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Printers sometimes refuse to do seemingly basic things. And although at first glance it may seem that everything is fine, the device does not print. The reasons vary, and you’ve probably already encountered some of them. Broken printer problems affect many users, but fortunately, you can solve them. Here is a list of the most common printer issues and suggestions for fixing them.
# 1 Paper Jams
If your printer indicates a paper jam, even when there is no paper in the tray, it is likely due to a mechanical issue during operation. Even after clearing a paper jam, the residue that interferes with the printer’s functioning may be left behind.
Sometimes, a small amount of paper debris can get lodged between the gears responsible for moving the rear duplexer, causing the printer to detect a blockage falsely. To address this problem, follow the steps outlined below:
✔️ Begin by inspecting the mechanical components to ensure they function correctly.
✔️ Remove the rear duplexer and check if the four rollers move freely. If they are stuck, proceed to the next step.
✔️ Use a paper clip to touch the two brass contact points. This connection fools the printer into thinking that the duplexer is still installed, and you should maintain this contact throughout the remaining steps.
✔️ Press the “OK” button on the control panel.
✔️ Examine the white plastic gears on the left side. Are they able to move freely, or are they stuck? In the latter case, paper scraps might obstruct the gears that must be cleared.
✔️ Take hold of the farthest rubber roller and rotate it, checking for any paper scraps caught between the gear teeth.
✔️ The paper jam has been cleared once the rollers and gears rotate freely. You can then remove and reassemble the paper clip.
✔️ If you continue receiving a paper jam notification after cleaning, turn off the printer to reset the sensors.
# 2 Printer Driver Problems
Hardware is not always the culprit when encountering printer issues. The printer driver can also be responsible as a mediator between your computer and printer. Like other software, drivers may become outdated or lose compatibility with the user’s operating system following an update. You may also have the wrong driver installed for your printer on your computer.
To resolve this problem, uninstalling and replacing the current driver with an updated version often does the trick. Your print queue should automatically clear once the print job is complete. However, there are instances when this process doesn’t work as intended, especially if some printouts are paused, delayed, or stopped due to connectivity problems.
A blocked queue can result in printer jams. Additionally, repeatedly selecting “Print” when attempting to print something can further overwhelm the queue. Sometimes, the cause of your print jobs not being printed may be unrelated to the printer itself.
For example, a jammed print job can get stuck in the queue, preventing receiving new jobs. This issue persists even after hitting the delete button multiple times. How can you clear the queue and start printing again? Follow these steps:
✔️ Completely turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
✔️ Ensure that you have saved the document you intend to print in its desired form, as any unsaved print jobs will be deleted and disappear when you clear the queue.
✔️ Open Windows Services by searching for “Services” in the search toolbar or pressing your keyboard’s “Windows” button.
✔️ In the list of services, locate and right-click on “Print Queue Manager.”
✔️ Review the options available for “Print Queue Manager.” Clicking on “STOP” will halt any stuck jobs in the queue. After removing all print jobs using Print Queue Manager, use the Windows Explorer browser to navigate to C:\Windows\System32\Spool\PRINTERS.
✔️ Delete any existing files in the folder and shut down your computer through the Windows menu.
✔️ Turn on the printer using the power button, and then restart your computer.
✔️ Restart the Print Queue Manager service.
✔️ Print your document. If it works, congratulations! If not, you can trust the printer not printing fixing to the experts at the Howly consulting service, who are highly experienced in solving this issue and are available 24/7
# 3 Wi-Fi Сonnection
Wireless connectivity issues are a standard stumbling block that many users encounter. While the convenience of connecting your printer to devices throughout your home is beneficial, the drawback is that the connection itself is invisible. As a result, you might not even realize your printer has lost its Wi-Fi signal until you troubleshoot the connection.
If your printer’s Wi-Fi is not functioning correctly, one potential solution is to unplug it and connect it directly to a modem. Although it may seem counterintuitive in today’s technology-driven world, unplugging electronic devices can often resolve such problems.
If your device cannot connect to the printer, ensure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on and working correctly. A weak connection between your computer and the printer will prevent you from accessing the necessary documents. The difficulty lies in determining the specific cause of the problem because it often refers to the connection itself.
If your printer was previously connected wirelessly but suddenly stopped, try rebooting your computer and printer to see if they can reestablish a connection. If the issue persists and troubleshooting becomes difficult, it is advisable to seek assistance from a professional to save time and ensure a proper resolution.
# 4 Cartridge Issue
Occasionally, your printer may show an error message indicating that you use a non-genuine cartridge. This message will be displayed on your screen, alerting you that the cartridge being used is either used, refilled, or counterfeit, despite its resemblance to the original.
Third-party cartridges often come equipped with chips to bypass this error, but if it still appears, you can easily dismiss it by pressing the “OK” button. Alternatively, you can resolve the issue by removing the cartridge, inspecting the cleanliness of the chip, and then reinserting it before trying again.
The New Cartridge Doesn’t Work
There may be instances where you encounter issues with an original brand-name cartridge. For instance, you may see an error message on your printer’s display after installing a genuine cartridge. To address this problem, follow the steps below:
✔️ If you still have the previous cartridge, try reinstalling it in the printer. Often, the printer will restart successfully, and you might discover that the old cartridge still contains ink. Once the old cartridge is confirmed, remove it and replace it with the new one.
✔️ A swift cartridge replacement can sometimes persuade your printer to accept the new cartridge. Before proceeding, double-check to ensure that you have removed any protective seals. New cartridges are sealed to prevent the ink from drying out. Attempting to install a new cartridge without removing the seal may be recognized as installed but prevent ink from flowing properly.
✔️ Additionally, it is essential to check the venting of the cartridge. For instance, HP cartridges have a vent that facilitates smooth ink flow. If this vent becomes blocked, it can hinder ink from leaving the cartridge. Inspect the top back of the cartridge for an orange tab. You can clean the vent using a pin or tool if the tab has been removed.
✔️ Run an extended cleaning cycle to address any potential ink blockages. If your printer has been idle for a while, the ink in the print head can dry out and cause clogs. Performing an advanced cleaning cycle will help clear any unnecessary ink blockages and restore proper ink flow. In addition, if your printouts appear blurry or dull, the cleaning cycle can assist in rectifying this issue.
Following these steps, you can troubleshoot and resolve problems associated with original brand-name cartridges in your printer.
Conclusion
Printers are prone to common problems that can disrupt your usual workflow. However, armed with the practical suggestions in this article, you can effectively troubleshoot and solve these problems. Whether it’s fixing a paper jam, connectivity issues, or a mismatched cartridge, the key is to follow the step-by-step instructions provided by the manufacturer.
These recommendations can keep your printer running smoothly, saving you time, money, and nerves. First, however, remember to perform regular maintenance and update your printer’s firmware and drivers to maintain optimum performance.
