Problem:
Your printer is not printing.
Your printer is not printing.
First check the light on your printer. Is it plugged in. When you press on the printer power button does it come on. (Keep the printer box under the printer or printer table and use it to store spare paper and inks. Use the box to find the power switch and helpline. No space? Photograph the outside of the printer box. When you get the printer working, you can print off the guarantee, the picture of the printer and the instructions and helpline.
Reasons:
WRONG PRINTER CONNECTED
Reasons:
WRONG PRINTER CONNECTED
Your laptop / desktop is connected to the wrong printer and signalling a printer in a country or office you last used a week ago, or which is still the default printer. Check printer you are connected to.
If you can't find the model number of the printer in your building, but you know you were once connected, try printing from both printers on your list. It wastes paper. However, you get the job done.
PRINTER OFF
You can also get somebody to watch the printer. Does it say: Power is off. Perhaps you had a power cut when you were out and need to take off pause and click on resume printing on your laptop.
INK RUN OUT
PRINTER OFF
You can also get somebody to watch the printer. Does it say: Power is off. Perhaps you had a power cut when you were out and need to take off pause and click on resume printing on your laptop.
INK RUN OUT
If you are out of a colour, convert to black and white printing. If you still need colour, print in black and white and add colour with highlighter or children's crayons or watercolour pencils.
INK STOCK
You are out of ink. Keep a stock of inks.
LOCATING INK
Note where the inks are kept.
Keep the inks near the printer.
Tell everybody in the family or office where the replacement inks are kept. And/or leave a note on the side of the printer saying where to find the inks.
Instructions are on the inks but they are tiny print and not clear. Find instructions online. Copy instructions and print them large - before you need ink!
Keep the inks near the printer.
Tell everybody in the family or office where the replacement inks are kept. And/or leave a note on the side of the printer saying where to find the inks.
Instructions are on the inks but they are tiny print and not clear. Find instructions online. Copy instructions and print them large - before you need ink!
NEW PRINTER
Failing all else, buy a new printer. Get it delivered overnight, especially if you have a large order or are on Amazon Prime.
Printers are often cheap because they make money on expensive ink. You may be able to claim back the cost of the new printer and ink from office expenses on your income tax.
PRINT OFF SPARE COPIES
Print off spare copies of forms you need regularly. In my case that would be evaluation forms for Toastmasters speeches. Every time I print a form, I print a spare. Then, if my printer fails on the day, I already have a spare copy.
SEND SLIDES IN ADVANCE
Send to a colleague, committee member, event organizer, friend or family member or neighbour.
Send your slides to another in advance. If the printer fails on the day, you can ask somebody else to print.
SEND SLIDES AFTERWARDS
If those who attended did not receive the handouts, tell them your contact details and send the slides by email or whatsapp.
Useful Websites
Try looking for answers on the website for your brand of printer.
Buying a replacement printer?
About the Author
Angela Lansbury, travel writer and photographer, author and speaker.
Angela Lansbury, travel writer and photographer, author and speaker.
