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Other Printing Problems

This section describes likely causes of and possible solutions for problems that can occur when printing from a computer.

When you cannot print clearly
Problem	Cause	Solution
The print on the entire page is faded.	The paper is damp.	Use paper that has been stored in the recommended temperature and humidity condition. See "Paper Storage", About This Machine.
The print on the entire page is faded.	The paper is unsuitable.	Use recommended paper. (Printing on coarse or treated paper might result in faint print image.) See "Recommended Paper Sizes and Types", About This Machine.
The print on the entire page is faded.	If the [Toner Saving] is selected in the printer driver settings, the entire page will be faded when printed.	PCL 5e On the [Print Quality] tab, select [Off] in the [Toner Saving] area. PCL 6 On the [Detailed Settings] tab, select [Off] in the [Toner Saving] box on the [Print Quality]. PostScript 3 On the [Detailed Settings] tab, select [Off] in the [Print Mode] box on the [Print Quality].
Printed images contain blots or are patchy.	Settings for thick paper have not been made when printing on thick paper in the bypass tray.	PCL 5e Select [Thick] in the [Type:] list on the [Paper] tab. PCL 6 Select [Thick] in the [Paper Type:] box on the [One Click Presets] tab. PostScript 3 Select [Thick] in the [Media Type:] box on the [One Click Presets] tab.
Printed images contain blots or are patchy.	Printing on coarse paper or treated paper can result in faint print image.	Use supplier-recommended paper. See "Recommended Paper Sizes and Types", About This Machine.
Printed images contain blots or are patchy.	The paper is damp.	Use paper that has been stored in the recommended temperature and humidity condition. See "Paper Storage", About This Machine.
Printed images contain blots or are patchy.	Check the machine is set on a level surface. The machine must be placed on a stable and level surface.	Check the environment of location to select an appropriate location. See "Where to Put Your Machine", About This Machine.
Printed images contain blots or are patchy.	The paper is creased, curled, or has blemishes.	Smooth out the wrinkles from the paper, or replace it. See "Recommended Paper Sizes and Types" and "Unusable Paper", About This Machine.
Images smudge when rubbed. (Toner is not fixed.)	The specified paper type and the paper that is actually loaded might be different. For example, thick paper might be loaded but not specified as the paper type.	PCL 5e On the [Paper] tab, select a proper paper type in the [Type:] box. PCL 6 On the [One Click Presets] tab, select a proper paper type in the [Paper Type:] box. PostScript 3 On the [One Click Presets] tab, select a proper paper type in the [Media Type:] box.
The printed image is different from the image on the computer's display.	Printing will be performed by the machine's graphic processing function.	Only when using PCL 6 On the [Detailed Settings] tab, select [Raster] in the [Raster/Vector:] box on the [Print Quality].
The image is too dark or too light.	The correct paper type settings are not made.	Check the paper loaded on the paper tray or bypass tray matches the paper type set on the display panel. See "Recommended Paper Sizes and Types", About This Machine.
The image is too dark or too light.	The paper is loaded reverse side up.	Before printing on special paper, check its surface carefully. Printing on non-print surfaces reduces print quality and can damage the machine's internal components. See "Recommended Paper Sizes and Types" and "Unusable Paper", About This Machine.
Image is dirty.	Use of non-recommended toner can result in loss of print quality and other problems.	Use manufacturer-genuine toner. Contact your service representative.
Print result differs from the display.	A non-Windows OS is being used.	Check the application supports the printer driver.
Print result differs from the display.	The machine is not selected for printing.	Use the machine's printer driver and check the machine is the designated printer. See "Setting Up the Printer Driver", Printer Reference.
Print result differs from the display.	Data transmission failed or was cancelled during printing.	Check whether there is failed or cancelled data remaining. See "Checking the Error Log", Printer Reference.
Characters differ from the display.	The loaded paper is unsuitable.	Printing on recommended paper produces better resolution. See "Recommended Paper Sizes and Types", About This Machine.
It takes too much time to resume printing.	The data is so large or complex that it takes time to process.	If the Data In indicator is blinking, data is being processed. Simply wait until printing resumes.
It takes too much time to resume printing.	The machine was in Energy Saver mode.	To resume from Energy Saver mode, it has to warm up, and this takes time. See "ENERGY STAR Program", About This Machine.
Paper is not fed from the selected tray.	When you are using a Windows operating system, printer driver settings override those set using the display panel.	PCL 5e On the printer driver's [Paper] tab, in the [Input Tray:] list, select the desired input tray. PCL 6 On the printer driver's [One Click Presets] tab, in the [Input Tray:] list, select the desired input tray. PostScript 3 On the printer driver's [One Click Presets] tab, in the [Paper Source:] list, select the desired input tray.
Some types of data, such as graphics data or data from certain applications, do not print.	The correct printer driver settings are not made.	PCL 5e On the [Print Quality] tab, select [600 dpi] in the [Resolution] area. PCL 6 On the [Detailed Settings] tab, select [Quality] in the [Print Priority:] box on the [Print Quality]. On the [Detailed Settings] tab, select [Raster] in the [Raster/Vector:] box on the [Print Quality]. PostScript 3 On the [Detailed Settings] tab, select [Photographic] in the [Dithering] box on the [Print Quality]. See the printer driver Help.
Some characters are not printed or appear strange.	The correct printer driver settings are not made.	PCL 5e On the [Print Quality] tab, select [600 dpi] in the [Resolution] area. PCL 6 On the [Detailed Settings] tab, select [Quality] in the [Print Priority:] box on the [Print Quality]. On the [Detailed Settings] tab, select [Raster] in the [Raster/Vector:] box on the [Print Quality]. PostScript 3 On the [Detailed Settings] tab, select [Text] in the [Dithering] box on the [Print Quality]. See the printer driver Help.
Print speed or application relinquishing speed is slow.	The correct printer driver settings are not made.	Only when using PCL 6 On the [Detailed Settings] tab, select [Speed] in the [Print Priority:] box on the [Print Quality]. See the printer driver Help. Quit any other applications.
Print ends mid-job.	An error might have occurred.	Check the machine's display panel to see if an error has occurred.
Image position differs from the display.	The correct page layout settings are not made.	Check the page layout settings made using the application. See the application's Help.
Image position differs from the display.	The correct page layout settings are not made.	PCL 5e On the printer driver's [Paper] tab, select [Print On] box, and then select the desired size. PCL 6 / PostScript 3 On the printer driver's [Detailed Settings] tab, select [Print On:] box on the [Basic], and then select the desired size.
The printed image is different from the image on the computer display.	With certain functions, such as enlargement and reduction, image layout might be different to that on the computer display.	In the application, change the layout, character size, and character settings.
Print is slanted.	The paper is feeding in at a slant.	Load the paper correctly. See "Loading Paper", About This Machine.
Print is slanted.	The machine's cover is open.	Make sure the right and lower right covers are properly closed.
Misfeeds occur frequently.	The number of sheets loaded exceeds the capacity of the machine.	Load paper only as high as the upper limit markings on the side fences of the paper tray or bypass tray.
Misfeeds occur frequently.	The paper is damp.	Use paper that has been stored in the recommended temperature and humidity condition. See "Paper Storage", About This Machine.
Misfeeds occur frequently.	The paper is too thick or too thin.	Use recommended paper. See "Recommended Paper Sizes and Types", About This Machine.
Misfeeds occur frequently.	The copy paper is wrinkled or has been folded/creased.	Use recommended paper only and be sure its storage environment meets the recommended temperature and humidity conditions. For details about recommended paper and the proper way to store it, see "Recommended Paper Sizes and Types" and "Paper Storage", About This Machine.
Misfeeds occur frequently.	Printed paper is being used.	Do not load sheets that have already been copied or printed onto by another machine.
Copy paper becomes creased.	The paper is damp.	Use paper that has been stored in the recommended temperature and humidity condition. See "Paper Storage", About This Machine.
Copy paper becomes creased.	The paper is too thin.	Use recommended paper. See "Recommended Paper Sizes and Types", About This Machine.
Garbled characters are printed.	The correct printer language might have not been selected.	Set the correct printer language.
Images are printed in the wrong orientation.	The feed orientation you selected and the feed orientation selected in the printer driver's option setup might not be the same.	Set the machine's feed orientation and the printer driver's feed orientation accordingly. See the printer driver Help.
There is considerable delay between the print start instruction and actual printing.	"Sleep mode" might be set.	The machine requires time to warm up if it has been in "Sleep mode". See "Timer Settings", Network and System Settings Guide and "ENERGY STAR Program", About This Machine.
There is considerable delay between the print start instruction and actual printing.	Processing time depends on data volume. High volume data, such as graphics-heavy documents, takes longer to process.	If the Data In indicator is blinking, data has been received by the machine. Wait for a while. Making the following setting on the printer driver may reduce the computer's workload. For how to open the printing preferences dialog box, see "Displaying the Printer Driver Settings Screen", Printer Reference. PCL 5e Select the lower value for the [Resolution] list on the [Print Quality] in the printing preferences dialog box. PCL 6 Select [Speed] for the [Print Priority:] list on the [Print Quality] in the printing preferences dialog box. PostScript3 If your operating system is Windows, select [Optimize for Speed] in the [PostScript Output Option:] list in [PS Options] on the [Detailed Settings] tab.
Graphics print out differently to how they appear on screen.	If the printer driver is configured to use the graphics command, the graphics command from the machine is used to print.	If you want to print accurately, set the printer driver to print without using the graphics command. See the printer driver Help.
Photo images are coarse.	Some applications print at lower resolution.	Use the application's settings to specify a higher resolution.
Solid lines are printed as broken lines.	Dither patterns do not match.	Make the following settings with the printer driver: Only when using PostScript 3 Change the [Dithering] setting in the [Print Quality] on the [Detailed Settings] tab.
Optional components connected to the machine are not recognized when using Windows 2000/XP/Vista, Windows Server 2003/2003R2/2008.	Bidirectional communication is not working.	Set up optional devices on the Properties of the machine. See the printer driver Help.
When using Windows 2000/XP/Vista, Windows Server 2003/2003R2/2008, Auto Reduce/Enlarge print does not come out as expected.	-	Make sure the application's paper size and orientation settings match those of the printer driver. If a different paper size and orientation are set, select the same size and orientation.
The print job is not canceled even when the machine is switched to offline status.	-	Even when the machine is offline, printing is performed when [Job Acceptance Priority] is selected for [Signal Control] in [Parallel Interface] in [Interface Settings] under [System Settings]. Select [Printer Priority] for [Signal Control]. See "Interface Settings", Network and System Settings Guide.
Images are incomplete, or excess pages are printed.	You may be using paper smaller than the size selected in the application.	Use the same size paper as that selected in the application. If you cannot load paper of the correct size, use the reduction function to reduce the image, and then print. See the printer driver Help.
Duplex printing is malfunctioning.	Duplex printing cannot be done with paper set in the bypass tray.	When using duplex printing, make settings to use paper from a tray other than the bypass tray.
Duplex printing is malfunctioning.	You have loaded thick paper, OHP transparencies, or labels specified as the paper type.	Specify another paper type.
Duplex printing is malfunctioning.	Duplex printing cannot be done with a tray for which [Off] has been specified as Paper Type on the System Settings menu.	Change the Paper Type setting for the tray to [On] on the System Settings menu. See "System Settings", Network and System Settings Guide.
When using Windows 2000/XP/Vista, Windows Server 2003/2003R2/2008, combined printing or booklet printing does not come out as expected.	The correct application or printer driver settings are not made.	Make sure the application's paper size and orientation settings match those of the printer driver. If a different paper size and orientation are set, select the same size and orientation.
A print instruction was issued from the computer, but printing did not start.	User code management may have been set.	Ask the administrator about valid user codes. To print, the user code must be entered from the printer driver.

If the problem cannot be solved, contact your sales or service representative.

When paper is not fed properly
Problem	Cause	Solution
Images are printed at a slant.	The tray's side fences might not be locked.	Check the side fences are locked. See "Changing the Paper Size", About This Machine.
Sheets are feeding in together, resulting in jams.	Sheets are sticking together.	Fan the sheets thoroughly before loading them. Alternatively, feed the sheets into the machine one at a time.

If the problem cannot be solved, contact your service representative.