CompTIA exam study guide presentations by instructor Brian Ferrill, PACE-IT (Progressive, Accelerated Certifications for Employment in Information Technology)
"Funded by the Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Grant #TC-23745-12-60-A-53"
Learn more about the PACE-IT Online program: www.edcc.edu/pace-it
2. Page 2
Instructor, PACE-IT Program – Edmonds Community College
Areas of Expertise Industry Certification
PC Hardware
Network Administration
IT Project Management
Network Design
User Training
IT Troubleshooting
Qualifications Summary
Education
M.B.A., IT Management, Western Governor’s University
B.S., IT Security, Western Governor’s University
Entrepreneur, executive leader, and proven manger
with 10+ years of experience turning complex issues
into efficient and effective solutions.
Strengths include developing and mentoring diverse
workforces, improving processes, analyzing
business needs and creating the solutions
required— with a focus on technology.
5. Page 5
– Streaks.
» On a laser printer: the image drum has scratches.
» On an inkjet printer: dirty or misaligned print heads.
– Faded prints
» Low on toner or ink.
– Ghost images.
» On a laser printer: the drum may need to be cleaned, or it may
be residual from a prior very dark print job.
• This isn’t a symptom found with inkjet printers.
– Toner not fused to the paper.
» Fuser assembly needs to be replaced.
– Creased paper.
» Heavier bond paper; send it through the feeder instead of
placing it in the paper tray.
Troubleshooting printers.
6. Page 6
– Paper not feeding.
» Paper rollers may be dirty or worn.
– Paper jam.
» Too much debris in paper path; remove jam and blow out
debris.
– No connectivity.
» Local printer: poor cable connection if the printer is powered.
» Network printer: either not turned on or printing to the wrong
printer.
– Garbled characters on paper.
» Wrong print driver, or it may be a cable issue.
– Vertical lines on page.
» Laser printer: clogged toner cartridge or scratched image drum.
» Inkjet printer: dirty or misaligned print heads.
Troubleshooting printers.
7. Page 7
– Backed up print queue.
» Printer or spooler service has been paused.
– Low memory errors.
» Image too large for printer; either increase memory or reduce
resolution.
– Access denied.
» User is not authorized to print.
– Printer will not print.
» Could include lack of power or printer being offline.
– Color prints in wrong print color.
» Toner or ink cartridges in the wrong places.
Troubleshooting printers.
8. Page 8
– Unable to install printer.
» Not using the correct User account to install, or not authorized
to add hardware.
– Error codes.
» Causes may vary; check with printer documentation to
determine the probable cause.
Troubleshooting printers.
10. Page 10
– Maintenance kit.
» Laser printer: pickup and separator rollers, transfer rollers, and
fuser assemblies.
» Inkjet printer: most do not have actual maintenance kits.
– Toner vacuum.
» Specialized vacuum for cleaning up toner spills. Often a high
quality vacuum with a HEPA filter will work.
– Compressed air.
» Next to the maintenance kit, it is the printer’s best friend.
Accumulated paper dust and debris can cause havoc with print
jobs.
– Printer spooler.
» Service that establishes and maintains the print queue. Each
PC has its own spooler.
Troubleshooting printers.
11. Page 11
Troubleshooting printers.
Most problems with the actual image that is produced have to do with dirt;
communication between the PC and the printer can also create problems.
Finally, worn parts may need to be replaced.
Topic
Common symptoms.
Summary
Maintenance kits, toner vacuums, compressed air, and the print spooler are
all tools that can be used to resolve common printer problems.Printer tools.
13. This workforce solution was 100 percent funded by a $3 million grant awarded by the
U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. The solution was
created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S.
Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or
assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including
any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the
information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability
or ownership. Funded by the Department of Labor, Employment and Training
Administration, Grant #TC-23745-12-60-A-53.
PACE-IT is an equal opportunity employer/program and auxiliary aids and services are
available upon request to individuals with disabilities. For those that are hearing
impaired, a video phone is available at the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD)
office in Mountlake Terrace Hall 159. Check www.edcc.edu/ssd for office hours. Call
425.354.3113 on a video phone for more information about the PACE-IT program. For
any additional special accommodations needed, call the SSD office at 425.640.1814.
Edmonds Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race; color; religion;
national origin; sex; disability; sexual orientation; age; citizenship, marital, or veteran
status; or genetic information in its programs and activities.