It’s natural to get more than annoyed (pulling hair out) when a printer fails right before a trip, a meeting, or crucial deadline! Plus, if the defective device is a multifunction printer (MFP) that also serves as a scanner and copier, you can lose valuable business time and productivity will suffer as a result. However, many issues can be solved with a little know-how of the printer.

Identifying the issue

From the model to the brand, each printer can be different. It’s important to know what kind of printer you’re working with. While all printers can encounter the same issues, each printer’s solution could be different. A paper jam, for example, is a common issue that affects all printers. Its depends on the printer model and brand that decides how a paper jam issue can be resolved. In this article we will describe some of the most common printer issues and will suggest their solutions.

1. Problem: Copying takes an excessive amount of time.

Sometimes your printer takes too long to print simple documents. This may be caused by a high resolution setting, a memory issue, and/or a driver selection issue that may all lead to a longer print time.

Solution:

High-resolution images have more data for your computer and printer to handle, resulting in longer print times. Select draft, standard, or normal mode for office documents if you don’t need gallery quality. Return the setting to high-quality for presentations or formal pieces. If you regularly process large files containing complex images, consider adding memory to keep your printer running smoothly.

2. Problem: Paper jams.

You won’t be able to print if your printer has a paper jam. Many factors can trigger a paper jam, including:

• Incorrect loading of papers.
• The paper rollers have been damaged.
• Loaded papers are damp, dirty or torn.
• There are different types of paper in the paper tray.
• The path of the paper has been obstructed by an object.
• Adding more papers to the paper tray while the printer is printing.

Solution:

The first thing you can do is look for instructions about how to deal with a paper jam with your specific printer model. This is normally a quick fix. Remove the toner and drum from your printer, open it and softly take the paper out. You don’t want to damage the printer, so don’t pull too hard. A paper jam may also be caused by a small piece of paper that can be difficult to reach. To remove it, you’ll need a pair of long tweezers. If you’re still experiencing trouble, you may want to seek assistance from a printer technician.

3. Problem: Printer documents blotched and faded.

Your printer is in good working condition, but your final product looks like a complete mess. Even the best documents look bad and unprofessional when they are smudges, have low image quality, or faded. For better quality laser printing, try the following simple solutions. If the problem persists, it’s more likely that it’s a supplies or hardware issue.

Solution:

• Check your print driver to see if you’ve selected the correct paper or media.
• Double-check that the paper type selected in the printer driver matches the paper loaded in the tray.
• The fuser in some laser printers can be adjusted for paper type. If your printer’s fuser can be adjusted manually, make sure it’s set correctly, but keep in mind that fusers may get really hot, so be careful.
• Examine the toner cartridges, imaging unit(s), and fuser for signs of wear and tear. Since these components differ based on the model and manufacturer, it’s best to consult the User Guide.

4. Problem: printer driver issue.

It isn’t always the failure of the hardware in case your printer is not working. Between your computer and your printer, your printer driver serves as a translator. Drivers, like most applications, becomes obsolete or incompatible with your operating system after an upgrade.

Solution:

If your printer isn’t responding to simple commands or crashes frequently, a driver upgrade could be the solution. It’s also possible that you have the incorrect printer driver installed on your device. Uninstalling the current driver and replacing it with an up-to-date version would normally have the printer and computer working again. Visit your printer manufacturer’s support page and type in your printer model number to find a modified version of your printer engine. Then, to get the most recent version, follow the instructions on the page.

5. Problem: printer won’t print.

This problem can be identified if you are getting error messages on the control panel, or you get the feeling that your print job is lost in cyberspace. While pressing the power button and restarting your printer is the quickest solution, double-checking your print settings is important before sending a dozen copies of your paper to another device.

Solution:

If no error messages occur, double-check that the printer is still connected via USB or Ethernet cable, or that the Wi-Fi is working and that you’re connected to the correct network if it’s a wireless model. the printer driver and software must also be installed on the computer from which you want to print. It is possible that the driver has been corrupted or it should be reinstalled; so check for the latest version on the manufacturer’s download website. If the problem persists, consult the printer’s User Manual’s troubleshooting section and, if necessary, contact technical support.

Finally, if neither of these methods work or your printer has outlasted its life span, consider purchasing a service contract for your next printer purchase. Printers, like all other machines, wear down over time, and you’ll have to decide whether to repair or replace it. If you decide that replacement is the right choice, there are many options available. If you need assistance with choosing the best new model for you and your needs, we are here to help. A new printer is an immediate expenditure, but you can save money over time by replacing the old machine with one that is more suited to your printing needs.

Our Eggsperts are ready to help you by calling (760) 205-0105 or emailing us with your questions, requests, or even just to chat.