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Laser Printer Troubleshooting

Last updated August 13, 2009 1:19:41 PM PDT
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If you're having problems with your laser printer, review the tips below for possible solutions. If your symptom is not listed here, or you've tried these solutions and are still having problems, contact Imprints for help.

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Blank pages

The sealing tape or tab may not have been removed from your toner cartridge.

  • Solution: Remove the sealing tape or tab and re-install the cartridge.

Your toner cartridge could be empty.

  • Solution: Replace the toner cartridge.

Black pages

Your toner cartridge could be installed improperly.

  • Solution: Reinstall the toner cartridge. If it still doesn't work, replace the cartridge.

Thin, dark, vertical black lines

Your toner cartridge could be empty or defective.

  • Solution: Check the cartridge and replace if necessary.

Skewed image/ jamming

The paper may be loaded incorrectly.

  • Solution: Reload the paper, checking the paper guides and make sure your paper is loaded under the corner tabs in the paper tray.

Faulty registration/ jamming

Your paper could be too light or heavy.

  • Solution: Check the paper weight specifications for your printer, then load paper stock with the correct specifications.

The paper could be loaded incorrectly, or the paper guides could be out of alignment.

  • Solution: Reload the paper and check the paper guides.

The leading edge of the paper could be curled.

  • Solution: Reload paper that doesn't have curled edges.

The paper tray could be overloaded.

  • Solution: Reload the paper, leaving the tray 1/4" empty from the top.

Light or faded print

Your paper could be too light or heavy.

  • Solution: Check the paper weight specifications for your printer, then load paper stock with the correct specifications.

Your toner cartridge could be empty or low.

  • Solution: Replace the toner cartridge.

Printer could be in TONER SAVE mode.

  • Solution: Check your settings.

Horizontal lines or repetitive defect

The toner cartridge could be not seated properly or defective.

  • Solution: Reinstall the toner cartridge; if that doesn't work, install a new toner cartridge.

Background scatter

Your paper could be too light or heavy.

  • Solution: Check the paper weight specifications for your printer, then load paper stock with the correct specifications.

The paper could be wet.

  • Solution: Change the paper.

The inside of the printer could be dirty.

  • Solution: Arrange to have your printer cleaned.

Dirt on the back of the page

The inside of the printer could be dirty.

  • Solution: Arrange to have your printer cleaned.

Toner might have leaked from the toner cartridge.

  • Solution: Carefully replace the toner cartridge with a new one.

Thin, vertical white lines or stripes

  • The printer could be dirty.

    Solution: Arrange to have your printer cleaned.

  • The toner cartridge may be nearly empty.

    Solution: Replace the toner cartridge.

Compressed or garbled print

  • The print fonts on your document may be incompatible with the printer.

    Solution: Change fonts or simplify your layout.

  • Possible network problem

    Solution: If your printer is networked, contact your IT Dept.

Blank portions on page

The page layout may be too complex.

  • Solution: Simplify the layout, or set Page Protect to ON or AUTO.

You may be printing on legal size paper when the printer software specifies letter size.

  • Solution: Check the settings on your software driver.

Your cartridge may be low on toner.

  • Solution: Replace the toner cartridge.

The printer may not have enough memory.

  • Solution: Simplify the layout, or get a memory upgrade.

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For more information, contact an Imprints expert.