Friday, July 2, 2010

Tips for Troubleshoot a Printer Cartridge

If your ink jet printer is not working properly it is important to check the print cartridges first. The print cartridges are a common source of problems with print quality.

Step 1
Use the print menu to align the print cartridges. If the print cartridges are misaligned they will not be able to print properly, resulting in poor color and imaging quality. The procedure for aligning print cartridges will vary by manufacturer, so consult the printer's manual. In Windows, you can often access the alignment menu by clicking "Start," choosing "All Programs," navigating to the name of the printer manufacturer and choosing "Align" from the menu.

Step 2
Clean the print cartridge nozzles. This should be done if the printer has gone unused for more than a month. Cleaning can usually be done via the same software utility used to align the cartridges.

Step 3
Lift the printer cover. The print cartridges will automatically move to the middle of the printer. Look at the print cartridges for any obvious signs of damage, like a cracked cover or dent.

Step 4
Lift up the flap that covers the print cartridge, then carefully pull the top of the cartridge forward until you hear a click. Pull the cartridge free of the printer and turn it upside down.

Step 5
Look for any dried ink on the bottom of the print cartridge where it fits into the printer. Use a cotton swab or a clean lint-free cloth to remove that dried ink. Set the ink cartridge aside, being sure to lay it on its side.

Step 6
Look at the interior of the printer where the ink cartridges fit into the printer. Look for any dried or caked ink and remove anything you find using the cotton swab or a clean cloth. After all dirt, debris and ink residue has been removed, replace the print cartridges and close the printer cover.

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