nepc KnowledgeBase - Printing Hints

Printing Hints

Argh! One of the most common problems!
Try these out if you have trouble printing:

Is the right paper loaded properly in the printer?
Is there a paper jam or are there bits of paper left in the printer?
Is printer on-line (a light should indicate this)
Has the printer been working OK before?
Are all cables connected?
Turn off printer, disconnect power for 5 seconds and reconnect.
Is the correct driver been installed?
If a network printer, has it been shared and are you authorised?
Check the printer for ink.
check any switches/ moveable adjusters that set paper type, feeding, etc.

Ways out of trouble:

Sometimes an older driver will do (eg deskjet 500 for a 690 printer)
Try a 'test print' (Printers-right click specific model-properties-Print test page)
Check the instructions for the printer in the manual (many manufacturers have made these available in the Internet).
Get a reliable printer. They DO wear out and newer ones are cheap enough.

SOHO (Small Office/ Home Office) - occasional letters/ invoices => Inkjet
SOHO - daily communications/ regular invoices/ documents => mono laser
Larger office (network) - mono laser
Accounts dept - internal documents/ invoices - dot matrix
Administration -regular letters/ newsletters - mono laser

Cost

You must consider the cost per copy with any printer. This includes the medium you print to, the cost of ink cartitridges/ toner and also the cost of repeated copies.
Color printers are always more expensive to run.
Inkjet Cartridges can be refilled several times before they start to deteriorate.
Some paper absorbs too much ink. Best to use compatible paper.
Replacement cartridges are always more expensive from the manufacturer. There is a variety of 'compatible' carttridges available for popular printers.

Myths

Don't believe the (pages per minute) ppm rate advertised. The speed of a printer depends upon how much there is to print out on a sheet and the type of paper being used.

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