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How to Fix the Printer if it’s Printing Dots on Paper
The printer drum probably has residual ink or small debris on it
5 min. read
Published onAugust 23, 2024
published onAugust 23, 2024
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Dealing with a printer that leaves dots on your paper can be incredibly frustrating, and it’s usually because the printer drum has ink residue or debris. A cartridge leakage may also cause this problem. Nevertheless, here’s how to solve this problem.
What do I do if the printer is printing dots on paper?
1. Clean the drum unit
This solution helps because debris or toner build-up on the drum can transfer to paper as dots. Cleaning the drum can remove these particles, improving print quality.
2. Replace the toner cartridge
Replacing the toner cartridge is essential if the current one is defective or worn out. A damaged cartridge may leak toner, causing dots on the paper.
3. Clean the transfer belt
The transfer belt plays a crucial role in transferring toner to paper. Cleaning it can remove any accumulated debris that might cause dots.
4. Use the correct paper type
Using the incorrect paper type can cause various print issues, including dots or smudging. Ensuring the correct paper type is used helps the printer optimize the printing process.
5. Reset the printer to factory settings
Resetting the printer can clear any software-related issues causing the dots, restoring its functionality to how it was when first purchased.
6. Use a professional maintenance service
When internal components are damaged or heavily soiled, professional service ensures your printer is fixed with specialized tools and expertise.
By following these comprehensive steps, you should be able to troubleshoot and resolve issues causing dots on your printed pages. To prevent future problems, regularly clean your printer and use the recommended paper and toner cartridges.
If theprinter can’t print at all, click the highlighted link for the right solutions to fix it. In case you need to replace it, here’s our list of thebest printers for a medium office.
Did you manage to get rid of the printer printing dots issue? Let us know in the comments below.
More about the topics:Printer
Claudiu Andone
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Oldtimer in the tech and science press, Claudiu is focused on whatever comes new from Microsoft.
His abrupt interest in computers started when he saw the first Home Computer as a kid. However, his passion for Windows and everything related became obvious when he became a sys admin in a computer science high school.
With 14 years of experience in writing about everything there is to know about science and technology, Claudiu also likes rock music, chilling in the garden, and Star Wars. May the force be with you, always!
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Claudiu Andone
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Oldtimer in the tech and science press, with 14 years of experience in writing on everything there is to know about science, technology, and Microsoft