If you notice an issue with a printer not printing correctly, first try to print or scan a test page. Try printing from an application other than where the problem is currently occurring. There’s a test process built into Windows. Look in the properties of your printer, which wil have an option to print a test page. This prints directly from the print driver in Windows.
Your printer may also offer diagnostic tools. For example you may be able to connect to a web based utility to run test prints. There may be an application offered by the printer vendor to offer you more diagnostic insights into your printer. These applications may be available to download from teh printer vendor’s website.
There may also be third party utilities to help you test and troubleshoot a printer outside of Windows.
Streaks
If the printer output comes out streaked or blurred, your first step would be to clean the print heads on an inkjet printer. If you’re using a laser printer, check for scratches on the photosensitive drum. If there is a scratch on the photosensitive drum, you’ll need to replace it. This may also require that you replace the toner cartridge.
Faded prints
Faded or blank printouts usually mean that you’re low on toner or ink. Replace the ink or toner cartridges as needed.
Ghost images
Ghost images typically occur with laser printers. Ghost images are caused when the optical drum is not cleaned properly. The ghost or “shadow” from a previous drum rotation appears because the drum was not cleaned well enough between the previous and current rotations. To fix this issue, try cleaning or replace the components involved with cleaning the drum.
Toner not fused to the paper
If you are printing from a laser printer and notice that when you touch the page, it leads to toner smudging, this is an indication that the toner is not properly fusing to the paper. There may be a problem with the fusing process at the end of the printing process. The fuser generally becomes very hot and uses this heat and pressure to melt the toner to the page. If the toner is not fusing, the fuser may not be getting hot enough. Cool down the printer and replace the fuser as necessary.
Creased paper
If your printouts are coming out creased, there may be problems in the paper path. Another cause of creased paper is that you’re using the wrong weight of paper. Lighter paper creases more easily. Using a heavier paper can resolve creased paper issues.
