DeskJet Printers use very expensive cartridges that need special care.  DO NOT touch the copper segments with your fingers.

These are covered with a plastic tab when you open the cartridge because the grease from your fingers can cause damage. Remove the plastic tab and avoid contact with your fingers while seating the cartridge in the printer.

PRINTER DRIVERS:

For all pieces of hardware, there is a corresponding piece of software that runs the hardware.  This piece of software is called a "driver".  When a new printer is purchased by your campus office, it will need to be installed by the Technology Department.  We will install the printer and the driver.  We will need to keep the CD with the driver software on it in the studio.

PRINTING GARBAGE:

If for some reason your printer starts to print "garbage", simply turn off the printer AND turn off the computer.  Turn on the printer first, then the computer and the computer should detect and load the driver for the correct printer.

NEW CARTRIDGE:

It is the responsibility of the campus office to supply you with new printer cartridges.   Once a cartridge has been opened, remove the plastic protective tap from the copper circuit on the cartridge head.  The copper circuit should NEVER be touched by your fingers.  Oil from your fingers will compromise the cartridge effectiveness.  Once you insert the cartridge into your printer, you will need to run the HP Utilities program (start, programs, HP Utilities) to align the cartridge.

Cartridges WILL DRY OUT, if you do not use them on a regular basis. NOT a good idea to open a fresh cartridge before you leave for summer or Christmas breaks.  They will be dry before you get back.

DO NOT run the printer when the cartridge is dry.  You will need to contact your campus office for cartridge replacements.  It is cheaper to run a MASTER copy from your printer and then use the Office copier machine to run copies....than it is to run your whole classroom set from your printer.

PRINTER JAMS:

If paper jams in your printer, DO NOT pull the paper out backwards...it must be pulled through the printer as if it were traveling through the printer naturally.  Pulling the paper out -- the way it went in-- will cause the printer guides to be "sprung" and stretched and not work properly afterwards.

PRINTER NOISE:

If your printer begins to make knocking noise or harsh noises, it is because the travel rod it dirty and needs to be cleaned.  The Technology Department will clean and oil the travel rod for you.  WE WILL NOT respond to paper jams, however.

UTILITIES:

Run the utilities often, these will clean the cartridge head and realign the head after a printer jam or a problem.

WHEN NOT IN USE:

Turn off your printer during weekends, holidays, and summer. 

MAINTENANCE:

Unless your printer is under warrantee (first 3 months), the Technology Department is NOT responsible for printer maintenance.  DeskJets are usually NOT worth getting fixed.  It is as expensive to fix them as it is to buy a new one (usually).  Old printers should be sent to the studio for final evaluation, before being sent to the Red Barn.

WHEN NOT IN USE:

Turn off your printer during weekends, holidays, and summer.  The older LaserJets have a heating element that does not need to stay heated when the printer is not in use.

NEW CARTRIDGE:

When you replace an old cartridge with a new cartridge, your old cartridge should be shipped back to the cartridge company.  Your campus office will assist you with this.

PRINTER JAMS:

If paper jams in your printer, DO NOT pull the paper out backwards...it must be pulled through the printer as if it were traveling through the printer naturally.  Pulling the paper out -- the way it went in-- will cause the printer guides to be "sprung" and stretched and not work properly afterwards.

MAINTENANCE:

Unless your printer is under warrantee (first 6 months), the Technology Department is NOT responsible for printer maintenance.  LaserJets ARE worth fixing.  We use Laura Dacus' uncle who is certified to maintain them.  Your campus should request a repair and make arrangements with Mrs. Dacus.

PRINTER CODES:

Laser printers display a service CODE when they are having problems.  Documenting this code on a maintenance request will be helpful to those who must repair your printer.

The expensive Network Lasers on each campus ARE a responsibility of the Technology Department. We will maintain and keep them working on the network.  HOWEVER, cartridge ordering is done through the campus office, not the Technology Department.

Order your HP Deskjet Printers from SAV-ON in Tyler