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P r i n t i n g S y s t e m T r o u b l e s h o o t i n g T h e P r i n t i n g S y s t e m
The Printing System
Printing systems contain hardware and software components which must
work together properly before printing can take place. The printer driver
provides the interface between the software applications that support
printing, the computer’s hardware, and the printer. The basic printing
system consists of the following:
1. Host computer (PC or Macintosh)
2. Application software (word processing, graphics design, desktop
publishing, etc.)
3. Printer driver (specific to your printer and, in some cases, your
application software)
4. Printer cable
5. Printer (HP DeskJet or DeskWriter)
6. The paper or other media upon which printing will take place
Note
Printing systems in networks may contain a somewhat
different configuration of hardware and software.
HP ColorSmart printer drivers not only provide the hardware/software
interface, but also allow bi-directional communication between the printer
and the computer. Bi-directional communication allows printing
information to flow from the computer to the printer, and printer status and
error information to flow back from the printer to the computer.
Resolving Printing System Problems
Many printer problems and their solutions are reported in error messages
that appear on the computer’s screen. When one of these messages is
received, follow the instructions given. Check the HP DeskJet Status
Monitor (MS Windows users) or the Print Monitor (Macintosh) for
information on the current status of the printer.
If you haven’t received an error message on the computer’s screen but
have noted a problem with your printer, read through the troubleshooting
topics that follow to find one that matches your printer’s symptoms.