Archive for January, 2012

IBM designs reliable printers that generally require little maintenance, but from time to time, problems may occur, and your IBM printer may display an error message to alert you of an issue. Here is a list of the most common errors and potential solutions to help you resolve the problem:

Error 12: Check Paper Path

Some printers have more than one output tray. This error indicates that the wrong paper path is selected, or the selected path has no paper.

Error 21: Paper Jam

There is a paper jam in the machine. Open any access panels and check for jammed paper, then slowly remove it. If there is not paper jam, check for small bits of paper or debris stuck near the sensors, as this may also trigger the error message. For more detailed instructions for clearing a paper jam, visit this IBM page.

Error 22: Out of Paper

Check the paper tray. If there is paper already loaded, try unloading the paper and reinserting it to make sure it is being recognized. If you have multiple trays, the printer may be set to an alternate tray that is currently empty.

Make sure the printer is set to the manual feed slot before inserting paper.

Error 24: Incorrect Manual Feed

If a user has attempted to use the manual paper feed slot while the printer is using the automatic feeder, this error will come up.  Be sure to only use the manual feed option when the printer is specifically set for it.

Error 31: Paper Settings

This error usually means that the size of the paper in the tray does not match the paper configuration that is set in the paper settings.  Change the setting or the paper type.

Error 89: Overloaded Output Tray

Once too many documents have been printed but not taken off the tray, the machine will stop printing because the output tray is considered overloaded.  Clear the printed pages off the tray and continue.

Error 9920: Incorrect Temperature of Fuser

This could be an issue with the lamp, fuse or thermostat.  Some models allow the user to change the fuser temperature settings. If your model does not support this feature, or it doesn’t resolve the problem, contact technical support.

The cooling fan and vent are essential for properly cooling some devices.

Error 970: Fan Not Working

This error indicates that the cooling fan is not working.  Fans are important because they keep  hard-working machines from overheating.  Contact technical support or a repair shop.

These are the most common errors you are likely to encounter with an IBM printer. In many cases, these are simple to resolve. If your error message isn’t listed, consult the manual for your device, or contact technical support for more help.

An IBM Infoprint 1332 laser printer with no MFP attachment.

There are a few IBM laser printers that can be upgraded into multi-purpose machines by purchasing an attachment device.  This is ideal for office-use, as sometimes the needs start out as simple print jobs but become more versatile as the company grows.  If that sounds like something that would be beneficial to your office, start by investing in an IBM Infoprint 1332, 1352 or 1372.

Three attachment options are available: the IBM M22, M26 and M30, each one offering more features than the last.  The standard functions that all of the attachments can perform are scanning, copying and faxing, at a maximum resolution of 600×600 dpi, which will be good enough for a professional setting.

Here are a few other features that the M22, M26 and M30 offer:

• Monochrome and color scanning
• Scan-to-email
• 33.6 Kbps fax speed at 400×400 dpi
• One year warranty
• Automatic document feeder

The M22 is considered the base model attachment.  It is the most affordable and has basic features.  The M26 is not too much different from the M22, but it does offer a higher production rate and a few extra features like duplexing.  The M30 is the most expensive and the most loaded option.

Here is a short list of the differences between the three attachments:

An IBM Infoprint 1332 with one of the MFP attachments on it.

These attachment devices serve as upgrades to the IBM Infoprint 1332, 1352 and 1372.  By adding an M22, M26 or M30 to one of these laser printers, it will be able to handle the versatile needs of a growing office.  This is an excellent investment for offices, as needs expand in volume and versatility.  Instead of buying a brand new machine, IBM offers a way to simply transform your current machine for a much lower cost.

A printer’s rollers play an important part in the printing process. They are responsible for moving the paper through the printer at the correct speed. If you find that you are consistently having problems with paper jams, misfeeds, or marks on your prints, you may want to inspect and even replace the rollers. Rollers that are damaged or worn down will not feed properly.

You may wish to have replacement rollers ready before you disassemble the printer. Contact the manufacturer or do a web search for your printer’s model and the term “rollers”. In some cases, the rollers may be included in a maintenance kit designed for your printer, which includes other replacement parts as well.

The process for accessing the rollers differs from printer to printer, but this general process will apply to most models:

1. Power down the printer, unplug it, and wait for up to 30 minutes before you begin to disassemble it, to be sure there is not electrical charge remaining.
2. Remove the ink or toner cartridges to get them out of the way.
3. Slide the input paper tray all the way out and remove it. If the tray isn’t removable, open any access panels to gain access to the rollers.
4. Inspect the rollers and look for visual defects. Also, feel them to see if the surface is still rubbery with some grip. If the surface is too smooth, the roller will likely have trouble feeding paper, and should be replaced. You may want to try cleaning the printer rollers to see if it solves the problem before you replace them.
5. Most rollers have snaps or tension clips on either side that hold them into place. In some cases, the entire roller assembly is attached to a single bar that can be removed.
6. Once the old rollers are removed, snap the new roller in its place, and reassemble the machine. Power it up and test to see if the problem is resolved.

Here is a video demonstration of how to change both the fuser and rollers in a few popular LaserJet models.

Many printers, especially laser models, include multiple paper paths for printing. Which paper path is used will often depend on factors such as the type and thickness of media being used. Card stock media should generally be printed with the straightest path possible, to avoid bending it.

If you start to experience problems related to a specific paper path in the printer, such as paper jams, or you suspect that a printing problem relates only to one input or output tray, there are some troubleshooting steps you can take to isolate and resolve the issue.

Test Multiple Paths

The first thing to try is printing from multiple paper paths. Choose a different tray for your print job, which you can generally choose from within the printer’s software or on the control panel of the device itself. Try printing FROM each input tray, as well as printing TO each output tray. If a paper jam occurs only on a specific path, for example, you can then better isolate the location of the paper jam. Some HP LaserJet printers have a specific paper path test that can be run from the control panel.

Test Different Media

Try printing on a variety of different media, such as recycled paper, standard laser paper, etc. You can even try paper from different manufacturers. You may find that certain low-quality paper tends to jam more frequently. If this is the case, considering using only higher-quality media. If you find that only certain types of media tend to jam, such as card stock, try using it in a straighter paper path, or try a different brand or thickness.

Check the Paper Trays

Many paper jams and other path issues can arise from paper that is not properly loaded. Consult the manual for the proper loading procedure, which may include sliding a plastic guide into place, for example. Also, avoid fanning the paper before loading, as this can cause air to be trapped between pages and lead to improper feeding. Lastly, make sure you are not loading too much paper. Most trays provide a line to indicate the maximum media that can be used.

Inspect and Clean the Rollers

Turn off the printer, open the access panels, and remove the paper trays to gain access to the rollers. Inspect them for wear and tear, and if necessary, clean them with a lint-free cloth and some rubbing alcohol. If the rollers are particularly worn, you may want to consider using a printer maintenance kit to replace the moving parts of your machine.

By trying the troubleshooting steps above, you should be able to get a clearer picture of what is causing your printing problem. By isolating the issue to a specific paper path or type of media, the solution will be much more apparent.

Laser printer owners generally don’t have to worry much about maintenance and upkeep because the reliability and durability of these machines gets better with each year of production.  For the most part, users will only need to be able to swap out expired toner cartridges.  It may seem like a simple task to some, but for people who have never done it, it can be intimidating.  This is a simple tutorial for inexperienced users trying to get through the process and who need a little guidance.

The first step is to locate the access panel where the cartridges are located. For most laser printers, this panel will be on the front or the side of the machine, but the access panel may also be located on the top for smaller printers. When you open the panel, you should see the cartridge or cartridges. If it is a monochrome laser printer, there will generally be only one cartridge, while a color laser printer will usually include four cartridges.

A lot of toner cartridges are being made with handles these days, making them easier to pull out of the printer when empty.  Once you remove a seemingly empty cartridge, though, be sure to put something under it like a sheet of newspaper, as spilling is always a small possibility, and you don’t want toner powder on your desk or table.

The new cartridge will usually come in a sealed bag inside a box.  Remove the bag from the box, and carefully open the bag, unless you see that toner has already leaked excessively inside the bag.  If this is the case, the product is defective and you should return it to the vendor.

Remove any tape or shipping seals before installation of the new cartridge.

Remove the new cartridge from the bag and gently shake it from side to side so the toner is evenly distributed.  There will likely be a shipping seal or tape that needs to be removed before installation.  Just pull the tab and it should easily come out.  Hold the handle and slide the cartridge into the allotted slot, and be sure it locks into place.  If you are replacing color cartridges, make sure you are inserting the correct color into the correct slot. Close the access panel and print a test page.

If the cartridge is not being recognized, it is possible that the printer memory is stuck and will only recognize the previous cartridge.  In this case, remove the new cartridge, turn off the printer and unplug it for about 10 minutes.  Plug it back in, turn it on and install the cartridge again.  This process is called a ‘cold start’ and should reset the memory.

While these are only basic instructions, they should be enough to get you started if you have never replaced cartridges before. For the best results, you should consult the manual for your printer or the manufacturer’s website for more specific instructions for your exact model.

Here is a video that demonstrates the cartridge replacement process for many HP models:

The print heads of an inkjet printer are responsible for transferring ink from the cartridge to the page. The combination of multiple print heads for different colors means that each needs to line up properly to create sharp image or text. If they heads are out of alignment with each other, you could end up with skewed text, fuzzy output, and a number of other issues.

Test patterns like this one can help you align your print heads.

Most inkjet printers handle the alignment automatically, and you may never have to align them yourself, but if you notice issues with your prints it may be time for a manual alignment. Luckily, most inkjet printers come with an alignment procedure that ensures the print heads are aligned for the best possible output quality, and it is very easy to do.

The process for aligning the print heads will vary between different models and manufacturers, but this general process will apply to most models.

1. Click the Start button.
2. Click Devices and Printers.
3. Right-click the icon for your printer, and choose Printing Preferences.
4. Depending on the model, you may need to click the Advanced button and/or look for a Maintenance or Services tab.
5. Click the Align Print Heads or Print Head Alignment heading or icon to begin the process.
6. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the alignment process.

At this point, you may be given the option to run a vertical or horizontal alignment. If you know your alignment issue is one or the other, choose only one. Otherwise, it is a good idea to run both tests for the best quality. The printer will print out an alignment test pattern and provide you with instructions for assessing the results. You will then need to determine which numbered pattern is the most aligned, and enter that number or sequence of numbers into the software. With a little luck, your printing issues will now be resolved. If you are still experience problems, you might try a Printhead Cleaning process

Here is a video demonstrating the alignment process for many Epson printer models: