How to Fix a Broken Photo Printer

Fix a broken photo printer at home by running a series of tests.

Taking steps to fix a broken photo printer at home can save money on unnecessary repair fees. By running through a few simple tests, you can diagnose and fix common photo printer problems without having to take your machine to a repair store. Whether the issue is with the printing speed, the cartridge or your photos not printing at all, you don't necessarily need technical skills to determine what the problem is and rectify the issue.

Things You'll Need

• Cotton swab or a small cloth

Instructions

1. Check that the printer is plugged in to a working electrical outlet. If the printer doesn't turn on, check that the printer's electrical plug is fully in the socket and that the printer is connected to your computer properly. Connect the plug to an alternative socket if it still won't turn on to eliminate the possibility of a problem with the electrical socket.

2. Check the default printer settings on your computer. If your photos aren't printing, make sure the computer is sending the files to the correct printer. Your printer settings might have changed if you recently installed a new printer or upgraded your operating system.

3. Adjust the printer settings on your computer if the printing speed is slow. Reducing the quality of your photo printouts can help you increase the printer speed and reduce the amount of ink you use. If the print quality is set at a high level, reduce it to normal or lower to speed up the printing process.

4. Clean the print head. Some printers have an automatic cleaning cycle, but others need manual cleaning to prevent the head from becoming blocked with dried ink and debris. A clogged print head can cause suboptimal print quality, but you can clean it by dipping a soft cloth or cotton swab in water and removing any dirt from the print head.

5. Check the alignment of the cartridge heads. Incorrectly aligned cartridges can affect the quality of the final picture. To align the cartridges properly, check your printer's manual for instructions or use the printer utilities tool in Windows.

6. Confirm you replaced the cartridge in the correct orientation. If you replace a color cartridge and put the new cartridge in the printer the wrong way, poor print quality results. Check the cartridge colors before inserting the cartridge into the printer by inserting a tooth pick into each section and marking the colors on the outside of the cartridge.

Tips & Warnings

• If you cannot identify what is causing your printer issues, seek professional advice.

• Do not attempt to check the electronics or inner parts of the printer beyond the cartridge. Doing so could invalidate any warranty you have and further damage your printer.

References

• PC World: 10 Biggest Printer Problems
• Value Shop: A Guide to Fixing Printing Problems
• PC World: Digital Focus - Fix Printing Problems