How to Change a Laser Printer Cartridge

Most laser printers deliver thousands of pages before the toner cartridge runs out of gas. But when those telltale streaked pages start showing up, it's time for the old toner-cartridge switcheroo.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Replacement Toner Cartridge

1. If your toner cartridge starts to die in the middle of an important job with no replacement on hand, you can squeeze out a few more good pages by removing it and gently rocking it back and forth to redistribute the remaining toner powder.
2. Turn off the printer and disconnect the power cord.
3. Remove any paper trays.
4. Open the cover on the printer. If you're not sure how it opens, consult the manual that came with your printer or the directions packaged with your replacement cartridge.
5. Rest one hand on top of your printer. With the other hand, grasp the toner cartridge and pull upward until the cartridge unlocks and releases.
6. Set the cartridge aside and open the bag that contains the replacement cartridge.
7. Install the replacement cartridge in the printer, following the instructions that were packaged with it.
8. Place the old cartridge in the bag and box that the new one came in so you can mail it back to the manufacturer for recycling. Many manufacturers will pay the postage for returning used cartridges.
9. If your new toner cartridge starts out printing lightly or unevenly, you can speed the break-in process by printing a couple of pages of solid black (to do that, draw a black box in Microsoft Word or another application).

Tips & Warnings

• Toner cartridges are sensitive to light, so don't leave a new one sitting in a pool of sunlight while you make a sandwich.

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