Laser Printer Repair Tips and Tricks

You Click Print...But Nothing Happens. Now What?

2010-01-21T07:52:00.000-08:00

Waiting, waiting and waiting some more.. no paper coming out of the printer, but you hit print. Been there?

No lights or messages change on the printer display panel. The only communication from your printer is an indication that the printer is “Ready”. So you go back to your desk and try to print it again. Same thing...

Time to call the printer guy (IOT of course!).

But is it really a printer problem?

Maybe, maybe not. Lately, the “not” answer is showing up more often than before. Why?

With more and more options for new computers, operating systems and software platforms there is a lot more going on between your printer and your computer than just clicking “print”. Here are just some of the components involved with printing; Software, drivers, communication ports, cables, network enviornment and servers.

New software and operating systems are constantly evolving to make our lives easier, our work more productive and generally make things more effiicent for us. However, in an environment where there are older printers, the approach to printing requires proper planning. With the ability for most users to create dynamic and graphically intense documents, todays print jobs are larger than ever before, and it can take longer for your computer and printer to process the print jobs. Printer communication cables and the network enviornment you are operating within can have a substantial impact on the speed of communication and processing between your computer and your printer.

Settings are very important.

The correct settings on the computer or server play a key role as to how your print job will come out. Sometimes, these settings get changed on accident - checking or unchecking a box in the print settings, unplugging your machine and moving it to another location, or adding and removing devices from the ports of the computer are all different ways to easily change settings that could affect your printing.

As you can see, printing is quite a complex process. I could go into further details but you probably would fall asleep and not finish reading this.

Moving along, here are some questions to ask yourself before you call the printer guy:

1.) Did I select the correct printer?

2.) Are all the cables plugged in the printer?

3.) Did I reboot the printer?

4.) If you still can’t print just call us, or contact your IT Manager to check settings on your PC or server.

Good luck and happy printing!

Your friendly printer guy - Rusty.

IOT provides printer repair, copier repair, service, warranty and parts for the Minneapolis, Saint Paul and Twin Cities metro area, as well as Saint Cloud, Rochester and all points in between! Serving Minnesota since 1995, IOT also provides ink and toner supplies for printers, copiers and MFP's.

For more information about laser printers, copiers or service and repair please visit our website iotsolutions.com or call us at 651-605-2500.

Driver Update Alert - HP Universal Print Driver (UPD) PCL 5 and PCL 6

2010-01-18T11:52:00.000-08:00

HP has released updated print drivers for the HP Universal Print Driver (UPD) in Windows PCL5, Windows PCL5 x64 and Windows PCL 6 formats.

HP Universal Print Driver for Windows PCL5
Microsoft Windows 7 (32-bit), Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Windows Server 2008 W32, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows XP
Download or review Release Notes here

HP Universal Print Driver for Windows PCL5 x64
Microsoft Windows 7 (64-bit), Microsoft Windows Server 2003 64-Bit Edition, Microsoft Windows Server 2008 x64, Microsoft Windows Vista (64-bit), Microsoft Windows XP x64
Download or review Release Notes here

HP Universal Print Driver for Windows PCL6
Microsoft Windows 7 (32-bit), Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Windows Server 2008 W32, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows XP
Download or review Release Notes here

The UPD version 5.0.3 is the latest version of HP's Universal Print Driver. Please review the entire documentation for information on issues resolved, performance improvements, and new behavior changes to the UPD.

For answers to any of your laser printer, copier or multifunction device service or repair questions, please contact us at 651-605-2500 or info@iotsolutions.com

IOT is a Certified HP Partner, providing laser printer and copier parts, service and support to the Minneapolis, Saint Paul area since 1995. Located in Eagan, MN we proudly serve the Twin Cities metro area. Contact us at 651-605-2500 or email us at info@iotsolutions.com for more information.

Paper Jams

2009-07-08T12:51:00.000-07:00

Check these issues;

1. Use labels recently? Label can cause many problems if one peels off in the machine.

2. Look for small pieces of paper that may have torn off and cause jam.

3. Is your paper only partly in the tray? Worn or dirty paper feed rollers might be the problem (in this case call IOT we will replace them for you).

IOT is a Certified HP and Xerox Business Partner, providing laser printer repair and copier service, sales and supplies to the Minneapolis, Saint Paul area since 1995. Located in Eagan, MN we proudly serve the Twin Cities metro area. Contact us at 651-605-2500, http://www.iotsolutions.com/ or email us at info@iotsolutions.com for more information.

Set Your Printing For Green-ficiency

2009-07-08T12:49:00.000-07:00

Format your page to save as;

-use narrowest margins possible so that fewer pages are needed for a document.

-Shrink the font down to squeeze the most text on to the page.

-Scale legal sized document down to letter size, use other scale-down options when possible.

-Proof your page before pressing print to avoid mistakes and reprints.

-Be a paper pincher

-When printing more then one page use duplexing

-Use print preview

-Print draft mode

-Use grayscale not color

-Recycle paper that you can't use.

-Turn off and unplug your printer when you don't need it.

If you would like help in these or any other technical how-to's please contact us.

IOT is a Certified HP and Xerox Business Partner, providing laser printer repair and copier service, sales and supplies to the Minneapolis, Saint Paul area since 1995. Located in Eagan, MN we proudly serve the Twin Cities metro area. Contact us at 651-605-2500, http://www.iotsolutions.com/ or email us at info@iotsolutions.com for more information.

5 Ways To Get More From Your Printer

2009-07-08T12:48:00.000-07:00

1. Format your pages to save paper: use the narrowest margins possible , shrink font down a couple points and make sure to proof read.

2. Watch the paper: do you really need to print it? Use print preview, print duplex (2-sided).

3. Help with ink/toner: print in draft mode, use grayscale to avoid using color.

4. Become more power efficient: Encourage employees to completely turn off desktop printer when they leave for the day. If each employee doesn't need there own printer, consider workgroup multifunction products.

5. Take the extra step: Recycle your inks. Recycle paper you can't use. Turn off and unplug your printer when you don't need it.

IOT is a Certified HP and Xerox Business Partner, providing laser printer repair and copier service, sales and supplies to the Minneapolis, Saint Paul area since 1995. Located in Eagan, MN we proudly serve the Twin Cities metro area. Contact us at 651-605-2500, http://www.iotsolutions.com/ or email us at info@iotsolutions.com for more information.

If you would like help in these or any other technical how-to's please contact us.

Simple Troubleshooting Tips For General Errors

2009-07-08T12:44:00.000-07:00

Make sure that the power cord is solidly plugged into the wall socket or power supply.

Disconnect any equipment wired between the printer and the computer, and then plug the printer cable directly into the computer.

Disconnect any devices recently hung on the same port as the printer, and then restart the computer.

Turn the printer off and then back on.

Check for paper jams and remove any paper that is stuck.

Restart the computer and wait for the screen to come alive. If you get a message telling you that there is a document ready to print, click NO to cancel those jobs. Open your documents ready to print.

If these steps fail then you know its time to get IOT involved!

IOT is a Certified HP and Xerox Business Partner, providing laser printer repair and copier service, sales and supplies to the Minneapolis, Saint Paul area since 1995. Located in Eagan, MN we proudly serve the Twin Cities metro area. Contact us at 651-605-2500, http://www.iotsolutions.com/ or email us at info@iotsolutions.com for more information.

Turn Your Printer Off Properly

2009-07-08T12:39:00.000-07:00

A great way to conserve energy is to turn off your printer when it is not in use. Not only does it save money and energy, it can prevent drying of ink and unnecessary system check cycles.

Remember to use the printer's power button to shut it off - don't just unplug it first - and then remove the plug if need be.

If the printer is in the middle of a print job, let it finish before turning the power off.

Another great way to conserve is to use your printers "sleep" function. You can set the printer to go into sleep mode.

If you would like help in these or other technical how-to's please contact us.

Go Easy When Removing Paper Jams

2009-07-08T12:25:00.000-07:00

In case of a paper jam, never force the paper out! This can not only damage the printer, but also leave bits of torn paper inside.

To get the paper out you must first determine the best access point/door. Usually the paper tray, back of the printer or the toner access areas are the best.

Pull gently with even pressure until the paper is out! Don't hesitate to contact us for any service or tech support you need.