No matter where I am, when I mention what I do, the questions start flying. Last Sunday, the conversation centered around printers.
The problem with printers these days is they are designed to be a throw-away appliance. The cheaper ones may last for a year or two, but even the more expensive ones can break down, and then it’s more efficient to just get a new one.
Here are some of the common printer problems:
Paper Jam
If you have a paper jam, the first thing to do is to pull out the paper holder. Sometimes the paper is just stuck coming out of the holder. If that doesn’t work, carefully open up your machine and turn all the knobs and wheels that move the paper forward. If you can see where the paper is stuck, carefully give the paper a little tug to see if you can pull it out. If it feels like it might start to tear, stop pulling. Continue moving the knobs and wheels until the entire piece of paper has been removed. In rare cases, the jam is so severe that the paper cannot be removed. In equally rare cases, the paper may bend some of the metal bars. In that case, it’s probably time to look for a new printer.
Driver upgrade
Sometimes, with both Mac and Windows machines, your computer will take an upgrade overnight which then requires a new software driver for your printer. Go to your printer’s website – Hewlett Packard, Dell, Brother, etc. – and download the new software. Once you have downloaded and installed the software, your printer should work again.
Wireless printer won’t connect to the wifi
If your computer suddenly can’t find your wireless printer, somehow the printer lost its connection to the Wi-Fi router. Input your Wi-Fi code into the printer control panel and you should be good to go.
Printer won’t turn on
Sometimes a printer just won’t turn on. Check all of the connections. Is it plugged into the wall? Is the cord firmly pushed into the back of the printer? You might need to try a hardware reset of the printer back to its default settings. If it still won’t turn on, remove the power cord and let it rest for a little while or over night. If it still won’t turn on, it’s time to get a new printer.
New Printer?
What do you look for in a new printer? There are several options, which depend on your preferences and requirements:
- Ink Jet vs. Laser
- Black vs. 4-color
- Printer only vs. Multi-Function (Copy, Print, Scan, Fax)
I really only have strong opinions about the first option. Get a laser printer. Yes, they are a little more expensive to purchase, but they cost less to operate in the long run. In addition, the ink in a laser printer doesn’t dry out. If you only use your printer occasionally, the ink in an ink jet printer will dry out (because it is water-based) and you’ll need to purchase ink much more frequently.
Of course, we can help you with your printer issues. Give us a call and give me a run-down of the symptoms. If it can be fixed in a reasonable amount of time, I’ll let you know. If not, I’ll let you know that too.
Chris Eddy of Geek For Hire, Inc. has been providing computer service to families and small businesses with Mac’s and PC’s for the past fourteen years. He is highly rated by both the BBB (Better Business Bureau) and by Angie’s List. Geek For Hire, Inc. provides onsite service to the Denver/ Boulder/ Front Range area. They can provide remote service throughout North America.
