Print troubleshooting

  Fax troubleshooting


Print troubleshooting

Find the problem in the following table that best matches the problem you are having

Symptom:

Question:

Solution:

Poor text and graphic quality

Are you using the scan or copy features?

See Scan and copy troubleshooting.

Poor text and graphic quality, including:

  • Blank page
  • Incorrect colors
  • Missing characters
  • Faded print
  • Dark print
  • Skewed lines
  • Smudges
  • Streaks
  • Unexpected characters
  • White lines in print

 

 

Are you using the correct color setting?

Try using a different color setting in your program.

Did the ink completely dry on the print media before you removed it from the exit tray?

Allow the ink some time to dry completely before handling the paper.

Is the paper wrinkled?

Use a new piece of paper that is straight and unwrinkled.

Are the All-In-One settings adjusted to the correct paper type and size?

Select the correct paper type and size in Print Preferences, Properties, or from the All-In-One software.

Are the All-In-One settings adjusted to the appropriate quality for the paper type?

Select the highest appropriate quality for the paper type in Print Preferences, Properties, or from the All-In-One software.

Are the print cartridges aligned properly?

See Aligning the cartridges.

Have the print cartridges been properly maintained?

See Improving print quality and Cleaning the print cartridge nozzles.

Poor text and graphic quality

Is the All-In-One out of ink?

Replace the print cartridge with a new cartridge. See Replacing the print cartridges.

Poor quality at the edges of the page

Are you printing beyond the minimum print margins for the All-In-One?

Use these minimum settings:

  • Left and right margins:
- 6.35 mm (0.25 inches) for all paper sizes except A4
- 3.37 mm (0.133 inches) for A4 size paper
  • Top margin:
1.7 mm (0.067 inches)
  • Bottom margin:
16.51 mm (0.65 inches)

Poor quality at the edges of the page

Is the original document larger than the paper you are using for copies?

On the control panel, press the Arrow button until Resize appears. Press the - button to select a reduced percentage.

All-In-One does not print or respond

Do you see an error message?

See Error messages troubleshooting.

Is the All-In-One installed properly on your computer?

If you are not sure, uninstall the All-In-One software and reinstall it. See Removing and reinstalling the software.

Has the document been held or paused?

See How to check the All-In-One status.

Is the All-In-One set as the default printer?

See How to check the All-In-One status.

Slow print speed

Are there other programs running on your computer?

Close all programs not in use.

Are you using the highest print quality resolution?

Reduce the print quality resolution.

Quick and Normal print more quickly than Photo.

Note:  Photos or documents containing graphics may take longer to print than regular text.

Does your computer meet the minimum memory requirements for the All-In-One?

Consider purchasing more Random Access Memory (RAM) for your computer.

:

How to check the All-In-One status

Check the All-In-One status to make sure your document is not being held or paused and that the All-In-One is set as the default printer. To check the status:

  1. Click Start  Control Panel  Printers and Other Hardware  Printers and Faxes (Windows XP).

Click Start   Settings   Printers and Faxes or Printers (Windows 95, 98, Me, 2000).

  1. Double-click the Lexmark 5200 Series icon.

Click Printer and make sure no check mark appears next to Pause Printing. Also make sure a check mark does appear next to Set As Default.


Fax troubleshooting