How to Troubleshoot Computer to Printer Connections

Walk over to the printer and print a test page directly. The procedure for printing a test page will vary from model to model, so you may need to consult the user guide that came with your printer. For most network printers, you can print a test page by navigating the 'Information' menu on the control panel and choosing 'Print Configuration' from the menu. For many desktop printers, you can print a test page by holding the power button until the page begins to print. If you can print a test page from the printer, but not from the computer, you know there is a communication problem between the printer and the PC.
Remove the printer cable from the back of your printer and the back of your computer. After the cable has been removed, carefully put the cable back into place, making sure that the printer cable is tight. If your printer uses a parallel cable, be sure that it is fully seated on the back of the printer and on the computer. If you are using a USB cable for your printer, be sure that the tab is fully seated in the computer, and that the square end of the cable is firmly connected to the printer.
Power down the printer, the restart your computer. Click on the 'Start' button and choose 'Control Panel' from the menu. Double-click the 'Printers and Faxes' icon, locate your printer, right-click on it and choose 'Properties' from the menu. Click on the 'Print Test Page' button to send a test page to your printer.
Look at the network card on your network printer to see if there is good communication between the printer and the network. You should see a flashing green light on the network card. If there is no light--or if the light is amber or red--the communication is not happening. To test the network communication, remove the network cable from both the network cable and the network port on the wall, then reseat the cable and check the communication again. If the problem remains, you will need to remove and replace the printer's network card.

How to Load Envelopes into a Canon PIXMA PM970 Series Printer

Insure the envelopes are prepared for printing by pressing down on all four corners and along the edges to flatten them down. Flatten the leading edge of any envelope that is curled or puffed up by pressing down on it with a pen until its crease is sharp and defined.
Load up to 10 envelopes into the upper paper tray, print side up and flap side down. Align the envelopes with the bottom of the envelope against the right side of the Paper Support Guide. Pinch the Guide and slide it to the left until it is snug against the envelopes.
Press the 'Paper Feed Switch' located below the 'ON/OFF' switch on the operations panel to select the rear paper feed. The light above the Paper Feed Switch should indicate the Rear Paper Tray has been selected.
Open the print application on your computer. Select the 'Media Type' option. Select 'Envelope,' and under the Page Size option select either 'Comm. Env. #10' or '#10 Envelope.' Under Orientation select 'Landscape' and hit 'Print.'

How to Reset HP 74 Ink Cartridges

Disconnect any USB cables and remove any memory cards from the printer.
Restart the computer.
Open up the printer, unlock the ink cartridge locking clips and remove the cartridges.
Re-lock the empty ink cartridge locking clips and close the printer.
Turn off the printer with the 'Power' button and wait for the printer to shut down completely before proceeding to the next step.
Disconnect the printer's AC adapter from the printer and from the wall outlet or power bar. Wait 40 seconds before proceeding to next step.
Reconnect the AC adapter into the wall outlet and into the printer and wait for the missing ink cartridge error to verify that the printer recognizes that the cartridge is missing.
Re-insert one ink cartridge only and print a test page.
If no errors are found, insert the other ink cartridge and ensure that it is working by printing another test page. If an error occurs due to a defective cartridge, perform the appropriate steps for print cartridge errors listed in the Resources.
Reconnect the USB cable to the computer and to the printer. Test for printer functionality.

How to Resolve Paper Jams in an Oki B4600 Printer

Pull the paper tray out of the printer.
Take any wrinkled or crumpled paper out of the paper tray.
Check the feed area on the bottom of the printer and pull out any paper caught in the feed area.
Place the paper tray back in the printer.
Open the top cover of the printer and pull the image drum out of the printer. The toner cartridge is removed when you lift the image drum out.
Pull out any jammed pieces of paper, taking care to remove all of the paper. If any of the paper is left in the printer, it may cause another jam.
Slide the image drum back into the printer, taking care to slide the tabs into the printer slots.
Close the top cover to resume printing.

How Do I Print Black and White Copies From a Color Printer?

Click on print in your software. The print dialog box should appear.
Choose your printer from the drop-down box at the top of the print dialog. Click on 'Properties'.
Check the gray scale or black and white box. Click 'OK'.
Click 'Print'.

How to Reset a Canon Pixma MP750 Printer

Press the 'On/Off' button on the front of the Canon printer.
Disconnect the AC plug in the back from the Canon printer. Wait 3 to 5 minutes.
Reconnect the AC cable to the printer, then press the 'ON' button again.

How to Connect an HP LaserJet 1020 in a Network

Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into the network port or Ethernet hub for the network. Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port in the back of the printer.
Wait for one of the two network lights to illuminate on the back of the printer. If after 5 minutes neither light comes on, replace the Ethernet cable or consult with your network administrator.
Hold the printer's 'Go' button for 5 seconds to generate a configuration page. Retrieve the page from the printer's output tray.
Close all open programs on each computer you wish to use with the printer. Insert the printer's installation CD in the optical drive.
Follow the instructions in the installation software window, which will vary depending on your computer's operating system and the network's configuration.