Printing

How do I troubleshoot general printer problems?

1. Is the plugged in and getting power?
   • Check the connection to the power source and make sure it's plugged in tightly at both ends
   • Unplug the power cable and try plugging it in to a different socket on your power strip
2. Is there paper in the printer?
   • Sounds silly, but double check that there is paper in the tray
   • Remove all of the paper, and reinsert it, making sure that it is in straight
3. Is the printer out of ink or toner?
   • On your non-laser printer, look for a flashing light by the cartridge. Replace the ink cartridge on your printer, and restart the unit
   • On your laser printer (desktop or office) the machine will usually display an error about low toner. Replace the toner cartridge
   • Note: Neither ink nor toner are supplied by the IT department, except for network printers in labs
4. Is there a paper jam?
   • Check to make sure there is no paper jammed in your printer. If there is, gently pull it out and restart the unit
   • On large network printers, the display will sometimes indicate the specific location of the jam in your unit
5. Did you get an error message when you tried to print?
   • If you did, make a note of the error.
   • Errors might show up either on your computer's screen, or on the printer's display
6. If you're on a network printer (one that others use) is it installed on your computer?
   • On your desktop, go to 'Start', 'Settings' and open the 'Printers' folder. Verify that the printer is listed there
   • If the printer is there, is it set as your default printer (if you need it to be)? If not, right-click and select 'Set as Default'
   • If the printer is not there, go to http://tcnj40/ipp to install it (you must be logged into Novell for this to work)
7. Have you checked the printer cable?
   • If the printer is a desktop unit, check that the cable from printer to computer is plugged in securely at both ends.
   • If the printer is a network unit, check that the cable from printer to wall jack is plugged in securely at both ends.
8. Is the printer 'paused'?
   • On your desktop, go to 'Start', 'Settings' and open the 'Printers' folder. Right click on the printer with which you're having trouble and make sure 'Pause Printing" is not checked. If it is, click 'Pause Printing' to uncheck it.
9. If you are printing to a network printer (one that other people use) is anyone else in your office having trouble printing to the unit?
   • Make sure that you're connected to the campus network. Open 'My Computer' and verify that you see your network drives (H and S and so forth). If they're not there, reboot your computer and sign in to Novell again (making sure that 'Workstation Only' is unchecked)
   • Check the network cable that connects your computer to the wall jack. Make sure it's plugged in securely at both ends.
10. Try restarting the print spooler
    • On your desktop, click 'Start' and then 'Run'. In the box that appears, type 'services.msc' and click OK. Then type 'stop print spooler service' and hit Enter. Then type 'start service again' and hit Enter.
11. If nothing here works, have you tried power-cycling your printer?
    • Turn off the printer. Then turn off (not 'restart' but 'shut down') the computer. Then reboot the computer and log back in to Novell. Then turn the printer back on.
    • Try sending your print job again.