Printer Repair

How to Find Cheap, Reliable Printer Repair

Computers have become an essential part of our business and personal lives, and a lot of the information we compose on and obtain from them requires printing! When printers fail us and won't print something we need, it can sure be frustrating. The good news is that there are some simple troubleshooting steps you can take to help you either repair the problem or determine if you need to have the printer serviced by a professional.

In general, it's a smart idea to follow a few general maintenance tips to keep your printer in good working order, and to prevent any serious printer repair needs. Be sure to properly turn the machine off and on through the power button. Do not unplug the machine, or leave it on when not in use. Some mechanisms inside need to return to a "resting position" inside the printer, and unplugging or leaving the machine on usually means the components remain in "active" position. This can cause unnecessary wear and tear on the parts.

When troubleshooting any printing problems, the first step is always to consult your owner's manual for printer repair steps. It usually offers several helpful tips that are specific to your make and model of printer. In general, many printer repair problems can be fixed with a few simple steps.

Check the toner and ink cartridges. If a cartridge is running low, sometimes the toner will settle on one side or other of the cartridge housing. Removing the cartridge and quickly shaking it can sometimes dislodge or unsettle the toner powder and, depending on how much more life is left in the cartridge, give you at least a few more quality printouts. Be sure to return the toner/ink cartridge to its correct position, as an improperly installed cartridge is another common problem when your printer won't do its job.

Try a test printout and check to see if the paper is moving from its tray. Sometimes the problem is not with the ink but the paper-related mechanisms. If you can manual-feed a page, but not have paper be fed automatically from the tray, you may have pinpointed your issue.

Another potential problem is the common issue of the "paper jam". Make sure your paper tray is not overloaded. If there is a jam, you can follow the manufacturer's instructions to pinpoint how to safely remove any stuck pieces of paper.

If your computer is giving you a specific error message, look for this error message listed in your owner's manual, follow the instructions for printer repair, or call the manufacturer's customer service department. There are some manufacturers that have printer repair kits with replacement parts for specific problems that you can order online or over the phone.