Computer Services - Help Pages

HP PSC 1210 and 1315 All-in-one Printer Troubleshooting

Your Printer as a Local Printer

The HP printers installed in the dorm rooms are local printers, unlike the network printers which are installed in labs and classrooms around campus.

How does this make a difference? Networked printers receive print jobs from a number of different computers. As a local printer, you can only print to the printer from one computer - the computer which is plugged directly into it. Additionally, the connection from your computer to the printer is a straight connection which does not interact with the network at all.

Installing New Print Cartridges

• Print cartridges can be purchased in the University bookstore, or at an office supply store (Computer Services does not supply print cartridges to residence hall printers.)
• You must have both a black and color print cartridge installed in the printer, otherwise it will not work properly. The color cartridge should be located on the left and the black on the right.
• Make sure you pull the clear tape from a new print cartridge before installing it.
• In handling printer cartridges, make sure you do not touch the copper contacts or the ink nozzles (under the tape).
• After you replace the cartridge, the printer should print an alignment page. Place this page on the glass and press the [Scan] button to align the cartridges.

If you are having problems with the printer, it may help to do a "self-test" to attain more details about the source of the problem:

1. Press and hold down the [Cancel] button.
2. Press the [Start Copy - Color] button.
3. A self-test report should print that will give more specific information about the problem.
4. Check the "blocks" in the report for streaking or white lines. Missing color blocks may indicate that the cartridge is out of ink. Streaks may indicate clogged nozzles or dirty contacts.
5. Save the report to show to the technician if you are unable to fix the problem, and submit a Computer Service Request explaining the steps you took to attempt to fix the printer.

General Printer Troubleshooting

Clearing Paper Jams

1. Turn off the printer and unplug the power cord. This will allow the paper feed rollers to move freely.
2. Open the rear access door of the printer. Press on the left side and pull the door towards you. It will swing out, and then you can pull it clear of the printer.
3. From the rear access door opening, pull the paper jam towards you. Pull all paper jams out of the back of the printer through the rear access door opening. Pulling paper out the front will cause the pickup rollers to spin the wrong way and can create additional problems.
4. Remove the paper from the paper tray, discard any damaged paper, and then reload the paper supply tray. Do not load too much paper, and only push the paper until you start feeling resistance.
5. Reattach the rear access door.
6. Plug the power cord in, turn the printer on, and try printing again.

Causes and Solutions for Paper Jams and Multiple Page Feeding

• Paper tray is overfilled.
• Paper is pushed too far into the printer.
  Only load paper until you first start to feel resistance. Pushing the paper too far into the paper pickup rollers will cause the printer to pick up multiple pages and start jamming.
• Obstructions in the paper path.
  Make sure there are not wads of paper stuck anywhere in the printer.
• Paper guides are not positioned against the paper.
  Readjust the paper guides according to the appropriate paper width and length.
• Incorrect paper.
  There should be no folds, torn or rough edges on any paper. Stiff, glossy, coated, textured, or specialty papers may not feed properly. Paper that has already been printed on may cause problems.

Understanding the Front Panel Lights

Finally, try this step-by-step troubleshooting resource for more information, 

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