Common Problems and Solutions for Printers
Identify the Problem
An application document does not
print.
Printer cannot be added or there
is a print spooler error.
Printer jobs are sent to the print
queue but are not printed.
Print queue is functioning
properly, but the printer does not
print.
Print queue is functioning
properly, but the printer does not
print.
Print queue is functioning
properly, but the printer does not
print.
Printer is printing unknown
characters or does not print a test
page.
Printer prints unknown characters
or does not print anything.
Printer prints unknown characters
or does not print anything.
Printer prints unknown characters
or does not print anything.
Printer prints unknown characters
or does not print anything.
Paper jams when printing.
Paper jams when printing.
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Probable Causes
There is a document error in the
print queue.
The printer service is stopped or not
working properly.
The printer has been installed on
the wrong port.
There is a bad cable connection.
The printer is in standby.
The printer has an error such as out
of paper, out of toner, or paper jam.
Wrong or outdated printer driver is
installed.
Printer may be plugged into a UPS.
Incorrect print driver installed.
Printer cables are loose.
No paper in printer.
Printer is dirty.
The wrong paper type is being
used.
Page 1 of 3
Possible Solutions
Manage the print jobs by canceling
the document from the print queue
and print again.
Start the print spooler and if
necessary reboot the computer.
Use printer properties and settings to
configure the printer port.
Check for bent pins on the printer
cable and check the printer cable
connections to the printer and
computer.
Manually resume printer from
standby, or power cycle the printer.
Check the printer status and correct
any errors.
Uninstall the current print driver and
install the correct print driver.
Plug the printer directly into the wall
outlet or surge protector.
Uninstall incorrect print driver and
install correct driver.
Secure printer cables.
Add paper to the printer.
Clean the printer.
Replace paper with the
manufacturer's recommended paper
type.
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Common Problems and Solutions for Printers
Identify the Problem
Paper jams when printing.
The print jobs are faded.
The print jobs are faded.
The print jobs are faded.
The toner is not fusing to the
paper.
The toner is not fusing to the
paper.
The toner is not fusing to the
paper.
The paper is creased after
printing.
The paper is creased after
printing.
The paper is not being fed into
the printer.
The paper is not being fed into
the printer.
User receives a “Document failed
to print” message.
User receives a “Document failed
to print” message.
User receives an “Access
Denied” message when trying to
install a printer.
Printer is printing incorrect colors.
Printer is printing incorrect colors.
Printer is printing incorrect colors.
Printer is printing incorrect colors.
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Probable Causes
Humidity causes the paper to stick
together.
The toner cartridge is low.
The toner cartridge is defective.
The paper is incompatible with the
printer.
The toner cartridge is empty.
Toner cartridge is defective.
The paper is incompatible with the
printer.
The paper is defective.
The paper is loaded incorrectly.
The paper is wrinkled.
Printer set to print to a different
paper size than currently loaded.
A cable is loose or disconnected.
A printer is no longer shared.
User does not have administrative
or power user privileges.
Print cartridge is empty.
Print cartridge is defective.
Incorrect cartridge installed.
Print heads need to be cleaned and
calibrated.
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Possible Solutions
Insert new paper in the paper tray.
Replace the toner cartridge.
Replace the toner cartridge.
Replace the paper.
Replace the toner cartridge.
Replace the toner cartridge.
Replace the paper.
Remove the paper from printer,
check for defects, and replace.
Remove, align, and replace the
paper.
Remove the wrinkled paper from
print tray.
Change paper size in print settings.
Check and reconnect the Parallel,
USB, or power cable.
Configure the printer for sharing.
Log out and log in as an
administrator or power user.
Replace the printer cartridge.
Replace the printer cartridge.
Replace the printer cartridge.
Clean and calibrate the printer using
the supplied software.
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Common Problems and Solutions for Printers

Identify the Problem Probable Causes Possible Solutions

The printer is printing blank The printer is out of ink or toner. Replace the ink or toner cartridge.
pages.
The printer is printing blank The print head is clogged. Replace the ink cartridge.
pages.
The printer is printing blank The corona wire has failed. Replace the corona wire.
pages.
The printer is printing blank The high voltage power supply has Replace the high voltage power
pages. failed. supply.

The printer display has no image. The printer is not turned on. Turn on the printer.
The printer display has no image. The contrast of the screen is set too Increase the screen contrast.
low.
The printer display has no image. The display is broken. Replace the display.
End of Document

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