Printer troubleshooting guide: Fix or upgrade?
Author: Jason Turfler, senior portfolio manager, Lexmark
June 14, 2023
VIDEO [MP4 07:06]
Discover the top six signs it's time for an upgrade from a printer coach.
I like to win. And let me guess, you are driven to succeed in your business as well. After spending over 20 years in the printer industry, I understand how difficult it can be when an old printer starts acting up. We have all experienced the frustration of dealing with an older model printer. From the frequent paper jams to smudged toner and slow printing speeds. But don’t worry, I am here to teach you how to spot the warning signs in an outdated printer and coach you on the best time to buy a new printer. With some simple solutions and quick wins, you will be back in the game in no time.
Here’s how we’ll troubleshoot your printer:
- Identify the problem.
- Apply quick fixes.
- Understand the cause.
- Explore upgrade benefits.
1
No automatic
two-sided printing
Try this:
Discover disabled features
Check your printer settings for options to enable automatic duplex or two-sided printing.
Why this happens:
While many printers are equipped with this feature automatically turned on, some models aren’t.
See if this feature is hiding within your printer settings.
Benefits of upgrading:
Save money and become more environmentally friendly by reducing paper consumption by as much as half.
2
Printer can’t
connect to Wi-Fi
Try this:
Check your connection
Make sure your printer and other wireless devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
Why this happens:
If you are having problems with your network connection, consider replacing your wireless antenna.
Benefits of upgrading:
Newer printer models come equipped with the latest technology and connectivity right out of the box.
3
Slow print
speed
Try this:
Shrink big files and images
Consider compressing documents including PDFs, for faster printing and processing speeds.
Check the file menu for options to reduce the file size.
Why this happens:
When your printer starts slowing down, it could be a sign that it lacks processing power.
Benefits of upgrading:
Spend less time waiting for prints and more time with customers.
Upgrade to a printer that runs more efficiently.
4
Poor print
quality
Try this:
Check your supplies
Make sure you are using genuine supplies that are specifically designed for your printer.
Why this happens:
Bargain-brand supplies use generic toner that can cause streaky, faded prints.
Benefits of upgrading:
Impress your customers with professional quality business documents.
5
Lacks the latest printer security
Try this:
Protect private paperwork
Make sure software and security updates are being automatically pushed to your printer.
Missed security updates are an urgent matter.
Why this happens:
Relying on a printer without up-to-date security features is risky.
An outdated printer can expose your business to security threats and data breaches, resulting in revenue loss, compliance issues and reputational harm.
Benefits of upgrading:
Invest in printer security that protects what’s important you.
Keep your business documents safe on the printer, over the network and at all points in between with better security.
6
Big printer doesn’t fit in small space
Try this:
Switch to an all-in-one
Opt for a compact printer that does it all: prints, copies, scans and faxes.
Small office printers have continued to become more compact and more powerful — you need one or a few, based on the size of your business.
Why this happens:
Believe it or not, you can outgrow your office equipment.
With more people working from home and adjusting to remote offices, less space means it’s time for a smaller printer.
Benefits of upgrading:
Aside from saving space, imagine being able to put your all-in-one (almost) anywhere you want.
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How long do printers last?
When considering the life expectancy of your printer, it's important to understand usage and maintenance. With proper care, most small business printers should last at least four years. Newer Lexmark printers, intentionally engineered to last longer, can keep printing for five to seven years, saving you more time and money.
What to do with an old printer?
If a red flag has you ready to replace your old printer, consider recycling it. Like Lexmark, some printer companies offer free printer recycling and disposal programs where you can safely and securely dispose of your old printer.
As a senior portfolio manager at Lexmark, Jason Turfler has over two decades of experience leading product development teams in the printing industry, making him an expert in his field. With a proactive and multi-faceted approach, he takes advantage of opportunities to drive best in class customer experiences, strategic planning, and creative problem-solving to exceed business goals.
Before joining Lexmark, Jason served in various senior leadership positions at several notable companies, where he became an expert in customer empathy, portfolio optimization and innovation. He has earned a Bachelor of Science in marketing and a Master of Business Administration degree.
Jason has a passion for coaching and community service, which led him to found and lead a booster club benefitting the local high school softball team while also coaching for the varsity team.
Articles from the author:
Which Lexmark printer best suits your small business needs?
Need to print, scan, copy, fax and more?
GO with:
Lexmark Color All-in-One 4-series (MC3426i)
Part #: 40N9650
More color printing than black and white?
GO with:
Lexmark Color Printer 3-series (C3326dw)
Part #: 40N9010
Print mostly text but need all the features?
GO with:
Lexmark Black and White All-in-One 3-series (MB2236i)
Part #: 18M0751
Print more words than images?
GO with:
Lexmark Black and White Printer 2-series (B2236dw)
Part #: 18M0100
