
Problem: Printing takes too long. Nothing is worse than making great time with a project only to hit the wall when it comes time to print. Slow print time can be caused by a high resolution setting, a memory issue, and/or choice of drivers.
Switch from two-sided to simplex mode. You’ll use more paper but one-sided printing takes considerably less time.
Problem: Paper jams. So you’ve remedied the cause for slow printing only to end up with the King of All Printer Nightmares – the paper jam.
Solutions:
If it’s a misaligned paper that caused the jam, remove the tray to make sure the paper is positioned correctly and reseat the tray. Sometimes you may find no misfed sheet at all, in which case you’ll need to remove the paper stack, check to see if it’s squared properly and reposition it back in the tray—all after taking a deep breath.
Problem: Really bad looking prints
Your printer is operating perfectly—but your final product looks terrible. Smudges, poor image quality or faded type make even the best documents look sloppy and unprofessional.
Double check that the paper loaded in the tray matches the type selected in the printer driver.
Check out your toner cartridges, imaging unit(s) and the fuser for damage. These components vary by model and manufacturer so it’s best to refer to the User Guide.
If you’ve got smudge marks, print several blank sheets of paper and they will eventually fade away.
Problem: My printer isn’t printing
Next to the almighty paper jam, nothing happening also ranks high on the printing problem list.
Solutions:
First, check that you sent the print job to the right printer; you may very well be printing dozens of documents in the next department. To make your main printer your default, click navigate to Printers and Faxes in Windows®. Right-click on your printer icon and select Set as default printer.
Did you check that there’s enough—and the correct kind—of paper in the tray? While you’re at it, make sure your printer is on and that all cables are secure. Both USB- and network-connected computers require that the print driver be installed on the computer you’re printing from. Print drivers with a two-way communication feature can tell you what might be causing your issue via desktop or driver notifications, without making a trip to the printer.
And finally, if your printer just won’t print or your print job seems stuck in the queue, the easiest solution is to restart. Begin by restarting your software application. If that doesn’t work, reboot your computer. Lastly, turn off your printer for a few minutes before switching it back on.
Problem: Old age and/or outdated technology
We see this a lot: your printer has been good to you, and you’ve grown rather attached to it…it fits just right and has all the configurations exactly as you want them. And yet, you’re starting to notice little hiccups now and then—a grating noise here, a collating problem there…
Solution:
Accept the fact that it may be time to let it go, bearing in mind the steep cost of holding onto outdated legacy technology, not only in terms of business drag but the price of a hamstrung IT department. When you’re ready for a replacement, consider a new printer with a service contract give us a call on: 0845 890 1995