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Advice
Quickfixes
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Microsoft Knowledge Base
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 Basically printer problems can arise from a number of sources and it is difficult to suggest any easy 'quick fixes'
There could be a problem with the printer itself, the connections, the printer driver (that's an item of software installed on your PC which Windows uses to communicate with that model of printer), or even the application which you are using.
Before seeking help it is worthwhile to ask yourself some questions, and do a number of checks so as to be clear in your own mind what is the nature of the problem.
- Is the printer working at all, sometimes, is the output not what it should be, or does the problem only arise with certain documents.
- Check the printer- are there any lights flashing or error messages on the display? If so there is probably an internal problem such as a paper jam, or it could indicate some mechanical failure.
- If you have no lights at all - check for power.
- If the print is missing or faint, you could be running out of toner / ink.
- Have you tried shutting both PC and printer down, and restarting?
- Check that cables are connected properly. Take them out and re-seat them.
- Does the same problem arise when you use different applications, Word, Excel, Outlook etc.?
- Try printing a short item from Notepad, { Start -> Programs -> Accessories - > Notepad }. Notepad will produce a pure 'Text File' without extras such as fancy fonts. If you can print from Notepad it shows that the printer and connections are fine.
- Check the "Page-set-up" settings for the document which you are printing. Are items such as "paper size" set correctly?
- If you have the original discs or the windows CD, you might try re-installing the "Printer Driver". You should also be able to download one from the Manufacturer's web-site or from Microsoft.
These may not cure your problem, but will make clear what your next steps may be, or permit you to clarify the problem to the engineer.
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