Monthly Archives: September 2012

Computers and Internet

You’re Not Out Of Ink

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So, it’s that time of year again. The time when college students go back to school. If you’re like me, your printer has probably been sitting in its box since you packed up your dorm room in April. You haven’t used it in a while, and now it’s time to use it again. But alas, you go to print something, and you get a blank page. You think you’re out of ink and will have to go buy a new cartridge. But this probably isn’t the case. In reality, the ink has dried up and plugged the holes, ceasing any ink flow. What you have to do now is to “simply” clean your cartridge so that it works again. But only if it were so simple. And that is why I am writing this…

First you need to open your printer settings. To do this, click on the Start menu and click on Devices and Printers.

Click on "Devices and Printers"
Select Devices and Printers from the Start Menu

Next, find your printer in the list, right-click it, and select Printing Preferences.

Select "Printing Preferences" from the drop down menu.
Select “Printing Preferences” from the drop down menu.

Now, depending on your printer, this part is different. Look for a printer services or maintenance button.

Select the "Printing Services" or "Maintenance" button in this menu.
Select the “Printing Services” or “Maintenance” button in this menu.

Click on Clean Cartridges and follow the instructions from there.

Select "Clean Cartridges" from the list
Select “Clean Cartridges” from the list

This should make your printer cartridges work like new again. Now you don’t have to go out and spend ~$25 – $35 dollars on a new cartridge with money you already don’t have.