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Troubleshooting Hints
The table below describes DeskJet and DeskWriter printing system
problems along with their causes and solutions.
Note
To save time diagnosing printing system problems, the
Possible Cause column in the table below is given with the
most likely cause listed first. If the printing system does not
respond correctly after trying the first solution, proceed the
next, etc.
Printing System Problems, Causes and Solutions
Problem Possible Cause Solution
Printer does
not print.
(Power light on,
Form Feed
light off)
The printer driver is
still preparing data
to send to the
printer.
Wait a few minutes. Some computers take several
minutes of processing time before sending any data
to the printer.
The interface
connection or the
interface cable has
failed.
1. Verify the interface cable is an approved interface
cable. (Must conform to IEEE 1284-B standards)
2. The interface cable may be faulty. Check the
interface cable connections or try another
interface cable.
3. Wrong interface connection. For example, the
printer is connected to the serial port (e.g. COM1)
rather than a parallel interface port.
Failure of the host
computer.
1. Verify the host is operating correctly by printing
to another printer.
2. The computer-to-printer connection has failed.
Unplug the printer from the host computer and try
printing a self-test. If the self-test prints OK,
verify the host computer and interface cable are
functional by printing to a different printer using
the same printer port and printer cable.
The problem is
caused by TSR
programs or the
application
software.
1. Close (or “rem-out”) any screen saver or other
TSR (Terminate Stay Resident) software
programs (such as MacDisk) that are open and
running in the background. Restart your
computer.
2. Your software program is not set up for the
printer. Follow the instructions in your software
program manual for setting up the software to run
with the printer.
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