Overview
This lecture covers common printer troubleshooting techniques, identifying causes of print quality issues, hardware and driver problems, paper handling errors, and network-based printer issues.
Identifying Printer Problems
- Print issues can be related to the application, printer driver, operating system, or the printer hardware itself.
- Printing a test page from the operating system isolates application causes.
- Printing a test page directly from the printer checks hardware independently of the OS and drivers.
Troubleshooting Print Quality
- A single line down a page in inkjet printers usually indicates dirty print heads; clean to resolve.
- A single line in laser printers often means a scratched photosensitive drum; replace or service the drum.
- Faded or unreadable output suggests low toner or ink.
- Double images or speckling point to a dirty or faulty optical drum, causing ghosting.
- Garbled print output can be caused by incorrect or corrupted printer drivers, or mismatched page description languages (PCL vs. PostScript).
Application and Driver Troubleshooting
- If both printer and OS test pages print fine, the problem may be with the application.
- Try using a different application or upgrading the current one to resolve print issues.
Paper Handling Problems
- Avoid ripping jammed paper to prevent residue inside the printer.
- Open the printer mechanism for easier jam removal, as per the printer's manual.
- Multiple pages pulled at once or no paper feed usually means dirty or worn pickup rollers; clean or replace as needed.
- Creased paper may indicate an issue with the paper path or incorrect paper weight use.
Print Spooler Issues
- Print jobs stuck in the queue may mean a crashed or frozen print spooler.
- The administrator can delete or reorder jobs; check the Windows Event Viewer for spooler errors.
Hardware and Noise Issues
- Grinding noises may mean a jam, loose ink cartridge, or damaged component.
- Always consult the printer manual for specific troubleshooting steps or call a specialist for internal repairs.
Finishing and Output Problems
- Staple jams occur in printers with finishing services; follow printer documentation to clear them.
- Hole punch misalignment often relates to software or driver settings; ensure correct application and latest driver.
Orientation and Tray Configuration
- Portrait/landscape mismatches are usually due to driver settings; update or check both driver and printer settings.
- Ensure paper tray selection and size matches document requirements to avoid paper mismatch errors.
Network Printer Troubleshooting
- Confirm if the printer is on a wired or wireless network to troubleshoot appropriately.
- Verify IP, subnet mask, gateway, DNS, and network connectivity.
- Use printer's management interface for print server and job management.
- Check for link lights on the network port for connectivity status.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Print Spooler — Software that manages print jobs between the computer/application and the printer.
- Photosensitive Drum — Component in laser printers that transfers images onto paper.
- Pickup Rollers — Parts that feed paper from the tray into the printer.
- Page Description Language (PDL) — A language like PCL or PostScript used to communicate print data to a printer.
- Ghosting — Repeated faded images from a previous print cycle due to drum or cleaning issues.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review printer manual for model-specific troubleshooting.
- Clean print heads or pickup rollers as part of regular maintenance.
- Check and update printer drivers if print issues persist.
- Inspect network settings and connectivity for networked printers.