Troubleshooting printers.

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Instructor, PACE-IT Program – Edmonds Community College

Areas of Expertise Industry Certification

PC Hardware

Network Administration

IT Project Management

Network Design

User Training

IT Troubleshooting

Qualifications Summary

Education

M.B.A., IT Management, Western Governor’s University

B.S., IT Security, Western Governor’s University

Entrepreneur, executive leader, and proven manger with 10+ years of experience turning complex issues into efficient and effective solutions.

Strengths include developing and mentoring diverse workforces, improving processes, analyzing business needs and creating the solutions required— with a focus on technology.

Brian K. Ferrill, M.B.A.

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Troubleshooting printers.

– Common symptoms.

– Printer tools.

PACE-IT.

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Common symptoms.Troubleshooting printers.

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Common symptoms.

– Streaks.» On a laser printer: the image drum has scratches.» On an inkjet printer: dirty or misaligned print heads.

– Faded prints» Low on toner or ink.

– Ghost images.» On a laser printer: the drum may need to be cleaned,

or it may be residual from a prior very dark print job.• This isn’t a symptom found with inkjet printers.

– Toner not fused to the paper.» Fuser assembly needs to be replaced.

– Creased paper.» Heavier bond paper; send it through the feeder instead

of placing it in the paper tray.

Troubleshooting printers.

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Common symptoms.

– Paper not feeding.» Paper rollers may be dirty or worn.

– Paper jam.» Too much debris in paper path; remove jam and blow

out debris.

– No connectivity.» Local printer: poor cable connection if the printer is

powered.» Network printer: either not turned on or printing to the

wrong printer.

– Garbled characters on paper.» Wrong print driver, or it may be a cable issue.

– Vertical lines on page.» Laser printer: clogged toner cartridge or scratched

image drum.» Inkjet printer: dirty or misaligned print heads.

Troubleshooting printers.

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Common symptoms.

– Backed up print queue.» Printer or spooler service has been paused.

– Low memory errors.» Image too large for printer; either increase memory or

reduce resolution.

– Access denied.» User is not authorized to print.

– Printer will not print.» Could include lack of power or printer being offline.

– Color prints in wrong print color.» Toner or ink cartridges in the wrong places.

Troubleshooting printers.

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Common symptoms.

– Unable to install printer.» Not using the correct User account to install, or not

authorized to add hardware.

– Error codes.» Causes may vary; check with printer documentation to

determine the probable cause.

Troubleshooting printers.

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Printer tools.Troubleshooting printers.

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Printer tools.

– Maintenance kit.» Laser printer: pickup and separator rollers, transfer

rollers, and fuser assemblies.» Inkjet printer: most do not have actual maintenance

kits.

– Toner vacuum.» Specialized vacuum for cleaning up toner spills. Often a

high quality vacuum with a HEPA filter will work.

– Compressed air.» Next to the maintenance kit, it is the printer’s best

friend. Accumulated paper dust and debris can cause havoc with print jobs.

– Printer spooler.» Service that establishes and maintains the print queue.

Each PC has its own spooler.

Troubleshooting printers.

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What was covered.Troubleshooting printers.

Most problems with the actual image that is produced have to do with dirt; communication between the PC and the printer can also create problems. Finally, worn parts may need to be replaced.

Topic

Common symptoms.

Summary

Maintenance kits, toner vacuums, compressed air, and the print spooler are all tools that can be used to resolve common printer problems.

Printer tools.

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THANK YOU!

This workforce solution was 100 percent funded by a $3 million grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. The solution was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability or ownership. Funded by the Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Grant #TC-23745-12-60-A-53.

PACE-IT is an equal opportunity employer/program and auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. For those that are hearing impaired, a video phone is available at the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) office in Mountlake Terrace Hall 159. Check www.edcc.edu/ssd for office hours. Call 425.354.3113 on a video phone for more information about the PACE-IT program. For any additional special accommodations needed, call the SSD office at 425.640.1814. Edmonds Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race; color; religion; national origin; sex; disability; sexual orientation; age; citizenship, marital, or veteran status; or genetic information in its programs and activities.