8.5.8.2 Common Problems and Solutions for Printers

Identify the Problem	Probable Causes	Possible Solutions
An application document does not print.	There is a document error in the print queue.	Manage the print jobs by canceling the document from the print queue and print again.
Printer cannot be added or there is a print spooler error.	The printer service is stopped or not working properly.	Start the print spooler and if necessary reboot the computer.
Printer jobs are sent to the print queue but are not printed.	The printer has been installed on the wrong port.	Use printer properties and settings to configure the printer port.
Print queue is functioning properly, but the printer does not print.	There is a bad cable connection.	Check for bent pins on the printer cable and check the printer cable connections to the printer and computer.
	The printer is in standby.	Manually resume printer from standby, or power cycle the printer.
	The printer has an error such as out of paper, out of toner, or paper jam.	Check the printer status and correct any errors.
Printer is printing unknown characters or does not print a test page.	Wrong or outdated printer driver is installed.	Uninstall the current print driver and install the correct print driver.
Printer prints unknown characters or does not print anything.	Printer may be plugged into a UPS.	Plug the printer directly into the wall outlet or surge protector.
	Incorrect print driver installed.	Uninstall incorrect print driver and install correct driver.
	Printer cables are loose.	Secure printer cables.
	No paper in printer.	Add paper to the printer.
Paper jams when printing.	Printer is dirty.	Clean the printer.
	The wrong paper type is being used.	Replace paper with the manufacturer’s recommended paper type.
	Humidity causes the paper to stick together.	Insert new paper in the paper tray.
The print jobs are faded.	The toner cartridge is low.	Replace the toner cartridge.
	The toner cartridge is defective.	Replace the toner cartridge.
	The paper is incompatible with the printer.	Replace the paper.
The toner is not fusing to the paper.	The toner cartridge is empty.	Replace the toner cartridge.
	Toner cartridge is defective.	Replace the toner cartridge.
	The paper is incompatible with the printer.	Replace the paper.
The paper is creased after printing.	The paper is defective.	Remove the paper from printer, check for defects, and replace.
The paper is creased after printing.	The paper is loaded incorrectly.	Remove, align, and replace the paper.
The paper is not being fed into the printer.	The paper is wrinkled.	Remove the wrinkled paper from print tray.
The paper is not being fed into the printer.	Printer set to print to a different paper size than currently loaded.	Change paper size in print settings.
User receives a “Document failed to print” message.	A cable is loose or disconnected.	Check and reconnect the Parallel, USB, or power cable.
User receives a “Document failed to print” message.	A printer is no longer shared.	Configure the printer for sharing.
User receives an “Access Denied” message when trying to install a printer.	User does not have administrative or power user privileges.	Log out and log in as an administrator or power user.
Printer is printing incorrect colors.	Print cartridge is empty.	Replace the printer cartridge.
	Print cartridge is defective.	Replace the printer cartridge.
	Incorrect cartridge installed.	Replace the printer cartridge.
	Print heads need to be cleaned and calibrated.	Clean and calibrate the printer using the supplied software.
The printer is printing blank pages.	The printer is out of ink or toner.	Replace the ink or toner cartridge.
	The print head is clogged.	Replace the ink cartridge.
	The corona wire has failed.	Replace the corona wire.
	The high voltage power supply has failed.	Replace the high voltage power supply.
The printer display has no image.	The printer is not turned on.	Turn on the printer.
	The contrast of the screen is set too low.	Increase the screen contrast.
	The display is broken.	Replace the display.