Printer Troubleshooting

Summary

Printer problems are an unfortunate fact of life. Being so common, many problems can be resolved through standard troubleshooting without contact the IT Support Center. Please look through these tips before reaching out for technical support.

Description/Steps for Resolution

NOTE: In all cases of printer problems, don't continue to send more and more print jobs to a non-functioning printer. These jobs will form a queue (waiting line) that will send all the queued print jobs once the printer problem is resolved.

Local Printer - typically one user

Is the printer turned on? If it isn't turn it on and try printing again.
Turn the printer off, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.
Reboot your computer.

Is the printer electrical cord/cable securely plugged into the electrical outlet or power strip?

If a power strip is being used, is it turned on? (There is usually a light that shows that the power strip is turned on.) Is the power strip working properly? (If possible, try another one to be sure.)

Is the printer cable securely plugged into the printer and into the correct port in the back of the computer? (Check both connections to see if they are secure.)

Does the printer have paper?

Does the printer have a paper jam? If it does, remove the paper, close the printer, wait for it to warm up again, then try printing at that point.

Is one of the lights blinking? Check the printer cartridges to be sure they don’t need to be changed.

Are both lights blinking? If so, call the CCS, IT Support Center for assistance. (533-HELP)

Does the print problem occur when printing from only one software program or from all programs? If the problem happens when printing from only one software program, it is a software problem, and you will have to contact the software company for technical assistance. If the problem takes place when printing from all software programs, it is a problem with the printer hardware or the printer software (the driver).

Is the correct printer selected?

Check the print queue. Is there another job stuck in the queue?

Network Printer - typically multiple users

Verify the destination printer by printing using the Print command on the File menu of the application you are using. This produces a dialogue box which provides more information than you get using the print button on a tool bar.
Make sure that the printer is turned on.
Make sure there is paper in the printer.
Make sure there is no paper jam or other fault condition.
- Examine the front panel for fault indicators, flashing lights, etc.
Turn the printer off, wait a few seconds then turn it back on.
Check to see if other network printer users can also print to that printer.
Check to see if you can print to other network printers.
If none of these steps resolve the problem, call the CCS, IT Support Center for assistance. (533-HELP)

Deleting a Print Job

Go to the Start Button, select settings and then printers.
The dialog box will open for the printers, double click to open the printer queue
It will show all waiting jobs.
Click on the job you want to delete, and then hit the delete key to remove the print job.

If you still cannot print please call H-E-L-P (4357).

Keywords: Printer, Printing, Jam, Troubleshooting