Printer problem

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussions' started by Abner, Jan 2, 2010.

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  1. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member

    When I print things out, my printer goes through the usual motions, however, the pages are coming out with no printing on the page (blank pages). The ink cartridges are fine. Any ideas?

    Abner
     
  2. -kevin-

    -kevin- Resident Redneck

    Abner,

    What kind of printer? Make and model?

    Have you printed (or tried to print) a test page directly from the printer? not using your computer.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 2, 2010
  3. sentinel

    sentinel New Member

    Also, has the printer produced correct output previously and is now only producing blank pages?
     
  4. emmzee

    emmzee New Member

    Another answering a question with a question :D What is the model # of your printer? Often in the printer manual (which you can likely download from the manufacturer's site) they will have a list of frequently asked questions.

    For example, for my printer (a Brother MFC-885CW) the manual recommends cleaning the print heads if the printer is printing blank pages ... you'd have to check the manual for your own printer to find out how to do that.
     
  5. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator


    Have you removed the printer drivers adn reinstalled them? That seems to fix a lot of issues if printers just stop working for unknown reasons.
     
  6. TMW2009

    TMW2009 New Member

    I'm assuming its an inkjet printer, since you say cartridges (multiple).

    If you've had the printer for a while, the nozzles may be clogged..

    First print a test page from the printer itself (usually a button combo on the printer.) If it comes out fine, its probably a printer driver issue. If it comes out blank or spotty, it's probably clogged nozzles. I have a canon color printer that I have to do this with if I don't use it for a while, before it starts printing again.

    An easy way to remedy this is:
    take the cartridges out.
    • Take a q-tip with rubbing alcohol and gently clean the area where the cartridges sit. The q-tip's end is probably very colorful now. You may have to do this a few times (with multiple q-tips) until you don't see any extra ink on the end of the q-tip. You only need a little rubbing alcohol when you do this, you don't have to drench the q-tip.
    • Replace the cartridges.
    • Run another test page.
    • If its better but still spotty, repeat. If its not better, it may be a bigger problem. Also, you should have a program that came with the printer that will clear the nozzles, run that as well at this point, because that can help once the dried ink is loosened by the alcohol.
    Good luck!
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 2, 2010
  7. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member


    Yes, I see a very faint black print, but it is almost non existant. I have a brother MFC-3240C.

    Abner
     
  8. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member


    I am going to give that a try.

    Thanks,

    Abner
     
  9. -kevin-

    -kevin- Resident Redneck

  10. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member

    Excellent! I am going to try these things tonight. I have friends over right now.

    Thanks!

    Abner
     
  11. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member


    Thanks everybody! I cleaned everything out and made the printer/fax manually clean everything according to the instructions Sentinel provided from the Brother FAQ section.

    Happy 2010!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


    Abner :) :)
     
  12. markroberson

    markroberson New Member

    I am also going to try this now....! Will share my experience after trying it ,....!! Hope it will work now...:) Well, Thank you for the nice information shared with us.
     
  13. BananRama

    BananRama New Member

    You know appliances have greatly reduced previous problems and created new ones. I do not want to add anything more to what have been said. Hopefully your problem will be solved.
     

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