How to Troubleshoot a Photo Inkjet Printer

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:TroubleshootPhotoInkjetPrinter
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How to Troubleshoot a Photo Inkjet Printer

Introduction

When technical difficulties arise with a photo inkjet printer, ita??s time to troubleshoot. Follow these steps to avoid frustration and fix that photo inkjet printer fast.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Steps

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Step One

Consider the obvious. Make sure the printer is turned on, plugged into a working electrical outlet and all the cables are connected to the computer.
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Step Two

Check the status. Take a look at the status light or the LCD screen on your printer. If it is flashing or displaying an error message, consult the manual. Also go to the "Start" menu on your computer. Under "Settings," select "Printers and Faxes." You can check the status of your printer with this option.
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Step Three

Double check the paper. If you are out of paper or paper is jammed in the printer, it wona??t work. Refer to the manual to find the safest way to clear paper jams.
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Step Four

Run a self-test. Many printers have a self-test operation that works without input from the computer. Check your manual.
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Step Five

Print a test page. If your printer does not have a self-test, open up the "Printer Properties" on your computer and print a test page from there.
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Step Six

Examine the test page. If there are white lines, you may need to clean the heads. If it is off center, you need to realign the print heads. If colors are faded or missing, change your ink cartridges.
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Step Seven

Clean the printheads. This is done from "Printer Properties." Go to your "Control Panel" and click "Printers and Faxes" and right click your printer and select "Properties." From there, go to the "Maintenance" page and select "Clean Printheads" or "Clean Nozzles."
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Step Eight

Change ink cartridges. Youa??ll usually get an error message when ink is running low. Find out which cartridge is running low and remove it. Write down the part number and go to the store or go online and get a new one.
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Step Nine

Update drivers. If the self-test looks good, but the test from the computer does not, try reinstalling the drivers. Use the CD that came with the printer or visit the manufacturera??s Web site.

Overall Tips & Warnings

  • Your manual is your guide. Check the back section for a list of common solutions.
  • Dona??t be afraid to e-mail technical supporta??ita??s their job! Check out the manufacturera??s Web site and find the support page.
  • Sometimes rebooting the computer or clearing the print spool will solve the problem.
  • Each model has specific drivers. If you install the wrong ones, you might cause more trouble. Be sure to install the right ones.

Overall Things You'll Need

  • Internet access
  • Photo inkjet printer
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