WOW! now there’s a subject!
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Printer does not print:
This is the most common problem I see with Printer repair. First and foremost be SURE you have ink in the cartridge or cartridges. If you just put a new cartridge in be sure you removed the seal that covers the jets.
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Double check to be sure your USB cable or Parallel cable is “really” plugged in. Try another cable if need be. Some have been known to be bad. Parallel cables are close to obsolete but some printers can use either one.
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Check to see that the power plug is plugged in. While your at it, check to see if the surge protector or power plug is turned on. I have seen bad surge protectors also. If lightning hits it or a large surge it may need to be replaced. Some have fuses also. The fuse could be blown. You can plug the printer directly into the wall if you want to be sure.
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Is the power light on? Most surge protectors have power lights.
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Are there any error messages either on the printer or your computer? Mostly any error that appears on the printer will also appear on the computer.
- Is there a paper jam? This is common especially on top loading models such as Lexmark printers.
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Reboot the computer and try again if all of this checks out.
- Each printer has a self test. You need to check documentation that came with your printer to see what key or keys to push. This is the only way to be sure there is nothing wrong with the printer itself. If the self test is successful the problem is either the cable or the computer.
- Here is a link that may help if you still can’t resolve the problem. There is a lot of on line help available (Example: Error for HP Officejet 5510v)
- Google it. YA! I know some of you hate that. You can also use other search engines or a catalog site such as Yahoo. Actually ask.com is a very good search engine also. I found it most effective if I put a question mark after a question. Why would that make sense? A lot of people on line like to take short cuts. This is not one of those times.
- Other possibilities
Computer issue. It could be possible that the particular version of the operating system will not see the particular printer. Be sure that the driver you pick is the right one for your version of the operating system. (Win98, Win-ME,XP, Vista etc.) Most drivers can be downloaded from the Internet.The driver (software that allows the printer to work) can be called Firmware also.
READ THIS !!! Is it under warranty? If so PLEASE check with the store you bought it from or call the manufacturer. Store warranties vary. I have seen some that are only 10 days and some that have been as long as 30 days. Most Manufacturer warranties are one year long unless you purchased a longer warranty. If all else fails I would suggest to buy a new printer. To find a technician in your area that can solve the problem will be way to expensive. Printer are considered as throw away. Many things are that way now days. It will probably more expensive to fix it than to buy a new one. If you decide to dispose of it please check you local area recycling laws. You may get fined if you do it wrong.
