Sometimes it feels like printers were put on this Earth to plague us. Printing problems are some of the most common causes of frustration, from the mundane paper jam to the more catastrophic errors that mean purchasing a new printer is on your horizon.
While many offices are now going paperless, many of us, at home or work, still have to contend with printing problems.
We’re here to help you. We’re going to slay the paper tiger of printing issues and show you how to fix them in no time at all. Read on and let’s get started!
1. Paper Jams
One of the most common problems with the printer is the humble (and frustrating) paper jam. This is where the printer essentially ingests the paper it needs to print on, rather than having it run through smoothly.
The solution to this problem is, thankfully, simple.
To fix a paper jam from the loading tray, you’ll need to remove any loose paper until you’re left with the jammed stuff only. Then you’ll have to start taking the stuck paper out.
We’d recommend that you start from the middle of the jam and work your way out. Pull firmly but smoothly so that you don’t rip the paper and make the problem worse.’
When all the paper has been removed, you can refill the load tray. Make sure that you don’t overfill it and that the paper is lined up with the guides.
Paper jams happen to all home printers. If you want to avoid them entirely, hire professional printers to get the job done right.
2. Slow Printing
Is your printer slow? Is it getting frustrating having to wait until approximately the heat death of the universe for your document? A slow printer is incredibly frustrating but there are a few solutions.
For one, if your printer is wireless, printing from too far away can add to the total print time. Try getting closer to your printer before hitting print.
You could also try printing in draft mode. This uses less ink and/or toner, so while it may not look as good, it will print faster. If you’re on a tight deadline, printing in draft mode could save you some valuable time.
3. Printing Problems: Drivers
One of the most common issues with printing is when your PC refuses to recognize the printer. It will usually say that it can’t find a driver for the printer, which means it doesn’t know how to use it.
If this is the case, you’re going to need to find the drivers yourself. Your printer may have come with a CD that contains your drivers but in this day and age, it’s more likely that you’ll have to go online.
Go to the printer manufacturer’s site and search for drivers. Download them, then hit okay on the Windows prompt and select them. Your computer will do the rest.
Printing Issues: Solved
We hope that this guide helps you solve the most common printing problems! For more interesting and informative articles like it, check out the rest of our blog! Visit the Tech section for more insights on printing, going paperless, office equipment, 3D printers, and IT solutions.
