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. Continue reading “IBM Printer Error Codes” »

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. Continue reading “IBM MFP Upgrades” »

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. Continue reading “Inspect and Replace Printer Rollers” »

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. Continue reading “Troubleshooting Paper Path Issues” »

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. Continue reading “Changing Expired Toner Cartridges” »

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. Continue reading “Aligning Print Heads” »