Jump to content - Jump to section navigation
Difficulties with printing are some of the most common problems that users experience. There are usually many possible causes. Try approaching printing problems as follows:
1. Check the print settings in the application. From the File menu, select Print. Make sure the correct printer is specified in the dialog box.
2. The next thing to determine is if you are printing to a local printer or a network printer. Local printers are typically attached to either the serial (round connector) or USB (flat connector) port on your computer. If the printer is local, check that the cable is firmly attached at both ends. If the printer is on the network, test your network connection by trying to connect to the Web or retrieve your e-mail. If this is successful, the connection is good and the source of the problem is elsewhere.
3. Check that the printer is on and ready to print. Look for warning lights or error messages such as Out of Paper or Paper Jam. If anyone else in your office uses the same network printer, ask them if they are able to print.
4. Check that the ink or toner cartridge is securely inserted and not empty.
5. Turn the printer off and on to clear its memory.
6. Because documents are queued before they are printed, you need free space on your hard drive before you can print. The amount of space required will depend on your document and your operating system, but generally if you have less than 50 megs or so of free space, you're likely to run into both printing and system performance problems.
To determine the amount of free disk space on your computer:
7. If your document contains complex graphics or numerous fonts, it is possible that your printer does not have enough memory to print. Try printing a small, simple document. If it works, you will need to add memory to the printer if you want to print complex documents. Otherwise, try printing to a different printer with more memory.
8. Make sure the print queue is not stopped. Click on the Desktop printer icon, then select the Printing menu. Make sure there is a check mark next to Start Print Queue.
9. If you still cannot print, try reinstalling the printer driver. Go to the Desktop and drag the printer's icon to the Trash. Open the Chooser, select Laserwriter 8 and click Create. Note that to reinstall the printer driver, you will need to obtain the disks or CD that came with the printer.
10. If you still cannot print, please contact the help desk at 9-UNET if you are a student, or the IT Service Center at 6-SRVC if you are faculty or staff. Be sure to note any error messages that you have encountered.
