Tuesday, May 12, 2009

How to Troubleshoot a Printer

A printer is a peripheral that converts a soft copy document into a hard copy document. This device is very much helpful for reports and the like since this would produce a tangible document that can be viewed even without a computer. But what is the use of a printer when it is not working? Here are some basic steps on how to troubleshoot a printer.

First, the printer should be plugged on to a power supply. Check the power ratings before plugging it into a power supply source. The power ratings are usually seen at the back or bottom of the printer. (Caution: Don’t plug the cord when the maximum power rating is less than the power supply source. Example: Plugging a 110V printer to a 220 power supply will damage the printer). After inserting the cord in the power supply source, check the power indicator if it lights. If not, press the on button. This should make the printer power up. If this does not help, contact the manufacturer regarding this issue.

If the printer does not print the document, first, check the printer if it is the default printer. This can be checked by going to the control panel and open printers and faxes (for XP). The default printer is the checked printer (sometimes labeled as the default printer). If the printer being used is not the default printer, right click the printer that is being used and select “set as default”. If the printer is not included in printers and faxes folder, the printer needs to be installed which is described on the printer’s manufacturing handout. Find the installation process and follow it step by step.

If all of these do not solve the issue, refer to the printer’s handbook for more tips on troubleshooting the printer.

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