Important facts about laser printer maintenance and repair
One of the challenging aspects of dealing with a laser printer is the huge proliferation of brands and models, each one of which can feature its own quirks and idiosyncrasies. In the line of Hewlett Packard LaserJet printers alone, for example, models may appear to be very similar when, in fact, their internal workings, including parts and toner cartridges, can be very different indeed. A cursory view of a few examples in the HP line can be instructive to bring this point home.
A rose by any other name
One line of HP LaserJet printers is the 4000 series, which consists of models variously numbered as 4200, 4250, 4300, and 4350. Each of these laser printers features a different fuser even though to the uninitiated, it might appear rational that all 4000-series printers would utilize parallel parts and supplies. Small business owners or managers who install the wrong fuser in a printer will trigger a 50.4 or perhaps a 50.5 fuser error at best and may actually end up doing damage to their laser printer. The first rule of thumb when working with a laser printer, therefore, is to take careful note of the exact model number so that accurate information can be provided to the laser printer repair firm supplying regular maintenance services or supplies for the unit.
Dealing with the dreaded “50” service error
The same line of HP printers does feature some commonalities in terms of function, however. For example, all four printers in this line may give a “50” error with no warning. When this occurs, SMB owners and managers are often at a complete loss since it may appear to them that no service is needed; the printer was functioning well just a few moments earlier.
Thankfully, there are some strategies that SMBs can take to resolve such errors without calling a printer services firm. These errors are often temporary and can be solved by turning the printer off completely for about 20 minutes. This alone may be enough to persuade the machine to “forget” its troubles. If that does not work, it can be a good idea to reseat the fuser and to remove the printer from any communications with a computer. This latter goal can be accomplished by disconnecting any USB connections tethering the printer to a computer.
When it’s time to buy a new printer – think refurbished!
Why buy a refurbished printer?
1. Quality – Printers are expertly tested and refurbished to provide trouble free printing
2. Value – Just a fraction of the cost of a new printer
3. Appearance – We ensure the printer looks as good as it works
4. Warranty -Full parts and labor included with every printer
5. Remember the environment – Buy a Refurbished Printer!
Learn more about the author Bob Martin
