PC Hardware Annoyances

MAINTENANCE ANNOYANCES

NEW DRUM STILL WANTS REPLACEMENT

The Annoyance:

I replaced the electrophotographic (EP) drum in my printer, but I still get a message telling me to replace the drum. Ugh!

The Fix:

When you replaced the drum, did you remember to reset the page counter? If not, then dig those drum replacement instructions out of the trash (or wipe the cobwebs off of your printer manual) and make sure you reset the printer’s page counter as directed by the manufacturer. The printer uses the page counter to keep track of the drum’s age and remind you when it’s time for a new one.

OVERCOMING PERSISTENT TONER ERRORS

The Annoyance:

I replaced the toner cartridge in my laser printer, but I still get an error telling me that the toner is empty.

The Fix:

Remove the cartridge and gently shake it back and forth to distribute the toner, and then reinsert the cartridge. If the problem persists, clean the corona wire-a high-voltage wire used to place a charge on the drum and attract toner. Over time, the wire may corrode slightly or attract debris and cause light/white streaks down the page. (Note that if you replace the toner cartridge, it will not replace the corona wire, unless the toner supply is part of the EP assembly). Remove the EP drum from your printer and locate the primary corona wire (see your printer manual for the exact location). In many cases, drum assemblies already include a little plastic cleaning tab that you can simply run back and forth along the wire a few times. Return the ...