IT-Questions.com

Printers & Scanners · 4 guides

Print quality and scanning

Blank pages, jams, streaks, and scanning to email or OneDrive.

The printer is printing blank pages

Paper comes out with nothing on it, or only a header and no body.

ModerateAbout 8 minutes4 steps

You might notice

  • Blank sheets for every job
  • Toner is low but not empty
  • Only one application prints blank
  1. 01

    Check toner, ink, and sealing tape

    Replace empty cartridges. On a new toner, remove the protective tape. Shake a nearly empty laser cartridge only if the vendor instructions allow it.

  2. 02

    Print the printer’s own test page

    Use the menu on the printer glass or LCD. If the hardware test page is also blank, the device needs service. If the hardware test is fine, the problem is the job or driver.

  3. 03

    Print as image or from a PDF

    Some Excel and browser jobs send blank output. Save to PDF and print the PDF, or in the driver enable Print as image.

  4. 04

    Reinstall the official driver

    Remove the printer and add the company queue again so you are not using a generic driver.

How to clear a printer paper jam

The printer reports a jam, even if you cannot see the paper at first.

EasyAbout 8 minutes4 steps

You might notice

  • Jam message on the screen
  • Paper wrinkled or torn
  • The message remains after you pulled one sheet
  1. 01

    Follow the printer’s jam map

    Open the trays and doors the screen highlights. Pull paper slowly in the direction of the path. Do not yank against rollers.

  2. 02

    Look for scraps

    Torn corners left on a roller will immediately jam the next page. Check the duplex area and the fuser door if the guide shows them.

  3. 03

    Reload paper correctly

    Fan the stack, load below the fill line, and set the guides snug. Curled or damp paper jams more often.

  4. 04

    Close every door firmly

    A slightly open tray keeps the error on. After the ready message returns, print one test page.

Print quality is streaky, faded, or dirty

Pages have lines, pale text, toner spots, or the wrong colors.

EasyAbout 8 minutes4 steps

You might notice

  • Vertical streaks
  • Faded text
  • Speckles or ghost images
  1. 01

    Print a quality report from the device

    Use the printer menu to print a cleaning or configuration page. If the defect is on that page too, it is hardware or consumables, not your file.

  2. 02

    Replace or reseat the cartridge

    Low toner causes fade. A poorly seated cartridge causes streaks. Run the device cleaning routine if the vendor provides one.

  3. 03

    Try a different file and paper

    Print a simple Word page on official paper. Labels, envelopes, and recycled stock often smear. In the driver, pick the matching paper type.

  4. 04

    Stop using the printer if it is smearing toner

    Loose toner can damage the fuser. Put an “out of order” note on the device and call facilities or IT.

How to scan a document to email or OneDrive

Turn a paper document into a PDF and send it to yourself or a shared library.

EasyAbout 6 minutes4 steps

You might notice

  • You have a signed form to file
  • The scanner asks for a destination
  • A scan never arrived in email
  1. 01

    Badge in on a multifunction printer

    Tap your badge or sign in so the device knows your email and OneDrive. Guest scans without sign-in often go nowhere.

  2. 02

    Choose Scan to Me or Scan to OneDrive

    Place the page on the glass or in the feeder, choose PDF, and pick one-sided or two-sided. Start with a single test page.

  3. 03

    Check junk mail and the scan folder

    Scans may land in Junk or in a OneDrive folder named Scans. Search your mailbox for the printer name.

  4. 04

    Do not scan highly sensitive paper to a shared inbox

    HR, payroll, and health documents should go to the approved secure location, not a team mailbox.