Archive for January, 2011

If you have an HP inkjet printer connected to a Windows computer or network, you may encounter a svchost.exe error message that will appear on your computer screen.  This error usually coincides with the CPU, or processor, being completely occupied at 100%.  When the problem is related to your printer, it is generally caused by the HP Network Devices Support service.  It is important to understand that this error message may appear as a result of Windows updates, which are unrelated to your printer.  You can download a utility called Process Explorer to help you identify the root of the error.

The actual error will read “svchost.exe has encountered a problem and needs to close.” Once you have determined that the issue is related to your HP printer, here are a few steps you can take to resolve the problem:

Printer Driver

Uninstall your current HP printer driver and install the latest driver that is available.  There are a few ways that you can install the printer driver.  You can purchase the most current software CD to load the new driver, download it from the HP website, or attempt to find the latest driver through Windows Update.

HP Network Devices Support

This service is automatically configured when an HP printer is installed, but is only needed when the printer is being shared.  If only one computer is connected to the printer via USB, though, this service is not necessary.  Changing the service to require a manual start-up fix the spiking of the CPU.

1. Go to the Start menu and right-click Computer.
2. Select Manage and double-click Services and Applications.
3. Double-click Services.
4. Find HP Network Devices Support in the list and right-click it.
5. Select All Tasks, which is where you can manually pause, stop, start, restart, or resume the service.
6. Go to Properties, click the General tab, and go to the Startup Type dropdown.
7. Select Manual. (This determines how the service starts when Windows starts.)

Change to a static IP address

In some cases, changing to a static IP address can alleviate the problem. See the video below for a walkthrough of the process:

If none of these processes fix the problem, you may wish to contact Microsoft Support for more in-depth solutions.

These days, so many machines on the market have multiple purposes that it is rare to find someone solely looking for a copier.  But if you are in need of a copy machine for the office, it is important to understand what features you should be looking for to determine the best device for your needs.  Here are a few of the primary characteristics:

Paper Capacity

First, you need to have a grasp of the approximate daily volume of tasks and the pace in which the duplicates need to be made.  Based on that information, find a machine that holds an appropriate amount of paper so it won’t have to be restocked multiple times each day.  Some small copy machines have a paper capacity of a few hundred sheets while heavy-duty copiers can hold thousands of sheets at one time.  Choose wisely – too much is a waste of money but too little is a waste of time.

Duplex Options

Many multipurpose machines can print in duplex mode, but many units cannot duplex copy.  The difference is, when making copies of two-sided documents, the unit must support duplex scanning as well.  Typically a copier with a flatbed scanner will also include an automatic document feeder for duplex copying.

Copy Speed

How busy is your office?  Do you have customers waiting for copies to be made or deadlines that need to be met daily?  Copy speed is essential in time-sensitive environments, especially.  Speed is affected by the size of the memory and processor, complexity of documents, paper path (single-pass or multi-pass), and the mode that is set.  Inkjet copiers will typically be slower than laser copiers. Be sure you purchase a copy machine that meets your needs in terms of speed – after all, time is money.

Duty Cycle

Just like with the paper capacity, you have to understand how many copies are made each day and each week.  Machines are comprised of many components that will get worn down and require maintenance after so many duplicates.  This is reflected in the maximum duty cycle, which is the maximum number of copies that can be made per month, per the manufacturer, without negatively affecting the copier.  You want to get a device that has a duty cycle slightly beyond your needs, as the recommended duty cycle is usually much less than the maximum.

The “ility”s

Expandability, versatility, affordability.  These three things vary in importance depending on your office.  If you are a small company with a tight budget, the price tag and cost of maintenance needs to be seriously considered before any choices are made.  You may even have to sacrifice some other elements to keep the expense to a minimum.  If your office is small but growing, expandability is essential because you can start with a basic model and add features to it, such as memory and paper trays.  Versatility encompasses a number of things – functions, finishing options, supported media types, and connections.  Do you need a wireless copier?  Do you need a copier that can serve as a printer and fax machine also?  Do you need to make copies on envelopes and labels as well as standard paper?  Do you need a copier that offers stacking, collating or stapling capabilities?

Copy machines are essential to many offices, so be sure you are paying attention to as many factors as possible to ensure you are happy with the device you choose.  By being aware of your copying demands and budget, you can make a more informed decision.

When using a Windows operating system, a service known as a print spooler is designed to help you manage your tasks.  Not only does this service organize multiple print jobs, but it also processes each one in order without overwhelming the printer’s memory.  The spooler coordinates the print queue, where you can delete and manage your tasks.  For instance, if you send a 20-page job to your printer and as it waits in the spooler, you realize you only have enough HP 02 Black ink for 10 pages, you can access the spooler and cancel the order.

Most print spooler errors can be fixed by restarting the service.  There are multiple ways to do this, but here are the most direct step-by-step instructions of how to reset your print spooler:

1. Go to the Start Menu.
2. In the Search Box, type ‘admin’. (Or you can click on Control Panel and Select Systems and Security).
3. Click Administrative Tools.
4. Double-Click Services.
5. Right Click the Print Spooler heading.
6. Click Stop.
7. Right-Click on Print Spooler again.
8. Click Start.

See this video for a visual reference of the process:

Resetting the service is designed to clear the printer memory and spooler of the current tasks and hopefully eliminate whatever is causing the error message or problem.  If the printer spooler is not functioning, you will not be able to print, so be sure you understand how to restart this service.  After you have reset the print spooler, if the problems persist, consider loading the Microsoft Fix It program, which can be used to troubleshoot a number of issues, including spooler errors.

When shopping for a printer for your home or office, there are a number of choices to think about, from speed and capacity to features and functions. One of the most important aspects of a printer is how you will connect to your computer and other devices to make printing and other functions as easy as possible. A networked office might be best served by a wired ethernet connection, while home users might prefer the ease of printing without wires, for example. Here are the most common connection options for a printer, and some of the pros and cons of each.

Parallel and Serial

Parallel and serial connections were some of the earliest technologies for connecting printers. They offer a reliable connection, but they are limited on speed, and most modern computers no longer offer these ports, making them essentially obsolete.

USB

USB, or Universal Serial Bus, was designed as a replacement for older technologies such as parallel and serial, offering faster transfer speeds and easier setup. USB has the advantage of Plug-and-Play technology, which allows a computer to recognize the device and even search for drivers in some cases, and just about every modern computer on the market supports the protocol. USB 2.0 and the newer USB 3.0 standard offer even faster speeds, as well as backwards compatibility. The downside of a USB connection for printing is that it is limited to only one computer or device at a time.

Ethernet

A printer with an ethernet port can connect directly to a home or office network, and the printer can then be shared among multiple computers and devices. This frees an office from having to supply printers for each individual, for example, and allows a printer to be located centrally for all users to access. The downside of ethernet is that each computer must be connected to the network via cables, which can be costly and doesn’t provide as much flexibility for laptops and mobile devices.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth utilizes a wireless protocol to send and receive signals over the air, without the need for wires. While Bluetooth is popular for smartphones, audio systems, and other wireless uses, Bluetooth printing has never become very popular. This is mainly due to its limited range, which can be a problem in larger offices. Bluetooth also requires a direct pairing between two individual devices, while other technologies like Wi-Fi allow a printer to be shared across a network, and also offer a wider signal range.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is another type of over-the-air technology that requires no wires, and has become the standard for wireless printing due to its easy setup, versatility, and wide range. Most modern computers support the Wi-Fi protocol, and external adapters are available for those that do not, at inexpensive prices. Wi-Fi networks are very similar to ethernet networks, allowing for file-sharing, shared printing, and streaming, and their range continues to improve with newer versions of the 802.11 protocol. Newer printers with Wi-Fi support can even allow users to print from tablets and smartphones, for even more convenience. The downside of Wi-Fi is the potential for signal interference through dense walls, and the need for a wireless router to act as a central hub for the network.

When choosing a connection method for a printer, you should not only consider your needs today, but also in the future. Choosing a model with multiple connection options will help to keep it relevant for years to come, and to adapt to new devices and situations as they come along.

A printer driver is a piece of software that helps your computer and printer communicate. Since a printer and computer use different programming languages, the printer driver is necessary to provide a translation. When you are installing your new HP LaserJet P1006 printer, you will need to install a printer driver prior to printing with your HP CB435A toner, in order for it to work properly with the computer. It can also be useful to reinstall the driver when troubleshooting communication problems. There are a few different methods for installing the driver, depending on whether you are doing it within Windows, using a software CD, or using a downloaded driver file.

Installing a Driver with a CD

Most printers come with a software CD that includes the printer driver as well as additional software that will help you get more from your device. This is the easiest method, but the drivers may be a bit outdated. For more updated drivers, choose the downloaded file method below. For most models you are told to install the software before connecting the device, while others direct you to connect the printer first. Consult the manual, if possible, to find the correct order for your model.

1. Set up the printer, install the inkjet cartridges or toner cartridges, plug it into the wall, and power it on. Leave the USB cable disconnected.
2. Insert the software CD that came with your printer. (In many cases, the software wizard will run automatically. If not, click the Start button, click Computer, and double-click the icon of your disc drive. You also may need to find the Setup.exe file or a similar file and double-click it.)
3. Follow the onscreen prompts to install the software. You may be asked to choose which parts of the software you wish to install. Check or uncheck the boxes as you wish.
4. When prompted by the setup wizard, connect the USB cable from your printer to your computer.
5. Follow the onscreen prompts to complete the installation.

Installing a Driver with a Downloaded File

Downloading the printer driver from the manufacturer’s website is often the best method, as it ensures you are using the most updated version. Visit the support section of your printer manufacturer’s website and enter your model into the search box. Choose the correct file for your operating system and follow the instructions below.

1. Set up the printer, install the inkjet cartridges or toner cartridges, plug it into the wall, and power it on. Leave the USB cable disconnected.
2. Navigate to the location of the downloaded file. The default location in Windows is the Downloads folder. You can find this by clicking the Start button, choosing Computer, then clicking Downloads in the left pane.
3. Double-click the downloaded file to start the installation wizard.
4. Follow the onscreen prompts to install the software. You may be asked to choose which parts of the software you wish to install. Check or uncheck the boxes as you wish.
5. When prompted by the setup wizard, connect the USB cable from your printer to your computer.
6. Follow the onscreen prompts to complete the installation.

Installing a Driver Through Windows

Windows can often locate drivers for you using this method, but this is the least recommended, as it often doesn’t install the extra software that can help you get more functionality from your printer, only providing a basic printer driver.

1. Set up the printer, install the cartridge, plug it into the wall, and power it on, then connect the printer to the computer.
2. Click the Start button and choose Devices and Printers.
3. Click Add Printer. The Add Printer wizard will open.
4. Click Add a Local Printer, then choose ‘Use an existing port’, and click Next.
5. Choose the manufacturer and model of your printer, then click Next. (If your printer isn’t listed, click the Windows Update button to check for additional drivers. If there are still none listed, you can click Have Disk and insert the driver CD included with your printer, or try one of the other methods.)
6. Follow the onscreen prompts to continue the installation, then click Finish.

Whichever method you choose, installing a printer driver properly is important to ensure that it works properly with your computer. If you ever have communication problems or issues like printing blank pages, reinstalling the drivers can also be a good step in troubleshooting these issues.

For busy offices, it is essential to have a reliable printer that can keep up with the fast pace, handle the daily volumes and still fit within the confines of a tight office budget.  There are a number of manufacturers that are putting quality products on the market, but what should you be looking for if it is your job to find the best? Below is a list of some of the key elements that enterprise machines should include, as well as the reason each feature is important to the success of your office:

Using this list of important features for big business printers, decide which are the most relevant to the line of work you are in and try to find a machine that offers a balance of those elements.  It may be impossible to find a machine that is perfect in every way, but there are enough options on the market that you should be able to find one that will perform at a high level and increase the overall productivity in your office.

Laser printers have fairly simple printing systems that generally use either one or four toner cartridges.  If it is just one, that means it is a monochrome printer and requires only black toner.  If there are four laser printer cartridges, each will hold one of the four standard colors- cyan, magenta, yellow and black.

Inkjet printers, however, can be a bit trickier.  Since inkjet printers are often used for photo printing, manufacturers have begun to utilize even more colors to produce a wider color gamut.   So over the years, the standard inkjet system that required only two cartridges has expanded up to eight cartridges for some models.  Typically the fewer the cartridges, the less precise the quality, most inkjet printers are capable of producing solid text and clear graphics.

Two Cartridges

This is the original system used in inkjet printers and is still a common practice, but often spruced up a bit.  One cartridge will hold the black ink and the other consists of yellow, magenta and cyan ink.  However, in some modern inkjet printers, particularly those geared toward photos, optional cartridges are available that hold other colors, typically light cyan and light magenta or gray ink.  The reason for these extra cartridges that can be installed in lieu of the primary cartridges is to create more accurate photos.

Four Cartridges

Just like color laser printers, some inkjet printers have four inkjet cartridges that hold cyan, magenta, yellow and black ink.  The benefit of this system is that each color can be replaced separately as it runs out, unlike the two-cartridge system. These cartridges are often larger as well, so they don’t need to be replaced as often.

Six Cartridges

Machines that use six cartridges are generally designed specifically for photo printing.  Along with the four standard colors, which are often referred to simply as CMYK, either light or photo cyan and magenta cartridges are needed.  The extra hues help to saturate the areas of a print that would require half-toning, which basically means using less Cyan or Magenta ink to create lighter colors.  The reason Yellow doesn’t come in “light” form is because our eyes cannot recognize flaws in the color yellow like we can cyan and magenta.

Eight (or more) Cartridges

The only users likely to really NEED an inkjet printer that uses eight or more cartridges are professional photographers or designers.  These machines are expensive, as is the maintenance for them.  The Canon i9900, for instance, has eight cartridges: CMYK, Photo cyan, Photo magenta, Red and Green.  The two new colors printers like this introduce, red and green, expand the color gamut immensely, creating flawless images that are extremely true-to-life, but the cost of replacing so many cartridges is often prohibitive for the average user.

Inkjet printers are known for the quality of photos and images they deliver, and the different levels of quality that can be achieved are partially based on the colors available in the cartridge system.  The basic two or four-cartridge systems should be sufficient for most people, but photographers or photo enthusiasts may want to consider the larger cartridge systems with more colors. Those who are considering the upgrade should first factor in the extra ink costs, however, to determine if it is really worth it.