Printer Problems

Below are some general steps to follow if you are having difficulty with your printer. If the problem persists and you need more detailed information, check your printer manual.

1.If your printer does not work at all, check that the printer has power and is properly connected to the computer. (Also, make sure your printer has paper in it.) See Chapter 1 for instructions or see your printer manual.

2.Check the printer manual for the printer’s correct DIP switch or control panel settings. These settings help a printer communicate properly with the computer.

3.If you are using more than one parallel port or more than one serial port, the computer must know which port is the primary port and which is the secondary port. See Chapter 2 for instructions on how to set the parallel and serial ports using the SETUP program.

4.If your printer is properly set up but is still not functioning, test it from the MS-DOS level. When the screen displays the MS-DOS command prompt (such as C> or A>), hold down Shift and press Print Screen. This should print the contents of the screen on your printer.

If it does not, you may need to change the internal setting of the computer’s parallel port for a parallel printer (or serial port for a serial printer). To do this, use the MS-DOS MODE or SETMODE command, or the MENU utility. See your printer manual and the MS-DOS Reference Manual for more details.

5.Many application programs (such as word processors) must be set up properly before they can use a printer. Check your program manual to see what customizing may be required.

Troubleshooting D-17