How to Reset and Clear Printer Memory
Clear Printer Memory
Issues with the printer memory are one reason for several recurring issues such as a stuck printing or non-response. These issues can happen even when the hardware of the printer is intact and functioning normally. The printer can stop printing altogether if the memory of the spooler and the device is filled with queued files. It can cause the printer to become stuck and clearing out the memory is one way to resolve the problem. Restating both the computer and the printer can help clear out the memory.
The print queue is used to keep the multiple files send to print in order so that they are printed accordingly. The scheduled print jobs are kept in the print spool temporarily, which send the documents to the printer after the finish of each printout. Printers rely on the spool memory on the computer to print multiple files. In some cases, the spool needs to be cleared for troubleshooting printer problems. Below are some ways to reset and clear the memory of the printer.
Cancel Existing Prints
Restart The Printer
Canceling any remaining print jobs in the print queue can help in clearing the printer memory. On a computer running on Windows 7 or 8, go to Devices and Printers and then right click on the printer name. Click on the See What’s Printing option. This will display the print queue and the documents waiting to be print. On the Printer menu, click on Cancel All Documents for clearing out any remaining print jobs from the queue.
Restart the Printer
Restarting the printer will reset the device and clear its memory of any active print jobs. For this, turn off the printer and unplug it from the power socket. Leave it for a minute and then plug the printer into the power socket. This will fully clear out the power of the memory and erase it completely. Then turn the printer on and wait until it initiates start up completely before giving a new print command.
Cold Reset
A cold reset can clear of the memory of the printer, which is helpful in restoring it to the default settings. Most printers have an internal memory that contains some information regarding the network settings, print, and paper settings. Carrying out a cold reset is one of the most effective ways to clear any stuck printing issues and restores it to its normal functioning. However, the process for doing a cold reset varies depending on the printer model. Referring to the printer’s user manual will help in performing a cold reset appropriately.
How to Avoid Print Jobs Sent to Previous Printer on Windows 10 PC
Printer Setting Errors
Network printers send print jobs only to a default printer connected wirelessly with the laser printer. At times users send a print job thinking that they have sent it to their computer, but if another printer is set as default on the PC, you may need to fix that. Don’t click on the off button in order to stop the print job on the printer spooler, because laser printers will resume printing the digital file the next time you turn them on.
Steps to Clear Printer Setting Errors
Instead, right-click on the printer icon shown on the desktop of Windows PC 10, and choose the network printer from the subsequent menu. After that, cancel a document on the printer spooler or any other doc queued on the software program, which manages print jobs sent to the printer on Windows OS. You may have to wait for a while until printer spooler cancels the print queue. After that, you are safe to turn on the laser printer without having to waste precious paper. The printer spooler will let you take printouts of digital files according to your priorities – the same holds true for cancellation of a print command.
To Change the Default Printer on Windows 10 PC
Change The Default Printer
If you have set an ‘X’ printer as default on the computer, and you send the print job to an alternate printer driver that you previously installed in the PC, the printout won’t come and an error may pop up on Windows 10. To troubleshoot that, open Start on desktop and navigate to Settings > Devices in the next dialog box. Make sure you are accessing Printers & scanners and disable Let Windows manage my default printer. Turn the setting to Off position and not On.
Changing this is important on Windows 10, because if the icon is turned On (by default) the OS would configure the particular printer to the computer automatically. Once the Let Windows manage my default printer option has been disabled on Windows 10, the operating system will enable you to send the print job only to the assigned laser printer going forward. It basically means, only the printer configured will print the document. This is not necessarily a printer error that requires troubleshooting steps from tech professionals, but rather choosing the right settings.
3 Steps to Fix White Line Issues in Inkjet Printers
Fix White Line Issues
Inkjet printers are commonly prone to several issues that affect the quality of its printouts. The appearance of white lines in the prints is a frequently reported issue by most users. It can interfere with the prints and make it incapable for use in any kind of business purposes or school presentations. Several faults with the printer can cause these white lines to form on the prints. Below are some steps to fix white lines in inkjet printers.
Execute Printer Head Cleaning
The appearance of white lines on the printouts is caused due to the clogging of the microscopic pores of the printer head. An effective way to clear this issue is by relying on the head cleaning function that comes with the software utility of the printer. There will be several options in most printer utility software such as head cleaning, head alignment, printer head deep cleaning, nozzle test, etc.
Execute the print head cleaning function to automatically clear any blocks in the print head and allow the free spraying of ink onto the paper. After the print head cleaning is finished, check whether the white lines are resolved by printing a test page. Get the printer head serviced by a professional printer support service if the issue persists.
Manually Clean the Ink Cartridges
Clean The Ink Cartridges
The other way to fix the occurrence of white lines in the printouts is by cleaning the ink cartridges manually. For this, open the front tray and wait for the head to automatically align towards the front portion. Gently detach the cartridges from the printer head and physically inspect for any visible damages first. Have it replaced with a new cartridge if any physical damages are found.
Mostly, the white lines are caused due to the ink getting dried inside the cartridge. For fixing this, use a cotton swab to gently wipe at the nozzle for clearing any dried ink and for facilitating free ink flow. Shaking the cartridge will also free up any dried ink or blockages and fix the issue. Run a test print to verify if the issue is fixed.
Adjust Printer Settings
Improper setting of the printer on the computer is another reason for the occurrence of white lines. In some cases, adjusting the settings to its default or optimal values can fix such quality related issues. Look for the print quality settings, and if it is set in draft, change it to standard for getting quality prints with less use of printing ink. If these steps do not work, replace the ink cartridge or call a printer tech support for assistance in resolving the issue.
How to Resolve Common Printer Connectivity Issues
Common Printer Connectivity Issues
A printer requires a computer to format the document for printing and in regulating many of its crucial settings. The two devices work together to execute printing applications smoothly since it is a two-way connection. This allows the printer to communicate with the computer about its status and any printing errors. Failure in this connection can result in the printer to stop working altogether.
This common printer error can cause the printer to stop printing as well as accept any commands from the computer. Diagnosing this issue is the first step in resolving it and thereby restoring the normal functioning of the printer. Below is how to resolve common printer connectivity issues.
Updating the Printer Drivers
Printer drivers are software installed on a computer that allows them to communicate with the printer. Mostly, these printer drivers are the cause of this connectivity issue to develop. Changes to the configuration of the computer or its operating system are one of the reasons why the drivers fail.
In such cases, it is recommended to download the latest version from the website of the printer manufacturer. For this, it is better to remove the older driver version and reinstall it with the fresh version for restoring the connection between the printer and the computer.
Checking Wired or Wireless Connections
Mostly, a loose cable is likely to blame for connectivity issues between a printer and computer. This can prevent the data signals from getting properly transferred between the two devices. If loose cables are the case, the connectivity issue can be resolved quickly by unplugging the cables and then fastening them tightly at the ports of the printer and the computer.
Checking Wireless Connections
In case of a wireless printer, issues with the router can affect the communication and data flow between the two devices. This issue can be resolved in Windows computers by making sure that the printer is connected to the network in the Devices and Printers option. The connection needs to be re-established as specified by the operating manual if the printer is absent on the network.
Verifying Printer Status
The status of the printer is another reason for connectivity issues. The printer can cease printing if it has run out of ink or toner and has an open tray. Additionally, if a paper jam occurs inside the printer, it can stop printing altogether and the only way to resolve this is by clearing it.
Pending documents can also prevent the printer from responding to new requests. This can be resolved by canceling all the pending tasks and sending it to the printer again.
Resolving Printer Ghosting Issue in Laser Printers
Printer Ghosting Issue
Printer ghosting is a commonly occurring issue in laser printers that results in the production of faded printouts. This can affect the performance of a laser printer as they are used in offices to turn out high volumes of printouts.
Mostly, ghosting issues occur in older widely used printers, but it can occur for newer printers as well. The issue can result in a much-faded printout that is inferior when compared to the original soft copy stored on the computer.
Printer ghosting can result in a lack of detail in the printout that makes it incapable for use for any purposes. This issue occurs mainly due to the malfunctioning of the printing drum or fuser unit. As a result, the fuser does not heat the toner to the right temperature that will prevent it from adhering to the drum properly and thus appear lighter and faded on the paper.
However, there are many ways to prevent printer ghosting in laser printers. Carrying them out on a regular basis will help preserve the lifespan of the printer and its performance. Some techniques to prevent printer ghosting are described below.
Proper Placement
The proper placement of the printer unit inside a room is a key factor that determines its lifespan. It is ideal to keep the printer in a room free of any moisture content, as the humidity can cause the toner power to clot, thus causing printer ghosting.
Regular cleaning and dusting of the printer would help in removing any buildup of dust, which in turn extends the longevity and smooth functioning of the printer.
Checking the Fuser
Checking The Fuser
Printer ghosting can also occur due to the malfunctioning of the fuser unit. There are several ways to carry out repairs and adjustments in the functioning of the fuser and that would be prescribed in the operation manual.
This includes changing the temperature of the fuser so that the toner adheres perfectly onto the paper. If the temperature of the fuser unit cannot be regulated, it is best to replace it with the help of a professional technician.
Replace or Repair the Drum Unit
Another critical component that can cause printer ghosting in a laser printer is the drum unit. The drum is responsible for transferring the toner powder onto the paper surface to form the printout.
Mostly, an old drum can cause several printer errors and it is best to replace them with a new one. If the drum unit is new and the ghosting error persists, it is better to have the drum repaired by a professional technician.
Some Common Printer Problems and Their Fixes
Common Printer Problems
Printers are useful peripheral devices that can be great when they work without any issues. When they do not work though, troubleshooting them can prove to be a frustrating task. There are many types of printers available in the market and they can run reliably for years. However, printers can stop working or malfunction due to many reasons.
The reason for the malfunctioning can be a simple one or a complex one. Many printer users do not use their inkjet printers often these days. This can make the ink to dry and block the nozzles of the printer. In addition, hair bands, paper clips, or even food items can fall into printers leading to paper jams and other issues. Below are some common printer problems that you may encounter while using a printer.
Printer Will not Print
There can be many causes for your printer to malfunction and it will be a wiser idea to start from the basics. When your printer is refusing to work, you can look for error messages or warning lights. If there are no warning lights, you need to make sure that there is paper in the tray and the ink cartridge of the printer is not empty. In addition, check if the USB cable is plugged in. If you are using a wireless printer, make sure that it is connected to a Wi-Fi network. Another idea is to use a USB cable to connect your wireless printer.
Cannot Print From Tablet or Phone
AirPrint Feature Support
You need to keep in mind that to print from your iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch, the printer need to be wireless and should support AirPrint. Many wireless printers support AirPrint feature, however, the older models might not support the feature. Therefore, if you are unable to print from your iPad, iPhone or any other Apple device, the first thing to verify is that your printer support AirPrint. In case of Android devices, you may use the Google Cloud Print feature. You just need to install the Google Cloud Print on your mobile device from Play Store.
Empty Cartridges
Modern printers will warn the user that the ink is running out. For a home user, the ink cartridge can last for a few weeks. It will be a wise idea to order new cartridges as soon as the printer show the message that the ink is almost finished. However, install the new cartridge only when the printer stops printing or when the colors fade. You can replace the cartridge once the printer is out of ink.
How to Install a Computer Printer
Install Toner Cartridges
Several computer users have a misconception that setting up and configuring a new printer is a difficult task. However, the reality is that computer printers are one of the easiest devices that you can set up and configure. In fact, you can easily install computer printer by simply connecting to a power supply and PC.
However, in the case of other printers, you will need to perform a few more steps to complete the setup process. If you have no clue on how to install computer printer, then below are a few simple steps that will help you to accomplish that with ease.
- Plug in the power cable of your new printer and ensure that it is turned on before proceeding to the next step.
- You will now need to connect the included USB cable from the printer to your PC or laptop. It is significant to note that this process will be quite different if you are using a wireless computer printer.
- Locate Printer Settings on your PC. If you are using a Mac, you will find the Printer Settings in the System Preferences while it is located under Control Panel in Windows computers.
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Setting Up New Printer
You will now need to scroll until you find the Add a Printer If you have already located it, then make sure to strictly follow the on-screen instructions.
- You can now check whether the printer is added to your PC or not by running a test print job. All you need to do is to open any document and then simultaneously press the Control and P keys on the keyboard.
- Once you press the keys, you will be able to see a dialogue box on the screen of your device. Locate your new printer from the list of options, select it, and then click on the Print
If you identify that nothing is happening when you are trying to print the document, then you need to ensure that you have put the paper into the right tray. In addition to that, you should also ensure that there are no papers stuck inside your computer printer before you run a new print job. If you are still unable to print documents, get in touch with an expert printer repair technician for further assistance.
Diagnosing and Fixing Common Laser Printer Issues
Fixing Common Issues
The production of fast and quality prints is one reason why offices prefer to use laser printers. They can produce a huge volume of quality printer output within a short time. Laser printers are also cheap and have several advantages when compared to inkjet and dot matrix printer that make them particularly suited for office and home use.
Printing out large volumes of print continuously can result in several issues to develop in the printer especially among its mechanical parts. Most users report persistent issues related to the toner and the output of low-quality prints while regularly using their printer. Below are guidelines for diagnosing and fixing common laser printer issues.
Unable to Install/Remove Toner Cartridges
For most users, it is quite difficult to install or replace the toner cartridge inside the laser printer. Improper installation of the cartridges can result in preventing the normal functioning of the printer. A stuck toner cartridge is a common issue caused due to many factors such as the use of a wrong cartridge model or improper installation.
Disconnect the printer from the power source and open the cover after the device is cooled down. Pull the toner cartridge or drum unit by gently applying force to the handle of the drum by pressing against the lever, switch, or button, depending on the printer model. Use the right toner cartridge model when replacing, then gently press it into place until an audible click is heard.
Slow Printing
A slow printing is due to numerous factors either due to the failure of mechanical components or because of incorrectly configured printer software. Duplex printing, if provided by the printer, must be turned off which decreases the time required for printing. The quality setting of the printer in the printer software may be set improperly.
Frequent Paper Jams
Verify the quality of the print to find out whether it is in draft, standard or highest quality mode. Using the draft mode is preferred for quickly printing large volumes of prints with minimal usage of ink or toner. Moreover, verify if the printer driver is configured properly and update or reinstall the driver if found otherwise.
Frequent Paper Jams
Frequently occurring paper jams can be caused due to numerous issues with the printer. Misalignment of the paper in the feeding tray is the most likely cause of paper jams. Thick papers can also contribute to the issue. For cleaning a paper jam, the stuck paper must be removed from the printer.
For this, disconnect the printer and inspect the paths of the paper movement to find out the cause of the jam. If the paper is protruding from the rollers, hold the paper and gently pull it out by applying uniform pressure. In case the paper is still stuck, consult with the user manual before troubleshooting printer.