Printer Troubleshooting
It produces a text and/or graphics on paper. It can connect to computer by a parallel or USB connector or on a network. The most common printers are dot matrix, inkjet (mostly in homes) and laser printer.
Print spool is the printer icon in notification area of taskbar in windows. It shows present printing jobs and all of the queued jobs. It is used to cancel any print job in any problem. Common troubleshooting steps are discussed and then for specific printer are taken.
- Check for positioning of power and signal cables and if needed change sockets or cable.
- Print a self-test page
- Check for cartridge or ribbon in the printer
- Check for paper jam, enough paper to print, paper is correct to feed, tray or door is in proper position.
- Check user guide or Web site for troubleshooting suggestions else take the printer to a certified repair shop.
- Connect and print from different PC.
- Run diagnostic software provided by the printer manufacturer.
Printer Maintenance
A printer should have all consumables for operation which include paper, ink ribbons, color sticks, toner cartridges, and ink cartridges. Every printer’s needs are different, so refer to the printer documentation to know about it. Maintenance procedures are different for different printer and their manufacturer so it should be as per the printer documentation or as per manufacturer’s web site