Printers are one of the most important pieces of office equipment. Any business owner will tell you that a reliable printer is essential to the smooth running of any office. They are relied on daily to print, copy, scan, and/or fax important documents for customers or internal teams. With the advancement of multifunction printers and copiers today, they can also be relied upon for additional features through printing apps such as auto-redacting documents, checking student assignments for plagiarism, or submitting receipts for expense reporting. When your printer is working properly, you don’t even think about it — but when it’s malfunctioning it brings work to a screeching halt. The good news is that many printer problems are relatively easy to fix. Below are some of the most common printer problems, how to solve them, and how to find a reputable printer repair company.
Paper Jams
When a paper jam occurs, it means that the printer has pulled too many sheets of paper into the machine at once or that something is blocking the path of the paper. To clear a paper jam, follow your printer’s instructions. Usually, this involves opening up the printer and removing the jammed paper. If something is blocking the path of the paper, such as a piece of torn paper or other debris, make sure to remove that as well.
Streaks or Smears on Printed Documents
Sometimes, people notice that their printed documents have streaks or smears. This is usually caused by debris on the laser lens or mirrors inside the printer. You must consult your printer’s manual for specific instructions to clean these areas and fix the problem. Different models have different ways of accessing these areas. Once you have located the lens or mirror, use a soft, dry cloth to wipe away any debris gently. Be careful not to touch any other areas of the machine as you could damage them.
“Ghosting” or Faded Images
“Ghosting” occurs when an image appears faded on a printed document because some of the toner did not adhere properly to the page during printing. Dirty fuser rollers usually cause this issue in the printer, which can happen if you don’t regularly clean your machine according to its maintenance schedule. To fix this problem and prevent it from happening again in the future, consult your printer’s manual for instructions on how to access and clean its fuser rollers.
Not Connecting to the Computer
First, try restarting both your computer and your printer. If that does not work, check to ensure that the printer is correctly plugged into the power outlet and that all the cables are securely connected. If you are still having trouble, try unplugging the printer from the power outlet and then plugging it back in after a few seconds. If the problem persists, contact the manufacturer or a printer repair company for assistance.
Common HP Printer Problems
HP printers are some of the most popular on the market, but they’re not immune to problems. One common HP printer problem is that it won’t print black ink, even though it has ink in the cartridge. A clogged printhead usually causes this issue, and it can be fixed by cleaning the printhead. To clean the printhead:
- Start by turning off the printer and unplugging it from the power source.
- Remove the ink cartridges and the printhead.
- Clean the printhead with a damp cloth, careful not to damage any delicate components.
- Once you’ve cleaned the printhead, reassemble the printer and try printing again.
If this HP printer problem persists, contact a printer repair company to avoid any costly purchases or damage.
Microsoft Update Printer Problems
First, try restarting your computer and printer. This might solve the issue if a temporary glitch causes it. If that doesn’t work, you can try uninstalling and then reinstalling your printer drivers. You can usually find the latest drivers on the manufacturer’s website. Finally, if those solutions don’t work, you may need to contact Microsoft or your printer manufacturer for further assistance.
How to Find a Reputable Printer Repair Company/span>
Printer problems can range from simple issues, like jammed paper, to more complex problems, like faulty drivers or other Xerox printer problems. In most cases, these issues can be resolved without too much difficulty. However, if the problem persists, it may be time to call a professional. Printer repair companies have the expertise and knowledge to diagnose and resolve any printer issue quickly. As a result, they can help keep your office running smoothly and prevent costly downtime.
Not all printer repair service providers are created equal. There are a few things to remember when looking for a reputable and qualified company.
- Check to see if the company is certified by your printer manufacturer; this will ensure they are familiar with your specific model and can effectively troubleshoot any issues.
- Read online reviews to understand other customers’ experiences.
- Always get a written estimate before authorizing any repairs.
It is also worthwhile to see if your printer repair company is also a managed print services provider. Managed print services streamline everything related to print including support and repair of printers. Whenever your printer is having issues, you call your MPS provider and they’ll take care of everything quickly and reliably, so there’s no need for you to get your hands dirty when it comes to remedying your printer’s issues.
By following these simple tips, you can rest assured that your printer will be repaired in no time.
Contact Parmetech for All Your Print-Related Needs
Although we have outlined the most common printer issues and how to fix them, it is always best practice to consult with a technician when your printer is not working correctly. There are solutions to every problem, and our team of experts at Parmetech is here to help. We provide high-quality service and support as well as managed print services for a variety of printer makes and models. We will work diligently to get your business back up and running as quickly as possible!
