How to Install Printer Cartridges

Examine your printer. Somewhere on the machine there should be a sticker or imprint showing how to open the print cartridge holder or how to replace it. Older machines might not have this graphic set of directions, but most newer machines have explicit instructions posted somewhere on the machine. If no instructions are on the machine itself, open the printer program installed with the driver and look for "changing print cartridge" or "troubleshooting" for directions. New cartridge packages will almost always include directions.

After checking to make sure you have the right replacement cartridge, remove the old cartridge. If your cartridge holds toner for a laser printer, it will probably be a long, thin cartridge that pulls out of a side slot or out of the front of the machine. Ink jet cartridges are mounted on a sliding carriage that springs to the center when the top of the machine is opened or tilted up. Be sure that an inkjet printer is turned on before opening the cartridge chamber or this carriage will not move to the center. Never pull or force a cartridge---it may be tight but it will slide out. Set the old cartridge on a paper towel or put it directly into a plastic bag. Office supply stores may offer credit for used cartridges, or local organizations may have a recycling program.

Unwrap the new cartridge. Laser cartridges must be moved back and forth along their length to distribute the toner equally in the bed of the cartridge. Turn inkjet cartridges upside down before removing the tape covering the little perforations in the shiny end of the cartridge than sits in the carriage. Do not touch the perforations---the oil from your skin will clog the little holes and cause blotchy printing that will require repeated cleaning processes (using lots of ink) to clear.

Insert or snap in the cartridge (turn the inkjet cartridge over before inserting) as directed. Laser cartridges may have levers or flaps that pull down or just a door that closes. Most inkjet cartridges have little flaps that snap down over the top of the cartridge and catch. These flaps are often colored the same as the manufacturer's cartridges to simplify the process of replacing both cartridges.

Close up the printer and take time to clean off any smeared ink with a cotton swab or lintless cloth and a little isopropyl alcohol. Laser toner is not ink but plastic and should simply brush off surfaces unless smudged. If the toner smears, try the alcohol or wintergreen oil. Clean any smears on your hands---the stuff transfers and marks clothing permanently. Always run an alignment page before restarting a print job with an inkjet printer.