15.01.2024 Views

CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide

  • No tags were found...

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

Compared to other printer styles, thermal printers are simple to troubleshoot

and maintain. With direct thermal printers, you only need to worry about

three things: the heating element, the rollers, and the paper. With thermal wax

printers, you also need to care for the wax ribbon.

To clean the heating element, turn off the thermal printer and open it

according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use denatured alcohol and a

lint-free cloth to wipe off the heating element. You might need to use a little

pressure to get it completely clean. Clean the rollers with a cloth or

compressed air. You want to keep them free of debris so they can properly

grip the paper. Replacing the paper is as easy as sliding off the old roll and

replacing it with a new one. Remember to feed the paper through the heating

element, because otherwise you won’t print anything. Replacing the ribbon is

similar to replacing the roll of paper; make sure to feed it past the heating

element, or the printer won’t work properly. Your printer’s manufacturer

should include any special instructions for installing a new ribbon.

Troubleshooting Inkjet Printers

Inkjet printers are reliable devices that require little maintenance as long as

they are used within their design parameters (high-use machines will require

more intensive maintenance). Because of the low price of these printers,

manufacturers know that people don’t want to spend a lot of money keeping

them running. If you perform even the most basic maintenance tasks, they

will soldier on for years without a whimper. Inkjets generally have built-in

maintenance programs that you should run from time to time to keep your

inkjet in good operating order.

Inkjet Printer Maintenance

Inkjet printers don’t get nearly as dirty as laser printers, and most

manufacturers do not recommend periodic cleaning. Unless your

manufacturer explicitly tells you to do so, don’t vacuum an inkjet. Inkjets

generally do not have maintenance kits, but most inkjet printers come with

extensive maintenance software (see Figure 26-38). Usually, the hardest part

of using this software is finding it in the first place. Look for an option in

Printing Preferences, a selection on the Start menu, or an option on the

printer’s management Web page. Don’t worry—it’s there!

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!