How to Fix a Printer That Fails Its Self-Test

If your printer produces nothing but blank pages (or no pages at all) when you run its self-test, then there's something wrong with the printer rather than your computer. You might need to take it in for professional repairs, but try one of these easy fixes first.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. If you're setting up the printer or changing the toner or ink cartridge for the first time, double-check the instructions to make sure that you installed the cartridge correctly and, for new printers, that you have removed all the pieces of cardboard or plastic packing material.
2. Check to see whether paper is feeding from the paper tray. If it's not leaving the tray at all, try feeding a page manually (if that's an option) or using a different paper tray. Sometimes a problem with the tray can be traced to a broken spring or a piece of plastic.
3. If paper is feeding from the tray but jamming in the printer, examine where the jam is occurring and then inspect the printer carefully to see if you can find what is causing the problem. A piece of paper, for instance, might be blocking the paper path.
4. If paper is feeding through the printer but coming out blank, check to see whether the printer is out of toner or ink. A defective toner or ink cartridge could be the problem.

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