Dell Printer Troubleshooting

Start with the obvious issues. Make sure all cables are connected, the printer is powered on and the ink cartridges are properly seated. If it's a networked printer, confirm that the network is functioning properly. If it's a shared printer, confirm that the host computer is turned on, printer sharing is enabled and the host computer is accessible via the network. Power the printer off and on again.

Swap out the connecting cable to see if that's the issue. Connect the printer to a different port on the computer, or to a different computer. The goal here is to see if the problem is with the computer itself, the connection or the printer.

Open the print queue (Start Menu > Settings > Printers) and see if there's a logjam in the queue. If an odd paper size was selected, this could be gumming up the works. Clear all jobs from the print queue, and try printing again.

Run the Dell diagnostic software (Start Menu > Programs > Dell) to confirm that the computer can see the printer and to check the ink levels, nozzles and print head alignment.

Use a flashlight to check inside the printer for any jams, foreign objects or broken parts. If the paper isn't feeding correctly, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean any gunk off the rollers and moving parts. A can of compressed air comes in handy here, as well.

Delete the printer from the computer and reinstall the drivers. For Windows users, open the Control Panel and select "Printers." Highlight the Dell printer, right-click and select "Delete." Mac users can delete the printer by opening System Preferences, selecting "Print & Fax," selecting the Dell printer, and clicking the minus (-) icon at the bottom of the window. Use the original CD to install the drivers, or download them from Dell's website.

Finally, try new ink cartridges. Make sure there isn't a dried up crust of ink clogging the print heads.