How to Solve Common Printer Problems

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Check for correct paper size and type in your printer manual and make sure you haven't overfilled your paper feeder to avoid paper jams and may even stop a smudgy or uneven print problem.

   Some types of printers can struggle to print on special paper, such as glossy sheets or heavy cardstock.
   
   Using a slightly smaller stack of clean, lightweight, 8 inch (20.3 cm) by 10 inch (25.4 cm) printer/copier paper will likely avoid the messy headache of jams.
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   Step 2: Update or re-install your driver may fix printing errors such as strange characters and unreadable text.

   Go to your printer manufacturer's website (which can probably be found in your printer manual) and select the appropriate printer model and computer operating system.
   
   Follow the on-screen prompt to complete installation.
   
   Bookmark and check the website regularly to make sure you don't miss an important driver update in the future! , You can access most printer maintenance options by choosing print from any window and clicking on the properties menu located next to the name of the appropriate printer.
   
   Choose the maintenance tab and find the option to check nozzles.
   
   If the lines that print are blurred or broken, select the print head cleaner icon to clean away dried ink, dirt, and dust.
   
   Test and clean print head often to avoid build-up. , Each printer calls for a specific ink or toner cartridge type, so please follow the directions provided in your printer manual to properly replace your particular cartridge.
   
   Also, these directions can typically be found by opening up the printer cover; on or in the cartridge or toner package; or onscreen when you computer alerts you to low ink levels.
   
   Remember that infrequent printer use can also cause pages to print incorrectly or not at all because of dried up ink or cartridges that have "settled". ,
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   Step 3: Clean your printer heads to avoid blurry text and images.

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   Step 4: Replace your cartridges or toner to fix "low ink level" alerts

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   Step 5: and missing/non-existent text or pictures.

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   Step 6: Having exhausted all of these options

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   Step 7: it may be time to: call in a repair person if it's a high end printer; contact the printer manufacturer if the printer is still under warranty; or consider replacing the old printer with a new one.

Detailed Guide

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