3 Fixes for Common Inkjet Printer Errors
Posted on June 14, 2010 at 5:41 am
Printers are definitely nothing new as far as technology is concerned. They have been around for decades, and have not evolved much in the past couple of years. Ironically, many computer problems are printer related problems.
Whether your printer is jamming, printing streaks or blurry pages, or not responding at all, the following 3 fixes should point you in the right direction to getting your printer up and running again.
1. Fix a Paper Jam
Paper jams are quite common, and can occur no matter what brand of printer you are using. Fixing a paper jam is usually as simple as pulling out the stuck paper and reloading the paper. But sometimes, this does not fix the jam error all together. Check out the following tips for troubleshooting a paper jam.
- Remove any jammed paper that is in the printer. Make sure that you remove the full sheet of paper. Meaning, if the paper rips or tears, you need to remove any stuck bits of paper inside the rollers as well. This may require you to lift the lid of the printer so that you can get to the stuck paper.
- Remove all paper that is in the loading tray of the printer. Paper jams usually occur from a misaligned paper feed. Thus, you should remove any paper in the tray, stack to make even, and reload into the printer, assuring that the paper is properly aligned, and set in the correct position.
- If the paper is still jamming, remove all paper from the printer. Inspect the printer for any objects that may have fallen into the loading tray, or may have obstructed the rollers and paper feed. Make sure that you inspect thoroughly, because even the slightest particle could throw off alignment as paper goes through the printer.
- If your printer software isn’t recommending any other fixes, your printer may have just officially broken. This is actually very common. If an internal part such as the roller motor moves out of place, paper jams may occur. It’s best to check with your printer manufacturer and see what they will do to get you a replacement. Often times, companies like HP and Epson will send you a new printer.
2. Printing Streaks, Blurry Pages, or Off Color Pages
Printing streaks, blurry pages, and off color pages are almost always related to your printer’s ink cartridges. It could be that you are running out of ink, the cartridges need cleaning, the cartridges need to be aligned, etc… Check out the following tips for fixing ink errors.
- Check the ink level. Checking the ink level will be a slightly different process, depending on what type of printer and software you have. Nearly every printer that was manufactured and distributed in the last couple of years will have come with software allowing you to check the ink level.
If your printer does not have software, go to your printer manufacturer’s website and check to see if there are any software updates for your printer. Most likely, you can update to newer software, which will allow you to check ink levels. If your computer is getting low on ink, this can effect printing quality. - Clean and align the ink cartridges. Again, this is something that should be done with the software that came with your printer. Most likely, you will need to open up the printer utility software that you installed when you hooked up your printer. From there, an option to clean/align ink cartridges should be present. If not, visit your printer manufacturer’s website and look for any available software updates.
- Manually clean ink cartridges. Open up your printer so that the ink cartridges float to the center (open your printer as if you were going to change the ink cartridges). Open up the ink cartridge carriage for both the black cartridge and color cartridge.
One by one, remove each cartridge and wipe the supply end down with a dry paper towel. Scrub gently, applying some pressure. You should see some ink come off on the paper towel. Reinsert the ink cartridges and try printing. Many times, this will fix the printer. - Install new ink cartridges. Ink cartridges can be expensive, especially if you need to buy both a black and color cartridge. Sometimes, buying a new printer is the way to go, and it’s not much more expensive. Thus, you may want to consider that. Should you choose to get some new ink cartridges, it may fix the problem. Ink usually preserves well, but sometimes ink can dry out and effect the nozzle of ink cartridges, causing faded and saturated printing.
3. Printer is Not Responding
Once in a while, printers can become unresponsive. This is probably one of the most annoying PC fixes, because it requires some troubleshooting, often at an inconvenient time. Check out the following tips for fixing a printer that is not responding.
- Restart your computer. It seems to fix many problems, and just maybe it will fix a printer that is not responding. It has been known to work on occasion.
- Turn off your printer (if powered on), disconnect from power outlet, hold down the power button, wait 5 seconds, and reconnect to power. Turn the printer back on and try printing. A hard reset, or power cycle, is also a popular way of fixing unresponsive cable modems and routers.
- Uninstall drivers and software, then reinstall. Sometimes, all of those programs that you are installing on your PC can interfere with each other. Thus, some process or application may be causing your printer to not respond. Try uninstalling your printer software and drivers, and then reinstalling. You can reinstall via the disc that came with your printer, or by downloading the software from your printer manufacturer’s website.
Hopefully the above fixes help you to fix some common printer not working problems. If your printer is still not working, you may need to contact the manufacturer for further assistance or buy a new printer. Printer lifespan is not known as being top notch.
» Filed Under Computer Tips
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great ideas…thanks
just 3 thoughts
a) printer warranties are short, so possibility of getting a free replacement is rare
b) for printers with print heads separate from cartridges,
you can buy a replacement head at a pricey price
…but if you can’t install it yourself
the total cost may exceed replacement value
of the printer itself
c) consider the price per copy and
availability of reliable 3rd party ink cartridges
before buying a new printer…
…just like a razor,
the real profit/cost is in the ‘blades’
so many cheap printers will wind up costing more
than more ‘expensive’ models
in as little as a few month’s time
Thanks for the tips. I just had some trouble with my hp inkjet printer.
Nice post!
Additionally to the above, you may want to consider:
Paper jams: The paper may be damp, or too thin for the printer roller to pickup, or paper dust coating the rollers.
Blurred pictures: Are you using the right paper stock (unsized or poorly sized paper leads to ‘bleeding’), or alternatively, using a tissue paper moistened with a little methylated spirit, (or possibly vodka). Dab the ink ports on the cartridge, but, use as a last resort.
Printer not responding: Check the printer is not being used ‘offline’.
Thank You for great content.
I had the same problem with my printer but at last I was able to fix it! This article really helped me.