XP Drivers

Printer Cable:

One of the most common sources of printing problems is the printer cable. Normal wear and tear can damage one or more of the wires or pins in the connectors of your cable.

Cable problems simple to diagnose and correct. The fastest way to troubleshoot a cable with no obvious defects is to substitute a known good cable and see if the problem goes away. Or, you can place your questionable cable on a system that is having no problems, to see if your problems follow the cable.

Printer driver problems:

Another common printer problem is that your drivers are defective or out of date. You might even have the wrong one. This can result in all sorts of strange gibberish on the printed page. If you selected the wrong printer driver for the printer you are trying to use, you may need to purge the print jobs that are hung up in the spooler as well as reset the printer to remove any bad data that remains in its buffer.

It’s also possible that you have the correct printer driver but that it isn’t configured properly for the amount of RAM installed in your printer. If the driver is set for more RAM than the printer actually has, an overflow can occur. This might go unnoticed for a long time. It may appear only when you have a large print job or pages with lots of graphics.

Sometimes there are known issues with a printer driver that crop up only under certain circumstances. Make sure that you have the latest printer drivers for your operating system and printer installed. (To do this, check the manufacturer’s web site.)

Whenever you install a printer driver, make sure that all of the setting options are correct for your individual printer. This not only includes the RAM settings, but also settings like the source tray for the paper, the paper size and orientation, the timeout settings, and the print resolution.

Port Type
Another problem might be that your parallel port settings are incorrect in your CMOS setup. (Assuming that the parallel port is integrated on the motherboard.) First, see if Windows is giving any indication of a problem in Device Manager. To do this, click Start, Settings, Control Panel, and then double-click on the System icon. Now select the Device Manager tab. If there is a problem with the on-board parallel port settings, you will see a flag on the device, indicating a discrepancy. Highlight the parallel port and click Properties to view the device status. Next, click Resources to check out any resource conflicts.

It’s possible that when you last installed a component, you created a resource conflict that didn’t appear until later when you tried to print. If a conflict is indicated, try changing the resources that the offending device is using.

Testing the parallel port
Diagnostic software such as CheckIt or Norton Utilities can test the integrity of your port by using a loop-back plug attached to your parallel port. This type of test can also be performed on your serial ports. Make sure that you use a loop-back plug compatible with the testing software.

The loop-back plug test may not find every parallel port problem, but if it does indicate a problem, it’s probably accurate.

If you find a bad parallel port on a motherboard with integrated peripherals, you can disable the port in the CMOS Setup and install an add-on parallel port if you have an unused ISA slot. But check prices before you do this. You may be able to replace your motherboard with a new one for very little more than the cost of a new parallel port card.

Check the CMOS
If you find no resource conflicts, try changing the port type in the CMOS. Run the CMOS Setup program, open the Integrated Peripherals menu, and select the parallel port type settings. Press [F1] to view the default setting. If the default setting isn’t specified, try changing the mode to the default. You can also try setting to another value the memory address that the port is using. Start with the default setting and then restart the computer and try printing again. Windows will probably find what it considers new hardware and install the proper software during the start up process. Note: This is the process I followed on my computer. However, since every CMOS is different, your system may require you to change the port type in a different manner. Documentation may accompany your computer or motherboard (if it was custom built).

There are a lot of things that can go wrong with a printer. If you’ve eliminated all other possibilities and have decided that the printer is the culprit, consult the manual that came with your printer for user-serviceable items.

The new generation of inkjet printers has the capability of printing at a very high resolution. To achieve this resolution, you must choose from a variety of high-quality papers available. If you’re using standard quality inkjet paper, there is no benefit from choosing a very high resolution. The print speed will be greatly influenced by the resolution you select.

Don’t try to use the paper designed for an ink jet printer in your laser printer. This paper is not compatible with the high temperatures present in a laser printer.

If your laser printer has begun to print pages with some of the areas of the page appearing lighter than the rest, your toner cartridge may be a little low on toner. To get the maximum life from a toner cartridge, make sure that the remaining toner is evenly distributed in the cartridge. Do this by removing the cartridge from the printer and, while holding it in the same orientation that it rests in when installed, gently rock it back and forth, tilting it about 45 degrees in each direction. The object is to make toner available over the whole width of the drum. Be careful not to shake the cartridge too vigorously.

While you have the printer open and the cartridge removed, take the time to clean it out. Follow the directions in the owner’s manual carefully so as to not damage anything.

Is your Xerox printer not working? Missing Drivers? Does your software need to be updated?

To update your Xerox printer drivers or software, follow these easy steps:

Click Here to go to the Xerox driver update page. Follow the steps to identify your printer.

After you have selected your device, you will be directed to a screen that has information pertinent to your device. You can download the drivers and from this page, as well as any software updates the device might need.

Save the download to your computer and double click on it to run. Follow the screen prompts.

Installing a USB Printer – For printers that are linked to a computer by a USB cable. Here’s how locate problems with and update your printer driver:

A USB printer is linked to your computer by a USB cable. This cable should come with your printer, but if not can be found easily at any electronic store. One end of the USB cable is a simple male USB connector, the other end is a special “Type B” USB connector. The USB connector fits easily into your computer, the other end goes into your printer. If it doesn’t fit in easily, try rotating the cable.

To link your computer with your printer, plug in the USB cable, and turn the power to your printer on. You will notice a pop up warning that new hardware is being installed and that Windows will try to find the drivers for it. (At this point, you will not see your printer online yet.) Now you need to install the drivers for your particular printer. If you have the original CD that came with your printer, you can try to install the drivers from it first. However, these CDs become outdated, and you might have better luck going directly to the manufacturer’s web site to download the most up to date driver for your printer.

I am going to use an HP printer as an example. Search in Google for whatever manufacturer your printer is. (Click here for a directory of popular printer manufacturers.) The directions from my example will be very similar for whatever brand your printer is.

Go to www.hp.com Click on “Support & Drivers” tab at the top

Follow the steps to identify your printer.

Once the correct printer is identified, select your operating system.

Now you will see a list of drivers available for download. Also, if there are software updates you can download them from this page as well.

By clicking on one of the links, you are redirected to a webpage that explains (in most of the cases) what the software products is designed to do. That page contains the actual download link.

By clicking on the download link, a download window appears. Then choose a location where to save the file to. (I suggest creating a separate folder, name it after your printer and burn it on a CD later (it will save you from repeating this process whenever you format your hard drive or install a new version of Windows). After you have saved the file, go to that location, and double click it. It will bring up a warning window and you choose to run or cancel it. (Since we know it is downloaded from the manufacturer’s official website, it does not contain any viruses, spyware, or adware.) Click Run: and follow the prompts.

Printer causing you headaches? Here are some fixes to common printer problems:

Paper Jams – Paper jams are usually caused by because the printer is dirty, the printer rollers that feed the paper through the printer are worn out, or you are using the wrong type of paper. Cleaning your printer is an easy fix, check your instruction manual to find out how to clean your particular printer. Even easier is making sure you are using the correct type of paper for your printer. Replacing the rollers on your printer can be tricky though. Check your instruction manual to see if the rollers are easily accessible. If not, you might want to have a repair shop replace these for you. Some printers have to be torn apart to get to the rollers. Remember when clearing a paper jam, to pull the paper in the direction of the paper path. Pulling the paper backwards can cause damage to your printer.

Ghosting – Ghosting means the image prints properly, but a much lighter copy of the image also prints elsewhere. This is usually caused by a problem with the power outlet that is supplying power to the printer. Check the power outlet by plugging in a different printer to see if the same results occur. Ghosting can also be caused when consumable printer parts (such as the drum or imaging kit) are near the end of their life. All of the consumable parts in a printer are rated for a certain number of pages. Once a printer gets near that magic number, you’ll need to replace those parts to eliminate ghosting.

Toner smears - If words and images come off the paper when you run your hand across the page, there are a few possible problems. First, the fuser assembly may be damaged or at the end of its life. The solution is to replace the fuser assembly. Repairing a fuser assembly is generally not recommended because the fuser is considered a consumable printer part and not worth the time or effort to fix. Second, the toner cartridge may be defective and letting too much toner out at one time. In a black-and-white laser printer, the solution is to replace the toner cartridge. In a color laser printer, only replace the cartridge that is exhibiting the problem. Third, some toner may have spilled in the printer. If so, you’ll need to clean it out.

The Ink Looks Faded – A faded print image can be caused because of low toner, setting the print density too low, or having Economode printing turned on. To find out what your settings are, run a printer self-test (typically a separate button on the printer) will show what the current settings are. If the toner is low, you can extend the life of it a bit by removing the cartridge and shaking it to redistribute the toner more evenly.

Printer is displaying a 50.4 error message – A 50.4 error message on some of the newer HP LaserJet printers indicates a problem with the power supply. If the printer is connected to a UPS, disconnect it, or disconnect it from a power strip and plug it directly into a wall outlet. A laser printer should never be plugged into a UPS, because the UPS can be damaged by the surges of power required by a printer to keep the fuser assembly warm.

Can’t find a driver for a particular operating system – As new operating systems are released, new drivers will need to be loaded for your existing printers. Not all printers have a driver for every OS. In these cases, it’s best to consult the printer manual and find out what printers the drivers will emulate. While not all of the functionality of the printer will be available under this emulation, at least basic printing will work. For example, most HP printers will print with the HP LaserJet II driver installed, although specific options, such as duplexing, will not work.

Printer is displaying a 79 error – A 79 error can occur because of a problem with the network print server that services the printer. When troubleshooting a 79 error, first open the Printer folder from the Start menu on the Print server to make sure there are no jobs pending. A 79 error can also indicate a failure of a printer add-on component, such as an MIO card or a RAM module. All add-ons should be removed and then added back to the printer one by one to determine which module may be at fault.

Trouble printing onto envelopes – Envelopes can cause many problems for laser printers. Choose envelopes that are close to 20-lb paper in weight and thickness. Also, make sure that the adhesive on the envelope is capable of withstanding the heat that the fuser puts out to keep the printing on the page. If you don’t, the envelopes will come out of the printer already sealed. If envelopes are coming out of the printer wrinkled, they may be too stiff for the paper path. Open the rear of the printer and let them exit at that location instead.

Printer is not printing from the expected paper tray – Check first on your computer to see if the application is set to print to the wrong paper tray. Correct it from the application by clicking on “Printer Properties” and finding the “Tray Selection” source. Also, check the printer, to see if the paper sizes in the control panel match what is actually in the paper trays.

Printer picks up all the paper from the manual feed tray rather than one sheet – The pad that is responsible for separating the paper might be worn out and need to be replaced. You can order just the pad and easily install it. Also, check to see if your paper is wet due to humidity. Make sure the paper is properly stored and that it is “fanned” before putting it into the printer.

Laser printers are dropping in price, and the newer ones have some great features. They are fast, can handle a high workload and offer wonderful quality print jobs. However, when something goes wrong with your printer, most people just assume they need a new one and start shopping for the one with the latest features. By checking a few things and replacing some parts, your printer can work like new again!

Laser printers have features to help you troubleshoot your printer problems. Even the most basic laser printer has a button that lets you print a demo page that helps you troubleshoot problems. Some of the more high-end printers (Such as the HP LaserJet 4000) have a display screen and menu system that allow you to configure the printer. It also comes in handy for troubleshooting. The menus consist of the Information menu, Paper Handling menu, Print Quality menu, Printing menu, Configuration menu, Input/Output (I/O) menu, Enhanced Input/Output (EIO) menu, and Resets menu. Each menu contains several items that either perform an action or allow you to configure a feature on the printer.

The LaserJet 4000’s control panel contains four buttons for navigating the various menus. (Menu, Item, Value, and Select.) To enter the menu systems, press the Menu button. The display will show the menu or item that you are currently using. To select an item from the menu, press the Item button. If the item allows you to perform an action, such as printing a configuration page, you can press the Select button to initiate the request. If you want to select a new value for an item, press the Value button until the appropriate selection is displayed and then press the Select button to change the value.

If you would like to see the current settings of the LaserJet 4000’s configuration, you can print a menu map, which shows each menu, item, and value on the report. To list the map, press the Menu button and then press the Item button until Print Menu Map is displayed. When you press the Select button, the menu map will be printed.

You can also use the menu to print a configuration page by pressing the Item button until Print Configuration is displayed. Then press the Select button. This configuration page will give you information on the printer’s serial number, the status of accessories, such as an internal JetDirect card, and a brief error log. By printing this page, you will also be testing the paper path and printing capability of the printer.

The LaserJet 4000 also keeps an event log that shows the last 30 errors that occurred on the printer. The page count is also displayed on the report, allowing you to determine how often an error has occurred and whether or not it has occurred recently. To print the event log, navigate through the Information menu to Print Event Log and then press the Select button.

You can test the paper path with the Print Paper Path Test item found on the Configuration menu. After selecting the item, use the Value button to select a 10-, 50-, or 100-page test. Then press the Select button to begin the test.

Paper Jams

Paper jams are the most common problem for any printer. Moving a very thin piece of paper through a mechanical device requires great precision. Things like worn rollers or small scraps of paper can quickly erode these engineering marvels and cause the paper to get stuck or tear. Usually, paper jams are easy to locate and fix. In the case of the Hewlett-Packard 4000, the display will show the “13.x Paper Jam” message and specify the location of the sensor that has detected the paper jam allowing you to quickly locate and clear the jam. For example, a 13.01 Paper Jam message means that there is a paper feed problem in the input tray area, and a 13.05 Paper Jam message indicates a jam in the fuser area.

Some of the more common areas to find paper jams in laser printers are the paper trays, the area near the toner cartridge, the fuser, the output bin, and any location where the paper makes contact with a roller or bends. Also, optional items such as envelope feeders, duplexers, and additional paper trays are notorious for causing paper jams.

When you find the paper jam, check to see if you can see what caused the paper jam to occur. Are there paper scraps, lots of dust buildup, loose parts, incorrectly installed parts such as the toner cartridge, etc. When you remove the paper, pull it slowly and gently so that you don’t tear it. If you do tear it, make sure you get all the little pieces, or they will cause another paper jam.

If you can’t figure out what is causing multiple paper jams, try to isolate the problem. Use the manual feed tray to check if the toner, fuser, and output assembly are working correctly. If the page prints out okay, the problem is probably in an area between the paper trays and the toner cartridge.

If you have more than one paper tray in the printer, remove all of the trays except one and print some test pages to see if the jam still occurs. Continue to print from each tray until you have narrowed down where the problem might be. If the printer has additional components such as an envelope feeder or duplexer, remove them until you can locate the source of the jam. Occasionally, one of these components will cause paper jams. Often the duplexer is the culprit.

Another area where paper jams occur is with the roller mechanism that moves the paper through the printer. Over time, these rollers become worn out and slippery, allowing the paper to feed erratically or not at all. Since the input rollers and output bin rollers are used the most, they will often wear out. Rollers are pretty inexpensive and easy to replace.

Environmental problems can also cause paper jams. High humidity and static can cause the paper to stick together more than normal and can cause paper-feed jams in the paper input area. In addition, paper that has been in a paper tray for a long period of time can also stick together, especially on smaller printers that feed the paper into the printer vertically, like in the Hewlett-Packard LaserJet 1100.

There are simple tricks you can use to reduce the number of paper jams you have. First, make sure that you are using high-quality paper made for a laser printer and not a copier. While you may save a few dollars on cheaper paper, using good quality 20-pound paper will reduce the number of paper jams.  If you have any doubt as to what type of paper to use in your HP laser printer, you can request a copy of the free HP paper specification guide. If you are using a different printer manufacturer, you should be able to contact its support division for advice.

Second, clean your printer frequently. It only takes a few minutes. Check for scraps of paper, and dust. (Use a vacuum cleaner or compressed air to clean the printer.) Check the rollers to see if they are worn out, and run a test page to see if the output is free from smudges, streaks, and spots. Printing a sheet with very little type or images on it should help you locate these types of problems.

Error Messages
50.x Fuser Error message indicates a problem with the fuser. This is a common error. Turn your printer off for about 20 minutes and see if this fixes the problem, but usually when you get this message, you need to install a new fuser. If you check the page count and the printer is due for a maintenance kit, you may want to go ahead and install one. This kit takes only a few minutes to install and includes paper tray rollers, a manual tray feed roller, transfer roller, and fuser. To reset the page count to 0, hold down the Item and Value buttons when you turn on the printer.

The 62.x Printer Error alerts you to a problem with the printer’s onboard RAM. The value of x reflects the number of the actual DIMM slot where the problem occurred, making it easy for you to determine which DIMM to replace.

If you don’t have very much RAM, sometimes a page will be sent to the printer that it cannot interpret, causing the 21 Page Too Complex and Press Go To Continue messages to be alternately displayed. To clear these messages, you can press the Cancel Job button or change the Configuration menu item Page Protect value to On. Temporarily changing this value will allow the job to be printed without losing data, although it may not be formatted correctly. After the job prints, change the value back to Auto so that the printer’s performance does not degrade.

While the error messages that your specific model of printer displays may be different, the problems shown in this section are quite common for most of today’s laser printers.

Printer maintenance messages

Most printers keep a page count of the total number of pages that have been printed by the device. Not only is this a useful feature for determining usage but it also allows the printer to notify you when certain components such as rollers and the fuser should be replaced. (For example, the HP 4000 requires maintenance to be performed every 150,000 pages. When the printer reaches this page count, it displays the Perform Printer Maintenance message. You should then order and install a printer maintenance kit. Replacing the components in this kit according to the manufacturer’s recommendation will give your printer a healthy tune-up and cut down on future service calls.)

If these tips don’t solve your printer problem, try searching the manufacturer’s Web site for additional support information. There is an excellent HP support page that contains areas to download drivers, ask questions, and order replacement parts. While not all manufacturers have great support sites, most provide helpful technical information for their printers when you contact them.

When connecting devices to your computer, make sure that you have the proper cables. For printers, USB is the most common type.

If you are unsure what type of cord you need, check your manual. (If you can’t find it, most manuals can be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website. Search by model name which is located on your printer.)

Some things to look for when buying a USB cable for your printer:

• Most printer-compatible USB cables have a flat “A” plug and a squarish “B” plug. The A end goes into a USB port on the back of your computer, and the B end is plugged into the back of the printer.
• Make sure the cord is long enough. (The standard 3 ft size is rarely long enough to connect the printer to the computer. I would buy one that is at least 6 ft.)
• Some cables have gold contacts, heavy shielding, or some other gimmick. These are generally unnecessary for printing, but shielding may be prudent if you have a cordless phone installed near your printer.

Although the Epson 1400 inkjet printer does not have a network port, it is possible to add it as a device on your wireless network. After the printer has been set up, all computers on the local network will be able to send print jobs to the Epson 1400 wirelessly.

Here’s how to set it your printer so that all computers on the local network can send print jobs to the Epson 1400. (In order to use wireless printing with an Epson 1400 printer, you must have a wireless router with a USB port.)

• Shut the Epson 1400 printer off and move it close to your wireless router.
• Connect a standard USB cable between the Epson 1400 printer and the available USB port on your wireless router.
• Plug the Epson 1400 printer’s power cable into a standard electrical outlet and turn the printer on. The wireless router will now recognize the new device and begin sharing its signal on the wireless network.
• Open the Start menu on a PC computer and click on “Printers and Faxes.” Then choose the “Add a printer” option and select “Network printer.” After the computer scans and finds the Epson 1400, select it and click “Finish” to complete the printer setup
• Open System Preferences on a Mac computer and go to the “Print & Fax” control panel. Click on the plus symbol and then go to the “Default” tab at the top of the window. Choose the Epson 1400 from the list of available printers and click on the “Add” button at the bottom of the window.

If you need to install an HP printer and you don’t have the disk, follow the steps below:

1. Identify your model number. Most HP printers place the model number on the front or back of the printer. The model number displays as “HP Photosmart C4480″ or similar.
2. Go to the HP Support website to download the appropriate drivers. Enter your model number and choose your operating system (Windows XP, Vista, etc.) to download the correct drivers.
3. Connect the printer to your computer
4. Open your computer’s Start menu and select “Control Panel,” and then select “Printers” under “Hardware.” Click on “Add a Printer.” Use the recommended port to install the printer.
5. Select the brand (HP) of your printer, then select the model number. Click “Next” and allow the wizard to install your printer. Print a test page to make sure it works correctly.

If you are having trouble with the quality of your printer, here are some things to try:

• Redistribute the toner in the toner cartridge
• Clean the inside of the printer
• Adjust the print density
• Check the paper type and quality
• Replace the toner cartridge, then check the print quality again.

If a vertical white streak or faded area appears on the page:

• The toner cartridge toner supply is could be low. Remove the toner cartridge from the printer and rotate it back and forth. If shaking the cartridge does not improve the print quality, replace the toner cartridge.
• The print density might be set too light. Adjust the density adjustment setting from the control panel (1 is light; 5 is dark).

If sharp black vertical streaks appear on the page, the photosensitive drum inside the toner cartridge has probably been scratched. Replace the toner cartridge.

If smeared black vertical streaks appear, the fuser may be bad. Inspect the rollers for scratches and escessive wear, and, if necessary, replace the fusing assembly.

If there are areas that are faded-out:

• The moisture content of the paper could be uneven, or the paper might have moist spots on its surface. Try paper from a different source.
• The paper lot might be bad. The manufacturing process can cause some areas to reject toner. Try paper from a different source.
• The transfer roller could be dirty. Replace the transfer roller

If toner smears appear on the leading edge of the paper, the paper guides might be dirty. Clean the printer.

If toner on the paper is loose or can be wiped off easily, your fuser may be damaged. See your service representative.

If the amount of background toner shading becomes unacceptable, try:

• Increasing the density setting. This will decrease the amount of background shading.
• Change the paper to a lighter basis weight.
• Check the printer’s environment; very dry (low humidity) conditions can increase the amount of background shading.
• Replace the toner cartridge
• Replace the transfer roller (see ‘Transfer Roller’ in Chapter 7).

If marks appear repeatedly on the printed side of the page:

• The toner cartridge could be damaged. The circumference of the toner cartridge drum is 3 3/4 inches (95 mm). If a repetitive mark occurs every 3 3/4 inches on the page, replace the toner cartridge.
• The developer roller is defective. If a repetitive mark occurs every 2 inches (51 mm) on the page, replace the toner cartridge.
• The charger roller in the toner cartridge is defective. If a horizontal black line occurs every 1 1/2 inches (38 mm), replace the toner cartridge.
• The transfer roller has toner on it. If the defects occur every 2 1/6 inches (53 mm) on the black page, the problem will likely correct itself after a few more pages.

If characters are improperly formed, producing hollow characters, your paper stock mat be too slick. Try a different paper.

If characters are improperly formed, producing a wavy effect, the laser scanner needs service. Call your authorized HP dealer or HP service representative

If a vertical line appears on the page’s margin (usually the right margin) after printing about 10,000 pages, the drum in your toner cartridge is wearing out. The line will grow wider, with cross-hatching. Replace the toner cartridge. Shaking the cartridge will not temporarily relieve the problem.