Fix a Dry Ink Cartridge

Ink cartridges can stop working for a variety of reasons, but one of the most common is dry ink. Usually this is due the cartridge nozzles being clogged with dry ink, rather than the ink inside the cartridge being dry--a far less common occurrence for which there is no fix other than to purchase a new cartridge. Dried, clogged nozzles, however, is a problem that may be fixed.

Things You'll Need:

* Warm water

* Sink or bowl

* Soft cloth

* Cotton swab

* Rubbing alcohol

1. Run the printer's print-head cleaning utility. The location of this will vary depending on the printer, but it can usually be found on your computer under "Contol Panel" and "Printers," or in the case of printers with LED screens, on the printer's menu itself.

2. Remove the cartridge from the printer if the print-head cleaner doesn't cause ink to flow. Soak it in a bowl or sink filled with enough warm water to immerse the print head nozzles, long enough to see ink beginning to dissolve and flow into the water. Alternately, you can soak a cloth in warm water and use it to clean the nozzles until you see ink begin to flow.

3. Thoroughly dry the nozzles with a soft, lint-free cloth once the cleaning process is complete.

4. Replace the cartridge into the printer and run the printer's print-head cleaning utility.

5. Repeat the cleaning procedure if the cartridge still doesn't print. Reinstall and once again run the print-head cleaning utility.

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How To Change Print Quality to Draft Mode

Changing print quality to Draft Mode can help save time and ink. It's easy to do--just remember to change it back if you want to print something that looks great. I'll demonstrate using Windows and the Pixma MP530 all-in-one, but it should work much the same in any inkjet printer.

 1. In Windows, click on the Start button and choose Control Panel.
2. Choose Printers and Other Hardware from the menu that opens.
3. Choose View Installed Printers or Fax Printers.
4. On the window that opens, look for your printer's name. Right click on the printer's icon and choose Printing Preferences.
5. On the Print Quality tab, choose Draft or Fast (varies depending on the printer).
6. If you want to conserve your color ink, choose Grayscale Printing on the same tab (just remember you'll have to uncheck that box if you want to print something in color).
7. Press OK. That's it; now your printer will automatically print in Draft Mode (and in grayscale, if you chose that option) until you change it back. To change it, simply follow the same instructions and choose Standard for print quality.


Source:- printscan.about.com

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FIX Dell Printer Error 0502?

When a problem is encountered with a Dell printer, an error message is displayed. Often these errors can be resolved at home without the need for a specialist with computer knowledge.

Error 0502
1. Error code 0502 is a stalled carrier error. In the majority of cases, this means there is something physically stopping the carrier from moving freely within the printer. This could be a misaligned encoder strip or other debris that has fallen into the printer.
Possible Resloutions
2. Resolutions to this error include cleaning out the inside of the printer, ensuring that the encoder strip is aligned correctly and is in the appropriate guide channel, ensuring that the ink cartridges are fitted correctly and ensuring that the carrier runs smoothly on its rail.


These are all steps that can be taken at home without the need for any computer experience.


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Printer problems in Windows

Introduction

This tutorial is designed to help you identify and fix common printer problems in Windows, including print errors, print spooler errors, and other issues that could prevent you from printing. This tutorial doesn't cover printing problems related to specific programs. Printing problems can be caused by cables that aren't connected properly, corrupt drivers, incompatible drivers, printer settings, missing updates, and problems with your printer.

How to use this tutorial

For best results, complete each step before you move on to the next one. Try printing after each step before going to the next step.

Step 1: Check hardware

Many printing problems are caused by hardware that isn't set up property. Here's some information about how to plug cables in to the correct locations and make sure the printer has power.

Check if the cables are connected properly

Check to make sure that the printer's electrical cord is plugged in to the electrical outlet, and that the printer cable is properly connected from the printer to the computer.

A typical USB cable and port

Check the power

Check to ensure that the printer's power switch is turned on, or if you're printing to a shared printer or a printer on a network, make sure that all necessary computers, routers, and printers are turned on. If your printer or other equipment is plugged in to a surge protector or a backup power supply, make sure that hardware is plugged in and turned on as well.

Step 2: Update drivers

Most printers require driver software to work properly. Outdated, incompatible, or corrupted printer drivers can disrupt communication between the computer and the printer. If you recently upgraded from one version of Windows to another, it's possible that the current printer driver is for the previous version of Windows. If you've had recent power outages, viruses, or other computer problems, it's possible that the drivers have become corrupted. Downloading and installing the latest driver for your printer can resolve these types of problems.

Here are three ways to find and install a driver:

• Use Windows Update. You might need to set Windows Update to automatically download and install recommended updates.
• Install software from the printer manufacturer. For example, if your printer came with a disc, that disc might contain software that installs a driver for the printer.
• Download and install the driver yourself. You can search for a driver on the manufacturer's website. Try this if Windows Update can't find a driver for your printer, and the printer didn't come with software that installs a driver.

For more information about updating your printer driver, follow the steps below that apply to the version of Windows you have on your computer. For information about printers that are compatible with Windows, visit the Windows Compatibility Center.

Source:- http://windows.microsoft.com

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