Computer Devices
By William Pullman
A common problem with inkjet printers is a clogged print head. A clogged print head disrupts the flow of ink onto paper, distorting the printout or leaving gaps. The print head becomes clogged when the excess ink dries, causing a blockage. The Epson Stylus printer was designed with a print head cleaning utility which clears the dried ink off the print head, allowing the ink to run freely through the print head.
Instructions
Step 1
Turn the printer on and verify that the low ink indicator is not blinking. If the indicator light is blinking, the printer cartridge needs to be changed before cleaning. Cleaning the print head uses ink. An empty ink cartridge will not properly clean the print head.
Step 2
If you are using Windows, right-click the Epson Stylus printer icon on the taskbar of your computer and choose "Head Cleaning."
If you are using a Macintosh, click Applications > Epson Printer Utility3 > your Epson Stylus model number > OK > Head Cleaning.
Step 3
Ensure the printer has paper installed and follow the onscreen directions to start the print head cleaning. The Power button indicator light will blink during cleaning. You will hear the printer operating. Cleaning is finished when the indicator light stops blinking.
Step 4
Click Print Nozzle Check Pattern > Print. You will be able to see if the print head cleaning worked. The Stylus will print out a series of lines in a grid pattern. Check the grid pattern for any breaks in the lines and click "Finish" if there are no breaks.
Step 5
Select "Clean" if the grid lines are broken to clean the print head a second time. Repeat the process if necessary. You can safely clean the print head up to four times if needed.
Tips & Warnings
Allow the printer to sit for at least six hours if the print head is not cleaned after four tries. This allows hardened printer ink to soften. After six hours, repeat the cleaning process.
References
# Epson Stylus Photo 1400 User's Guide; Epson America Inc.; 2008.
eHow Article: How to Clean a Clogged Stylus Printer
Computer Devices
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
How to Find a Compatible Printer Driver for Microsoft Vista (Computer Devices)
Computer Devices
By Tricia Goss
If you have a printer connected to your Vista computer that has worked fine all along, but suddenly stopped working, you may need to update your printer driver. Likewise, if you are attempting to install a new printer onto your computer, but the Windows Vista cannot "see" it or it simply does not work, updating the printer driver may solve these problems. You can find a compatible driver and install it in Windows Vista.
Instructions
Step 1
Click "Start" and type "Printers" into the "Start Search" box on the bottom of the "Start Menu." Click on "Printers" under the resulting list of programs. The "Printers" window will open.
Step 2
Locate the printer for which you want to find a compatible driver. Right-click this printer and point to "Run as Administrator."
Step 3
Click on "Properties." If a "User Account Control" window opens stating that Windows Vista needs your permission to continue, click the "Continue" button. If you are prompted for a password, enter the user password for your Windows account. The "Properties" dialog box for that printer will open separately.
Step 4
Go to the "Advanced" tab of the dialog box. Click "New Driver." The "Add Printer Driver Wizard" will open. Click "Next." Select the make and model of the printer and click "Next."
Step 5
Click the "Finish" button to close the wizard and complete the printer driver installation. Close the "Properties" dialog box and the "Printers" window. Restart the computer to complete the driver installation.
References
Microsoft.com: Find and Install Printer Drivers
Computer Devices
By Tricia Goss
If you have a printer connected to your Vista computer that has worked fine all along, but suddenly stopped working, you may need to update your printer driver. Likewise, if you are attempting to install a new printer onto your computer, but the Windows Vista cannot "see" it or it simply does not work, updating the printer driver may solve these problems. You can find a compatible driver and install it in Windows Vista.
Instructions
Step 1
Click "Start" and type "Printers" into the "Start Search" box on the bottom of the "Start Menu." Click on "Printers" under the resulting list of programs. The "Printers" window will open.
Step 2
Locate the printer for which you want to find a compatible driver. Right-click this printer and point to "Run as Administrator."
Step 3
Click on "Properties." If a "User Account Control" window opens stating that Windows Vista needs your permission to continue, click the "Continue" button. If you are prompted for a password, enter the user password for your Windows account. The "Properties" dialog box for that printer will open separately.
Step 4
Go to the "Advanced" tab of the dialog box. Click "New Driver." The "Add Printer Driver Wizard" will open. Click "Next." Select the make and model of the printer and click "Next."
Step 5
Click the "Finish" button to close the wizard and complete the printer driver installation. Close the "Properties" dialog box and the "Printers" window. Restart the computer to complete the driver installation.
References
Microsoft.com: Find and Install Printer Drivers
Computer Devices
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Canon Pixma IP1500 Printing Problems - Computer Devices
Computer Devices
By Christopher Capelle
The Canon Pixma iP 1500 is a compact photo printer with the ability to produce a 4-by-6 inch borderless photo in under a minute. Like other Canon printers, it has earned the reputation as a solid performer at a low price ($49.99). But, like virtually every other printer, the Pixma iP 1500 isn't immune to the same problems that haunt other makes and models.
Check the Obvious
Generally, most common printer problems are usually the simplest to solve. These issues include a disconnected or damaged cable (USB, in this case) or a power issue (the printer is turned off or not connected to a power source). Confirming that all machines are powered on, that your computer can see the printer and that all connecting cables are properly seated can rectify most of these problems. Make sure there is paper loaded in the printer's paper tray, as well.
Problems on the Computer
Issues that can prevent you from printing include sending an improperly formatted job to the printer (such as attempting to print an A4 document on letter-sized media), corrupt drivers or a damaged USB port (on either your computer or the printer itself). You can check for problems by opening the print queue to see if there are any print jobs that are gumming up the works. If you suspect the printer drivers are corrupt, download the latest drivers from Canon's Website. Testing the printer with a different computer (if possible) will help determine if there is an issue that is specific to your computer or something that is a more universal problem.
Printer issues
A misfeed will stop all print jobs, so check the paper feed. The ink carts must be properly seated, and confirm the print heads aren't clogged by dried ink. Cotton swabs and rubbing alcohol are the best way to clean dirty heads, but make sure you allow the cleaned areas to dry completely before using the printer. A can of compressed air will help keep the inner workings of your printer free from dust and other foreign matter.
More Printer Issues
If the printout contains white lines, is missing colors or is spotty, check the ink carts. New carts are expensive (replacing both costs more than 50 percent of the price of the printer itself), so give them a good cleaning before replacing them. Check all of the physical workings if the paper doesn't feed correctly or gets stuck during the printing process. Cleaning the paper feed area is recommended here, but if there is any physical damage, chances are you will have to buy a new printer.
Expert insight
Since the Canon Pixma iP 1500 is a bargain-priced printer, any physical damage usually means it's time to buy a new printer. Paying a "diagnostic fee" for a $50 unit is almost never worth it. Despite the fact that Canon produces quality products, but these types of printers are now considered commodities and not durable goods, so knowing when to cut your losses with a non-functioning printer is key.
References
ViewPoint.com: Canon Pixma iP1500 review
Resources
Canon: Pixma iP 1500
Who Can Help
Find Computer, Electrical and Telephone Services Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.
Computer Devices
By Christopher Capelle
The Canon Pixma iP 1500 is a compact photo printer with the ability to produce a 4-by-6 inch borderless photo in under a minute. Like other Canon printers, it has earned the reputation as a solid performer at a low price ($49.99). But, like virtually every other printer, the Pixma iP 1500 isn't immune to the same problems that haunt other makes and models.
Check the Obvious
Generally, most common printer problems are usually the simplest to solve. These issues include a disconnected or damaged cable (USB, in this case) or a power issue (the printer is turned off or not connected to a power source). Confirming that all machines are powered on, that your computer can see the printer and that all connecting cables are properly seated can rectify most of these problems. Make sure there is paper loaded in the printer's paper tray, as well.
Problems on the Computer
Issues that can prevent you from printing include sending an improperly formatted job to the printer (such as attempting to print an A4 document on letter-sized media), corrupt drivers or a damaged USB port (on either your computer or the printer itself). You can check for problems by opening the print queue to see if there are any print jobs that are gumming up the works. If you suspect the printer drivers are corrupt, download the latest drivers from Canon's Website. Testing the printer with a different computer (if possible) will help determine if there is an issue that is specific to your computer or something that is a more universal problem.
Printer issues
A misfeed will stop all print jobs, so check the paper feed. The ink carts must be properly seated, and confirm the print heads aren't clogged by dried ink. Cotton swabs and rubbing alcohol are the best way to clean dirty heads, but make sure you allow the cleaned areas to dry completely before using the printer. A can of compressed air will help keep the inner workings of your printer free from dust and other foreign matter.
More Printer Issues
If the printout contains white lines, is missing colors or is spotty, check the ink carts. New carts are expensive (replacing both costs more than 50 percent of the price of the printer itself), so give them a good cleaning before replacing them. Check all of the physical workings if the paper doesn't feed correctly or gets stuck during the printing process. Cleaning the paper feed area is recommended here, but if there is any physical damage, chances are you will have to buy a new printer.
Expert insight
Since the Canon Pixma iP 1500 is a bargain-priced printer, any physical damage usually means it's time to buy a new printer. Paying a "diagnostic fee" for a $50 unit is almost never worth it. Despite the fact that Canon produces quality products, but these types of printers are now considered commodities and not durable goods, so knowing when to cut your losses with a non-functioning printer is key.
References
ViewPoint.com: Canon Pixma iP1500 review
Resources
Canon: Pixma iP 1500
Who Can Help
Find Computer, Electrical and Telephone Services Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.
Computer Devices
Monday, October 5, 2009
Detecting Viruses On Your Computer System
Computer Devices
By Jesse Miller
As a consequence of being connected to the internet your computer might suffer from spyware or spybots. These infiltrate your pc via browsers or pop ups and affect your file system integrity jeopardizing the information you have stored on non removable disks. Some spyware or spybots are not easy to trace, but they leave a small evidence trace of their existence. For instance, if you find your browser opening up other pages than those typed by you, some removal software will be welcomed.
To get rid of these problems, free download spybot software and then do an extensive scan of the system. You might find out that you have more than one spybot or spyware, but that is no problem as long as the tool can remove them. Spybot Search and Destroy, Ad-Aware SE Personal, even AVG are effective tools in fighting off attacks form malicious software. If you chose, you can install them all at the same time and maximize the effectiveness of spyware and spybot removal.
Nowadays free spybot downloads are easy to come across and a wide variety of them are more that suited to eliminate any threats that you might have. Updates are provided to all free software thus keeping you up to date with the latest spyware or spybot signatures. Optionally, you can choose licensed software to protect you, but if you ask me, I would pay money for software that I can find for free and with the same capacity in removal of spyware. Remember, you pc's security is most important so, install protection software.
If you really want to take the work out of looking for that right Spyware Protection from a Spybot go to the Internet and get a Free Spybot Download or a Spybot Search and Destroy to prevent your vital information from being ripped from your computer.
Computer Devices
By Jesse Miller
As a consequence of being connected to the internet your computer might suffer from spyware or spybots. These infiltrate your pc via browsers or pop ups and affect your file system integrity jeopardizing the information you have stored on non removable disks. Some spyware or spybots are not easy to trace, but they leave a small evidence trace of their existence. For instance, if you find your browser opening up other pages than those typed by you, some removal software will be welcomed.
To get rid of these problems, free download spybot software and then do an extensive scan of the system. You might find out that you have more than one spybot or spyware, but that is no problem as long as the tool can remove them. Spybot Search and Destroy, Ad-Aware SE Personal, even AVG are effective tools in fighting off attacks form malicious software. If you chose, you can install them all at the same time and maximize the effectiveness of spyware and spybot removal.
Nowadays free spybot downloads are easy to come across and a wide variety of them are more that suited to eliminate any threats that you might have. Updates are provided to all free software thus keeping you up to date with the latest spyware or spybot signatures. Optionally, you can choose licensed software to protect you, but if you ask me, I would pay money for software that I can find for free and with the same capacity in removal of spyware. Remember, you pc's security is most important so, install protection software.
If you really want to take the work out of looking for that right Spyware Protection from a Spybot go to the Internet and get a Free Spybot Download or a Spybot Search and Destroy to prevent your vital information from being ripped from your computer.
Computer Devices
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
LinkWithin
