8 Simple Steps to Fixing Your Printer

Technology is being implemented in pretty much every aspect of the business world to optimize employee productivity. However, it seems no matter how far technology has come, one piece of technology will not get with the program.

The Printer!

At Endsight, we suggest calling the Response Center, when printer issues come along. However, when you know what to look for, most printer issues are relatively easy to identify and can be fixed without professional help.

The list below is the steps that we ask our clients to look at when they call us to help figure out if your printer is just being temperamental or if you have a real problem on your hands.

1. Hard restart
   As simple as it seems, unplugging and re-plugging the power cord on the printer can fix many of the little glitches that come along. This is one of the most effective ways to get a printer back on track and functioning normally.
   
   
2. Restart your computer
   Sometimes the issue is not just the printer but remember to hit save before restarting to not lose any of your work.
   
   
3. Check the connections
   Make sure that everything is plugged into where it should be. There have been more than a hand full of times that the printer has had all the cords plugged in, but the other end is not attached to anything.
   If our printer is wireless, try plugging your computer in via USB. Sometimes the Wi-Fi connection can be an issue.
   
   
4. Try printing from another computer
   This is by no means a permanent solution but opening your document on another computer or sending it to a coworker to try printing can be a quick fix when time is limited. If they cannot print, you will know the issue is with the printer and not your device.
   
   
5. Check for error codes
   Is the printer displaying a code? If so, look that error message up online. It will generally tell you exactly what is wrong. If there is no code on the printer, go to the Control Panel on your computer and select Devices and Printers. Click on the printer that is having problems. There may be an error message there instead.
   
   
6. Check the print queue
   In a lot of cases, someone else’s computer issues can be clogging up the queue. If it is possible to clear the problematic print jobs, remove them or contact the person responsible and see if they can remove the item causing the issue for you.
   
   
7. Double-check what printer you have selected
   This might sound silly, but if you have more than one printer in your office, you could be sending it to the wrong place or to an old device that is no longer online. Confirm the name you have selected is the same as on the machine.
   In addition, if you company renames machines, it is a good idea to leave the make and model number apart of the name to ensure all future employees can figure out what it is.
   
   
8. See if there are any updates needed
   Hitting the update later button might seem convenient in the moment, but it can cause issues with how your devices talk to each other. Check if your printer driver needs updates. To do this, go to settings and type in device manager, then right click on the printer you are trying to use. Click update driver and it will ask how you want to search for the driver, pick Search Automatically. It will tell you if you are using the best driver or if you need to pick a better option. If it is installed correctly, your devices will then check to see if you need updates. Once finished, check to see if the printer is working now.

If you have walked through all the tips above and have not found the solution, contact your IT support. Fixing a printer can quickly become more expensive than just replacing it. Especially desktop printers. When printers start having issues, it is normally a steady decline from there. Once the engineer has looked at it, they will have a better idea if this is worth saving or if a new device would be a better fit.

When replacing your printer, make sure to recycle it correctly. Disposing of a printer improperly can lead to hidden security risk. If you are unsure if your devices are at risk, you don’t have to do it alone. We’re supporting businesses just like yours right now, to learn more click the link below.