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How To's

Get your printer working

General Tips

1) Make sure the printer icon is in the chooser under the Apple Menu. If not, download and install the most current software for your printer.

2) Click on the printer icon in the chooser one time. On the right hand side of the window either the name of the printer will show up or the words "USB port" will appear.

3) Click ONE TIME on the name in the right hand side of the chooser. You are done and ready to print.

4) Remember - the next time you open the chooser, NOTHING will be selected. The Mac will automatically remember the last selection you made.

Specific Tips

Inkjet/bubblejet printers

Epson:

The most common cause of an Epson printer to "not work" is because it is out of ink. Almost all Epson printers will not print if either of the ink cartridges is empty. The printer will not even show up on the right hand side of the chooser if the cartridges are out.

Check the front of the printer to see if any of the ink cartridge lights are on. If so then replace that cartridge.

If the ink heads are dirty, it will cause the printer to not print correctly - however you will still be able to select it in the chooser. Try to clean the print heads and see if the print quality improves. It may take several (3-4) cleanings to get the heads working correctly. Using third part refill kits will often cause problems like this as well.

Make sure that you always have the most common printer drivers for your printer. These are available at no charge from www.epson.com.

HP:

If the ink heads are dirty, it will cause the printer to not print correctly - however you will still be able to select it in the chooser. Try to clean the print heads and see if the print quality improves. It may take several (3-4) cleanings to get the heads working correctly. Using third party refill kits will often cause problems like this as well.

Make sure that you always have the most common printer drivers for your printer. These are available at www.hp.com.

Lexmark:

There is a known issue with some lexmark inkjet printers such as the z23 and z53. It is a minor issue that is easily corrected through software.

  1. Select the Lexmark control panel (Apple Menu->Control Panels->Lexmark)
  2. Open the door on the front of the printer and unsnap both cartridges. You do not have to lift them out.
  3. Snap the cartidges back into place.
  4. Choose Cartridges from the Lexmark Control Panel after a moment.
  5. You will be presented with options for installing the cartridges. You will then be prompted to select the actual part number of each cartridge. Select "old cartridge" in each case making sure the part numbers are correct.
  6. Click ok.
  7. Click continue and it should print a test page.
  8. You should then have an option to do a printer alignment, select it and go through the alignment process.
  9. You are done.

If it did not give you an option for doing an alignment:

  1. Close the Lexmark Control panel
  2. Go to the System Folder->Preferences folder and trash the Lexmark preferences.
  3. Go back to step 1 and try again