5.6 - Troubleshooting Printers Flashcards

1
Q

Testing the printer

A
  • Print or scan a test page
    – Built into Windows, not the application
  • Use diagnostic tools
    – Web-based utilities built into the printer
    – Vendor specific
    – Generic utilities
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2
Q

Bad output

A
  • Lines down the printed page
    – Inkjet: Clean print heads
    – Laser: Check for scratched photosensitive drum
  • Faded prints, blank pages - Low toner or ink
  • Double/echo images or speckling
    – Laser printer optical drum not cleaned properly
    – Ghost or “shadow” from previous drum rotation
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3
Q

Garbled print

A
  • Bad printer driver / wrong model
    – Incorrect page description language
    (PCL or PostScript?)
  • Verify the printer functionality
    – Check with a test page
  • Bad application
    – Check the output
    – Upgrade the application
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4
Q

Toner not sticking to the paper

A
  • Laser printer output smudges everywhere
    – Toner sticks to everything
  • Toner not fused to the paper
    – Toner should be permanently melted and pressed
    – May not be hot
  • Fuser problem - Replace the fuser assembly
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5
Q

Incorrect paper size

A
  • Print a letter size page
    – Accidentally send it to a legal size paper tray
  • Printer stops and shows a message
    – Gives you a chance to fix the issue
  • Tray selection is provided during the printing process
    – Try printing again
    – Change the defaults in the printer configuration
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6
Q

Paper jam

A
  • Careful when removing
    – Don’t rip the paper
    – Don’t damage internal components
  • Paper not feeding or misfeeds multiple pages
    – Check the tray
    – Pickup rollers are part of a laser printer maintenance kit
  • Creased paper
    – Problems in the paper path
    – Check the paper weight
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7
Q

Multiple prints pending in queue

A
  • Corrupted print jobs
    – Print spooler will crash
    – Most spooler configuration will automatically restart
  • Problems are logged
    – Windows Event Viewer,Windows-PrintService
  • One job may be causing the issue
    – Monitor the queue for details
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8
Q

Incorrect color settings

A
  • The output colors aren’t the same as the display
    – Important for publishing and color printing
  • Calibrate the monitor
    – A third-party calibration tool will help
  • Check the paper
    – Bright white paper provides good color representation
  • Calibrate the printer
    – The proper amount of ink and toner
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9
Q

Grinding noises

A
  • Never a good sound from your printer
    – The ink is already manufactured
  • Something is not operating properly
    – Paper jam - Carriage is stalled or jammed
  • Each printer has a different process
    – Check the manuals for removing paper jams
    – Some inkjet printers have a particular process
  • May require additional maintenance
    – Or replace the printer
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10
Q

Finishing issues

A
  • Finishing happens after the ink or
    toner has been applied
    – Collate, binding, etc.
  • Staple jams
    – Larger printers will collate and staple groups of papers
    – Each printer manufacturer has a different removal
    process
  • Incorrect hole punch location
    – Verify with the printer driver
    – May require a driver update
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11
Q

Incorrect page orientation

A
  • Print a portrait page - Get a landscape print
  • Check the settings when printing
    – Controlled by the print driver
    – May require a driver update
  • The printer also has a default setting
    – Check the settings on the printer console
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