensive at $22.99. We can discus more about 50 Common Printer Problems.
Identifying the problem
- Every printer is unique, both in terms of model and brand. The kind of printer being used must be accurately identified. Although multiple printers may have the same issues, they will each have a different set of solutions. For instance, a paper jam is a typical issue that affects all printers. The printer will determine how to clear a paper jam.
- Your computer is giving low toner error, but you just replaced the toner. We can discus more about 50 Common Printer Problems.
Errors in printer messages are utterly unreliable. The printer will continue to suggest that a new ink cartridge is required even if you replace an outdated toner with a brand-new one. Resetting your printer should quickly solve this issue, excluding the possibility that the cartridge has been broken or damaged in some other way. A hard reset consists of a few simple procedures that you should be able to complete with no problem. All you have to do is look up the reset instructions for your particular printer model on your computer. There might also be a video guide that demonstrates how to reset your printer, depending on the model you use. We can discus more about 50 Common Printer Problems.
Call us at +18885065226 if you’re still having trouble figuring out how to reset your printer, and we’ll be happy to help. We can discus more about 50 Common Printer Problems.
- Someone told me to replace the drum or toner, but I didn’t have to when I bought it?
Typically, when you purchase a printer, it already has a toner and drum unit inside (if it uses them). Therefore, no, you wouldn’t need to buy them when you first buy the printer. These cartridges are typically not fully filled, though, so you will eventually need to have them changed. The toner and the drum are two separate components that must be put together after purchasing. But don’t worry, assembling them is really straightforward. After taking off the toner’s cover, you just insert the cartridge into the drum unit before loading the whole thing into the printer. We can discus more about 50 Common Printer Problems.
- My printer is printing too slow
There are numerous potential causes for delayed printing on your printer. Your printer’s model will determine how quickly it produces because certain printers require a significantly slower printing speed to create high-quality prints. While printing on other printer models is significantly faster, the quality is poor. You might need to modify the Print Quality settings in the printer. Print Quality should be set to Fast Draft if you need to print routine papers. Find the location to modify the print job’s quality by going to Print and Properties. You can look up instructions for your particular printer model if you can’t find how to modify this for your printer. We can discus more about 50 Common Printer Problems.
- I have a paper jam!
You can’t keep printing if there is a paper jam in your printer. Several factors, such as the following, can result in a paper jam:
The paper tray is loaded with more than one type of paper; the paper rollers are damaged; the paper is ripped, unclean, or moist; there is an obstruction in the route of the paper; and paper is added to the tray while the printer is printing. We can discus more about 50 Common Printer Problems.
- To resolve a paper jam, you should first look for instructions particular to the model of printer you are using. Usually, this is simple to resolve. To remove the toner and drum from your printer and remove the paper, you must first open it. Avoid pulling too firmly to avoid damaging the printer. Sometimes a paper jam is just produced by a small piece of paper that is difficult to access. To remove it, you will need a pair of long tweezers. You might wish to call a printer specialist for help if you are still having issues. You can always phone us, and we’ll do our best to assist you!
- My printer is printing, but the pages are streaked, blotchy or faded
The ink or toner cartridge, as well as the drum unit, if there is one, affect the print job’s quality, in addition to the printer itself. Make sure you have the appropriate type of paper for the printing being done because the type of paper has an impact on the print quality. If the paper isn’t the problem, the toner can be the blame. We can discus more about 50 Common Printer Problems.
The toner should first be removed and gently rocked side to side. Because it can leave fingerprints, avoid shaking the toner and take care not to contact the toner roll. In cases when you don’t print frequently, the toner may need to be “activated” because it has settled. If your printer utilises ink rather than toner, it’s conceivable that the ink has to be replaced since it has dried out.
- A blank sheet of paper prints after each time I print something
The print settings are to blame for printing a second sheet of paper. This setting is generally used in offices when there are many people printing and a large print volume. If you are the only one printing, the extra sheet of paper might be very inconvenient because it separates the print jobs. Fortunately, there is a quick remedy! Go to your computer’s printer and devices, choose your printer, and then select printer options. The separator pages ought to be de-selected there. We can discus more about 50 Common Printer Problems.
- My computer is sending the print job to the wrong computer
The wrong printer printing can be a problem if you have more than one printer. Despite being a random error, this can be quickly remedied. You should select the desired printer by performing a right-click in your Devices and Printers folder. You can choose to set it as your default printer. These steps could alter depending on your machine, but they are usually the same. We can discus more about 50 Common Printer Problems.
- Troubleshooting hardware issues
The simplest solutions to some problems exist. A printer should be plugged in, switched on, and prepared to print before using it. Check the printer handbook or online to learn what the error means if any error lights are blinking. Try printing an internal test page as an alternative. If the internal test page still won’t print, try restarting the printer, removing and reinstalling the toner cartridges, and then trying printing the test page again. We can discus more about 50 Common Printer Problems.
- Printer connectivity problems
If you have printed the test page and are still experiencing problems after doing so, there may be a connectivity problem. Printer connections can be made locally or over a network. While printers need a parallel cable, local printers are often connected by USB. Make sure the USB cable is attached to both the printer and the PC if you’re using one. If a different USB cable is available or a different USB port is available, try switching the USB cord. If the connection is still unreliable, the USB or printer drive may be damaged. A damaged USB is a software problem. We can discus more about 50 Common Printer Problems.
Although parallel cables are rarely used today, if you do, be sure they are securely attached to both the printer and the computer. The parallel cable, in contrast to USB, either functions or it does not.
It is more challenging to troubleshoot printers that are connected to a network. It is best to seek the help of a professional if you are unfamiliar with computers or printers. Make sure the connection is correctly created if numerous PCs or printers are impacted. The router or switch, an incorrect IP address, or a misconfiguration could be to blame for the problems. Contact a local IT expert if you have one of these problems. We can discus more about 50 Common Printer Problems.
It’s conceivable that the printer is incorrectly set up with the PC if the issue only affects one machine. You can attempt to reconfigure it, but if that fails, the problem can be more complicated. Once more, an IT expert could assist you! We can discus more about 50 Common Printer Problems.
- Troubleshooting software problems
The hardest challenges to tackle may be those involving software. The first thing you should check to make sure the drivers loaded are accurate is whether you want to attempt to fix the issue yourself before seeking assistance. You can try to uninstall the printer, detach it, and then reinstall it if the drivers were installed correctly. If you’re still having issues, speak with an IT support professional for more detailed instructions. We can discus more about 50 Common Printer Problems.
- Check the basics
Check the fundamentals if you discover that your printer is giving you trouble and none of the remedies indicated above work. Make that the printer is powered on, connected, and operational. Make sure the paper is correctly inserted into the paper tray and that it is there. Sometimes the issue can be resolved by fiddling with the paper—taking it out and putting it back in. If you’re lucky, fixing the issue will only require checking the fundamentals! We can discus more about 50 Common Printer Problems.
- Run the Print Doctor
Printers occasionally produce errors for which there is no clear explanation. The majority of printers come with a “Doctor,” which is a tool you may use to check for issues and diagnose them. For instance, HP offers an application called the Print and Scan Doctor that is compatible with any Windows-based computer. Unfortunately, the software doesn’t function with Mac OS X.
- 50.4 Error
You can get a 50.4 Error depending on the kind of printer you have. The fuser, a component of laser printers, fuses the toner to the paper. Over the course of the printer’s life, the fuser will eventually need to be replaced, just like the drum unit and the toner cartridge. A fuser lasts roughly 100,000 prints, so unless you print a lot, you won’t need to repair it too frequently. Remember that if there are numerous printer issues, such as paper jams, the fuser may wear out more quickly. For longevity, the fuser’s quality is also crucial. We can discus more about 50 Common Printer Problems.
- “Spooler” Error Message
Software that keeps print jobs on the computer’s memory or hard drive is referred to as a “spooler.” This storage is typically only momentary. The task won’t be saved on the computer after printing is complete. However, there can be an issue with the spooler if you have been waiting a long time for things to print. Restarting the computer and the spooler software is the simplest way to reset the spooler.
- Printing only half a page
There could be a lot of issues if only half the page is printing. Restart both the computer and the printer after unplugging the printer. Run a self-test page once everything is back up and running. Additional fault lights on the printer may be present if the self-test page prints improperly. You can find out what the lights signify online and move forward from there. The printer, the toner, or the drum unit could all be at fault. If the error message does not clarify the issue, you can always search online for the error message to find a detailed explanation. We can discus more about 50 Common Printer Problems.
- Pixelated Photos
Nothing is worse than fuzzy or distorted images if printing photos is one of your key reasons for using a printer. However, printing out images can be challenging because they don’t always look as good as they do on the screen. Resolution causes this to happen. A printed photo has a resolution that is much higher than what is displayed on a computer screen.
It is significant to remember that photographs with poor resolution or those that are already fuzzy won’t print well. Even while it’s crucial to have a printer that can print high-quality pictures, if the pictures are already blurry, there is nothing the printer can do to rectify it.
- Prints are lighter than expected and/or contain white spots
These indicators could point to a clogged printhead. It’s vital to run the printer’s utility programme to clean the printhead if you haven’t used your printer in a while. Try accessing the application through your computer’s printer device if you are having trouble finding it. Print out a test sheet to see if the spots have vanished after running it a few times. We can discus more about 50 Common Printer Problems.
- Puddles of ink
Due to the paper’s inability to adequately absorb the ink, puddles might form on the surface of the paper. Using paper made for printers will quickly solve this problem. There is no other way to get rid of puddles that form when glossy paper is used in a printer that isn’t designed for that kind of printing. If the paper isn’t the issue, then the printer’s paper settings are the issue. Before continuing to print, be sure to select the appropriate type of paper from the list. We can discus more about 50 Common Printer Problems.
- Vertical lines are jagged
The majority of printer technologies come with a printer utility tool that enables users to diagnose various problems. Jagged vertical lines would be one of those problems. Unfortunately, the printer head drifts out of alignment over time. Almost all printers will experience this at some point in their lifespan, and they will need to be adjusted. There ought to be a setting in the printer utility to fix this. We can discus more about 50 Common Printer Problems.
- Colors are missing
A printout lacking colour could be the result of a number of different factors. Check to see whether the cartridge has to be replaced first. It can be a clogged nozzle if the cartridges are full. Another explanation can be that the ink dried up from inactivity. It may be time to replace the ink because ink dries out more quickly than toner powders in LED or Laser printers.
- Prints have a thick bank of ink
Banding is a phrase used to describe a thick band of ink that develops while printing at a high resolution on uncoated or art paper. To compensate for the higher resolution, printers will attempt to use more ink. If banding appears, the printer is probably unable to print at that resolution. Reduce the print quality, and the banding should disappear. We can discus more about 50 Common Printer Problems.
- Black and white images have colors or hints of color
If you have a colour printer, you might be able to print documents in black and white while turning off the colour. It might come as a surprise to hear that, even for black-and-white photographs, turning off the colour might result in subpar prints. The rationale is that, compared to using only black ink, utilising all the colours results in texts with smoother gradations and richer tone. The actual ink or toner itself could also be a problem. A colour that is leaking will show up on the printed page. The printer will need to be cleaned, the leaking ink removed, and a new one installed. We can discus more about 50 Common Printer Problems.
- Repeating streaks
It is typically a symptom of stray ink building up on the rollers if something you print out like the image shown. The printer may need to be cleaned. It’s crucial to be careful not to touch the roller or the toner when changing a toner cartridge or drum unit because doing so could ruin prints. We can discus more about 50 Common Printer Problems.
- Dust
Although preventing a dust accumulation can be a pain, it is necessary to prevent future issues. One approach to make sure issues don’t arise is to maintain the tools and workplace. Utilize a lint-free cloth to clean surfaces. Remove the dust intended for computer surfaces with a brush if the paper feed is not contained. It is especially important to clean the paper before using it because some papers, such as art quality papers, attract more dust than regular paper. We can discus more about 50 Common Printer Problems.
- Printed image is different from the image displayed on the computer
The equipment’s graphic processing function handles printing. There are numerous potential causes for this. Make sure you’ve seen the print preview before you start printing; if it’s incorrect, the layout needs to be adjusted. The printed image will be altered in terms of size compared to the monitor version. We can discus more about 50 Common Printer Problems.
- The printed page is in the wrong orientation
Anyone using Word or comparable programmes can quickly correct this. Before printing, make sure the page is oriented properly. The final print outcome will depend on the page layout, which will either be in landscape or portrait mode.
- Images are cut off
If the paper size utilised does not match the paper size chosen in the print settings, images will be cropped. Verify that the right paper is being used. Use print preview to check for image cropping as well. To fit the page, the image itself might need to be resized. We can discus more about 50 Common Printer Problems.
Read More:
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| FIVE FAST TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR PRINTING |
| THE PRINTER SAYS “READY,” THE SYSTEM SHOWS IT IS PRINTING BUT NOTHING HAPPENS. |
| Most Common Printer Problems and Their Solutions |
- Admin Issues
Printers may be linked to many computers in some configurations. This results in a productive office environment. However, if the printer did not print after receiving the print command from one computer, there might be a problem with user authentication. Authorizing the printer will quickly fix the problem if you are the main administrator. If not, you must speak with the administrator to gain access.
- Text Truncating
It is possible for the text or image to be cut off when printing. This happens when fonts are mapped improperly or for a different printer with differing metric requirements. The font style can be changed to fix this problem. Users of Microsoft Word or Excel have the option of choosing “Normal Style” or a Truefont type. Make sure that one of the choices is made. Under “Format” and “Style,” users can find the appropriate tab. Choosing the appropriate font size may differ slightly between Microsoft Office versions. We can discus more about 50 Common Printer Problems.
- Missing Characters
The absence of characters is comparable to text truncation. The format of the file being printed is the problem, not the printer itself. The typefaces can be chosen to print as graphics when using a Truetype font. Characters absent from the game will be resolved by this setting. First, check to see if the font style is Normal or Truefont. Regardless of the Microsoft Office version you use, you can go to the printer setup page and click the settings button. After selecting Print typeface as graphics, click OK. Now that the missing character is present, printing should go smoothly.
- “Awaiting Redial” Error Message
Fax sending and scanning are capabilities of multifunction printers. A notice stating “Awaiting redial” will appear when sending a fax. The device will redial in 5-minute intervals if a fax is unsuccessful before printing out a busy or no answer report. Users should make sure that:
The fax number is accurate.
• Verify that the printer’s “Line” port is properly linked to the phone line. To ensure that the connection is secure, disconnect and then reconnect.
• Verify whether the machine has a dial tone.
- Cannot Detect
“Cannot Detect” will appear as a message on the printer’s LCD display. If a new ink cartridge was installed too rapidly, if it was damaged, or if the printer simply has to be reset, this error message will appear. Make sure the ink cartridge is inserted correctly into the printer after removing it. In order for colour printers to function, the colour inks must be positioned correctly. The printer can be reset if the error message is still present. The reset processes will vary significantly depending on the printer type, thus it’s crucial to find the right reset guidelines for your specific model.
- Standing by ON/OFF to resume
The machine is entering Save mode if the LCD display on it displays the phrase “Standing by ON/OFF to resume.” The display will turn black and turn off when in Save or Off mode. Pressing the Power save key or the On key will restart the device. If the machine isn’t used every day, the Save mode’s goal is to prolong its life. The printer can still clean the printhead while in off mode, and any tethered phone lines are still functional.
- Print Unable 46
If the ink absorbers are almost full, an error message titled “Print Unable 46” will appear. The ink absorbers store the clean ink that has been removed from the printhead. The ink absorbers should typically last the entire life of the device. It’s conceivable that this message is incorrect if it occurs. The message should disappear after the firmware of the device is updated.
- Comm. Error
It is possible for a multifunctional printer to experience communication issues via phone lines or with other devices. There may be phone line interference when sending or receiving a fax. Try sending the fax again in this situation. If the notice still appears, the printer or phone line may not be configured properly. To try to determine what is causing the issue, unplug the other lines. Make sure the machine is correctly connected, and reconnect each line separately.
- Defaulting to fax
The issue can be simply fixed if the printed documents are being sent via fax instead of printing. There must be a modification in the printer settings. In the control panel menu, right-click the printer icon. To set it as the default device, click.
- Media full
When a memory card is used that is full, an error message that reads “Media full” will appear on the printer’s LCD display screen. The memory card won’t be able to work with the printer if there are too many files on it because printers can only store a limited number of files. To make room on the memory card, try removing any superfluous files.
- Unable to Message
When the printer is unable to carry out a command—whether it is to clean, print, initiate, or scan—messages will be displayed. First, clean the encoder strip to address these problems. The most frequent source of many problems is dirt or foreign objects on the strip. Since each printer type will change differently, it is crucial to check out particular instructions. Use a lint-free fabric, such as a dry monitor cloth or a T-shirt, to clean the strip. It’s crucial to refrain from using any paper goods.
In front of a white band, a clear plastic strip called the encoder strip can be found. Usually there will be a notice not to touch this section. Because the oils in your hands could harm it, you shouldn’t touch it.
- Horrible clicking noises
There are occasions when a frightening clicking sound can be heard while the printer warms up just as you are about to touch print. When you click print, the click might start in some circumstances, but it might stop and keep printing in others. Other times, you might not be able to print at all since the clicking will keep going. The noise could be caused by a few different things. The unit may be faulty if you recently replaced your drum unit, to start.
The drum unit will need to be changed for a functioning one if the issue continues. There can be something that is misaligned or calibrated in other situations. On the drum unit, there is a slider that might not be in place. Before re-inserting it into the printer, try sliding it back and forth to make sure it is in the right place. Examining for any obstructions, such as paper, is another option. Before attempting to print once more, make sure nothing is obstructing the drum unit.
- Unable to mopy job
When a mopy job cannot be completed on an HP LaserJet printer because to memory or file system issues, this error may occur. At first glance, the word “mopy” can appear to be a typo, but it actually refers to numerous original copies, prints, or outputs. While a photocopier makes copies, a printer with mopy support creates “mopies”. A user of a computer will choose a setting to print a specific number of copies of a document using a programme or the printer driver interface. Only one copy will be a printer if a mopy job fault occurs. Reset the EIO hard disc and/or RAM DIMMS to fix this problem. Installing more memory might be necessary.
- Processing cleaning page
A cleaning page is a procedure that aids in cleaning the printer’s inside. When utilising a sheet of smooth-surfaced copier or transparency grade paper (18 to 24 lb), the method typically works well. Before processing a cleaning page, the printer should be off and the ready light should be on. The length of the cleaning page’s processing delay can change. The completion time can range from two to five minutes.
- Grey print or gray background
The print density setting or the photoreceptor may be to blame if the printer prints a page with grey text rather than black lettering. Users can adjust the tones of the printed ink with the use of the print density control found on many laser printers. For a darker and more intense colour, increase the print density. Another potential source of the issue is the photoreceptor. The photoreceptor will eventually become worn out, hold a charge for a shorter period of time, and transfer less toner from the developer to the page.
As a result, the print will seem grey. The issue will probably be resolved by increasing the print density setting, but eventually it will require replacement. On the other hand, if the print density is too high, too much toner will be used, resulting in a grey background. To find the ideal setting, try slowly adjusting the print density.
- Regularly spaced spots at large intervals
There may be a hole, scratch, dent, or other fault on the photoreceptor’s surface if the printed page has spots on it that are spread apart widely. If this printer component can be taken apart, do so and inspect it to see if there is a problem. If one is discovered, the complete unit will have to be replaced. It will be required to call a service professional to inspect the equipment if the photoreceptor cannot be removed.
- Regularly spaced spots at small intervals
Finding out how spots are created and developing a potential fix depend on how they appear on a printed page. A toner buildup on the fuser may be the reason for spots that appear frequently. For at least 15 minutes, turn off the printer to give the fuser time to cool. Due to the fuser’s tremendous heat, exercise caution and make sure it has completely cooled. Check for toner residue on the fuser cleaning pad and replace it if necessary. Unfortunately, the fuser is rarely able to be examined on its own, and if the issue persists a
professional will need to examine the machine.
- Split graphic image
If you tried to print an image but it ended up on two pages, your computer probably ran out of memory and couldn’t process the page. The printer needs additional memory to print pages with complicated layouts and huge graphics. If the issue still persists, add more memory. Print a status page if more memory is not required for the printer. You may view the installed memory size and any memory issues on a status sheet. Another possibility for the problem is formatting. Make sure the document is set up so that it will fit on one page. To determine whether an image requires one or two pages when printing, use the print preview button.
- Split text
Another issue that resembles split visuals is split text. The text-sending software programme could have been setup incorrectly. Verify that the program’s settings for page length, margins, and font size are accurate. Since the printer is unlikely to be the cause of the split text, check your computer and the software you are using to print from for configuration issues.
- Duplex printing error
Duplex printing is an option on many multifunction printers. Users are able to print on both sides of the paper with this printing method. Double-sided printing has a lot of frequent problems that can happen. One of the most well-known issues is that the pages print backwards and upside-down on the paper. The answer is to choose the option that creates vertical flipping, either landscape or portrait. The print job should now be in the proper orientation after doing this. The need to rearrange the pages after printing is another bothersome issue.
In the Advanced settings box, a checkbox for printing pages backwards should be present. Choose this option only if you need to arrange the pages after printing.
Regardless of the issue you may be facing, we at In System Tech work hard to provide you with the greatest service as well as the highest-quality products. This overview guide is meant to help you, but if you still need assistance, call our customer service line at +18885065226, and one of our representatives would be happy to assist you. Powered By ArgusDNA
