The Cartridge Company San Diego

HP Serial and Parallel Cables

2011-11-02T13:27:00.001-07:00

Serial

Parallel

Sometimes the serial cables don't work for bigger files, and to try the parallel cable (some people will tell you that there is no difference between parallel and serial in delivery of data). The drivers for this cable (parallel ) might install instantly and automatically (unlike the serial cable). Don’t forget not to get the LPT ports mixed up either. The printer will not recognize that it is even connected to the computer. Using the parallel cable you’re to find the pc will download and install it’s driver, it may also download and install automatically the PCL5 driver.

A printer might print much faster on a PCL5 driver, and it even prints pdf files (even reading the page size and pulls paper from the correct drawers) correctly.

Documentation from HP says to use only PCL 6 drivers for this printer, and to use serial port. Try the parallel cable you more likely to have success.

HP Laserjets - Entering Service Mode

2011-11-02T13:14:00.001-07:00

Note: service mode is intended for repair technicians and generally the only reason to enter service mode is to change the maintenance count

HP Laserjet 8000, 8100, and 8150 Series service mode
1. Hold down SELECT and JOB CANCEL while powering on the printer, until all lights are illuminated and the Display is blank. (If the Display Panel reads INTERNAL TEST at this point, the keys were released too soon. Repeat this step until successful.)
2. Press MENU, then SELECT. The message SERVICE MODE is displayed briefly, then the printer automatically begins an INTERNAL TEST. After several seconds, both Control Panel Indicators turn off. (The printer may display WARMING UP if it has not warmed up completely.) After the printer has warmed up and passed the self test, SERVICE MODE is displayed.
3. Press MENU once to display SERVICE MENU.
4. Once it says SERVICE MENU press ITEM to scroll through service mode items.
To exit the Service Mode press GO.
HP Laserjet 5si service mode
1 Hold down [Items] and [+] while powering ON the printer, until all lights are illuminated and the Display is blank. (If the Display Panel reads INTERNAL TEST at this point, the keys were released too soon. Repeat this step until successful.)
2 Press [Select]. The message SERVICE MODE is displayed briefly, then the printer automatically begins an INTERNAL TEST. After several seconds, both Control Panel Indicators turn OFF. (The printer may display WARMING UP if it has not warmed up completely.) After the printer has warmed up and passed the self test, SERVICE MODE is displayed.
3. Press [Menus] once to display SERVICE MENU.
4. Once it says SERVICE MENU press ITEM to scroll through service mode items.
To exit the Service Mode press [On Line].

HP Laserjet 4V and 4MV service mode
1. Hold down the [On Line], [Form Feed], and [Enter] keys while powering ON the printer, until all lights are illuminated and the Display Window is blank. (If the Display Window reads 05 SELF TEST at this point, the keys were released too soon. Repeat this step until successful.)
2. Press the [Form Feed] key, then the [Enter] key. The message SERVICE MODE is displayed briefly, then the printer automatically begins a 05 SELF TEST.
After several seconds, both Control Panel Indicators turn OFF. (The printer may display 02 WARMING UP if it has not warmed up completely.) After the printer has warmed up and passed the self test, SERVICE MODE is displayed.
3. Press [Menus] once to display SERVICE MENU.
4. Once it says SERVICE MENU press ITEM to scroll through service mode items.
To exit the Service Mode press the [On Line] key.
HP Laserjet 5000 series service mode
1. Hold down [Select] and [Cancel Job] while turning on the printer.
(If the control panel reads INITIALIZING, the keys were released too soon.)
2. Press the right side of the [Menu] key, then press [Select]. The message SERVICE MODE is displayed.
3. Press [Menus] once to display SERVICE MENU.
4. Once it says SERVICE MENU press ITEM to scroll through service mode items.
To exit the Service Mode press [Go].
HP Laserjet 4100 series service mode
1 While turning on the printer, hold down SELECT and CANCEL JOB until all of the lights on the control panel are lit.
2 Press the right side of the MENU key, then press SELECT. The message SERVICE MODE temporarily appears and will reappear when the printer completes the initialization process.
3. Press [Menus] once to display SERVICE MENU.
4. Once it says SERVICE MENU press ITEM to scroll through service mode items.
5. To exit the service mode, press GO.
Note: If READY appears in the control panel, the keys might have been released too soon, or the wrong keys were pressed.
HP Laserjet 4000 and 4050 series service mode
1 Hold down [Select] and [Cancel Job] while turning on the printer until all of the lights on the Control Panel are lit. (If the Control Panel reads INITIALIZING, the keys were released too soon.)
2 Press the right side of the [Menu] key, then press [Select]. The message SERVICE MODE is displayed.
3. Press [Menus] once to display SERVICE MENU.
4. Once it says SERVICE MENU press ITEM to scroll through service mode items.
5. To exit the Service Mode press [Go].
HP Laserjet 4 and 4 plus series service mode
1. Hold down the [On Line], [Form Feed], and [Enter] keys while powering ON the printer, until the ON LINE and FORM FEED indicators are both illuminated and the Display Window is blank. (If the Display Window reads 05 SELF TEST at this point, the keys were released too soon. Repeat this step until successful.)
2. Press the [Form Feed] key, then the [Enter] key. The message SERVICE MODE is displayed briefly, then the printer automatically begins a 05 SELF TEST. After several seconds, the ON LINE and FORM FEED lights turn OFF.
(The printer may display 02 WARMING UP if it has not warmed up completely.) After the printer has warmed up and passed the self test, SERVICE MODE is displayed.
3. Press [Menus] once to display SERVICE MENU.
4. Once it says SERVICE MENU press ITEM to scroll through service mode items.
5. To exit the Service Mode press the [On Line] key.

HP Laserjet 5 series service mode
1. Hold down the Menu+ and Value+ keys while powering on the printer. Hold the keys down until SERVICE MODE is displayed.
2. The interrupted power-on self test is resumed. If the test completes successfully, the message SERVICE MODE is displayed.
3. To exit service mode, press the Go button.

Laserjets 5P, 6P, 2100, 2200 and other printers that do not have a display panel (LEDs only).
These models are designed as low volume personal printers and do not have a maintenance count that needs to be reset or a readily accessible service mode. You can cold reset these printers or completely reinitialize the NVRAM (nonvolatile ram) to factory defaults. Cold resetting will reset most of the system parameters to factory defaults and reinitializing the NVRAM will reset ALL system parameters to the factory defaults. Also, there is a service mode for these printers but it is only accessible through software using PJL service mode commands. Buy the printer's service manual if you want to learn more.
HP Laserjet 5L, 6L, 1100, 1200 do not have a service mode. You can only perform a cold-reset and continuous self-test.
Multifunction printers - printers/copiers/fax/scanners (e.g. HP 3100, 3150, 3200, etc.)
Service modes in these printers are more extensive because of the scanning and faxing features. We recommend buying the service manual for these units if you will be doing any repairs beyond mechanical components.

Perform Printer Maintenance

2011-11-02T13:13:00.001-07:00

HP LaserJets - Clearing the maintenance count and service message

If the display panel on your HP LaserJet reads "perform printer maintenance", "perform user maintenance", or anything along those lines it means your printer needs a preventative maintenance kit, which includes a fuser and various rollers. Once you have installed the maintenance kit the message will only go away if you clear the maintenance count. For example the LaserJet 4000 has a 200,000 page maintenance interval. Once you reach 200,000 pages the error message appears and you need to reset the maintenance count to zero to make the message go away.

Reset the maintenance count on an HP LaserJet 4000, 4050, 4100, 5000
"The Short Cut Method"
1. Turn the printer off.
2. Hold down the Item key (minus side of the button) and Value key (minus side).
3. Turn the printer on.
4. Wait for RESET MAINTENANCE COUNT to be displayed and then release both keys.

NOTE: Some versions of the 4000, 4050, 4100, and 5000 will NOT have their maintenance count reset by following the preceding "short cut" method. This is due to the many different formatter board revisions. If the short cut method doesn't reset the maintenance count then you will need to go into service mode to manually reset the maintenance count to zero.

Reset the maintenance count on an HP LaserJet 8000, 8100, and 8150
The Service Manual indicates you need go into the Configuration Menu and set the SERVICE MESSAGE = to OFF to clear the PERFORM PRINTER MAINTENANCE message. We have found that this does not always work (probably due to different formatter revisions). We recommend the following procedure to manually set the maintenance count to zero.
After installing a maintenance kit, reset the maintenance count to zero by:
1. Enter service mode as described on our entering service mode page.
2. Go to the MAINTCOUNT screen and press + or - to scroll the number to zero (all zeros).
3. Press the Select button to enter the settings into the printers memory (an asterisk will appear next to the zeros).
4. Exit service mode by pressing the GO button.
NOTE: Do not change the MAINTENANCE INTERVAL value, which is another option in service mode. This value is the interval at which a maintenance kit should be installed (350,000 pages on LaserJet 8000, 8100, or 8150 series).

Reset the maintenance count an HP LaserJet 5si
After you install the maintenance kit, you can clear the PERFORM USER MAINTENANCE message by going to the printers control panel Configuration Menu and setting the SERVICE MESSAGE = to OFF. Note: this message will only appear in the Configuration Menu if the PERFORM USER MAINTENANCE message appears.

Reset the maintenance count on an HP LaserJet 4100MFP, 4101MFP, 4200, 4300, 4250, 4350, 9000

1. Turn the product off.
2. Turn the product on.
3. Press and hold down the checkmark (Select) button while the memory is counting. The memory starts counting at 000MB immediately after you turn the power on.
4. Continue to hold down the checkmark (Select) button until all three LEDs are illuminated.
5. Release the checkmark (Select) button.
6. Press the up arrow (Navigation) button until the message New Maintenance Kit appears on the control panel display.
7. Press the checkmark button once.

(Note: on LaserJets 4200, 4300, 9000 you can hold down the checkmark button as you turn the power on, then wait for the three LEDs to illuminate. On the LaserJets 4250, 4350 series you need to wait until you turn the power on and the memory starts counting before you hold the checkmark button.)

A message New Maintenance will appear in the control panel display and the printer will reset.

Note: HP LaserJets 4V, 4, 4 plus, and 5 do not have a maintenance count to be reset.

Why no ink is coming out of the ink cartridge I just got refilled

2011-10-02T20:58:00.001-07:00

Signs that there is a problem with the ink cartridge that just got refilled

Text document printed starts to fade
"Banding" a document does print at first with white lines through text but then gets better down the page
No ink coming out of cartridge
Cartridge is empty

There is a partial blockage to the printhead nozzles that deliver the ink onto the paper.

An air bubble/air lock in the cartridge chamber between the internal sponge and the printhead

The electrical circuit to the cartridge is damaged enough

The cartridge is indeed empty

List of DIY remedies to get the ink flowing out of the cartridge assuming there is ink

Regular and then deep print head cleaning cycles
Let the printhead sit in hot water (just deep enough to cover the nozzles) and let thoroughly dry
Used a humidifier to steam the clogged printhead

Some other suggested methods we have found

You need Ammonia based glass cleaner, a small dish, tissue (soft toilet paper will do)
1) Fold a few sheets of tissue, let it sit on a dish, and spray ammonia-based glass cleaner on the paper until its thoroughly wet.
2) Let the printhead sit on the wet tissue.
3) Let a few drops of the glass cleaner on the metallic pickup discs.
4) VERY GENTLY, push the printhead on the tissue and then pull a little faster. Repeat a few times. Ink should appear on the tissue.
5) Throw away the wet tissue and repeat steps 1-4. The second time you should notice ink or cleaning fluid appearing on the pickup discs as you push the printhead.
With a dry sheet of tissue, clean up the printhead contacts and the areas around the pickup discs.
Don't brush the nozzles or the pickup discs. Don't let the printhead dry; insert it in the head carriage, insert your cartridges and run a cleaning cycle.

(Disclosure: we only offer these as: use at your own discretion)

Lexmark 100XL tries to stop you using compatible inks

2011-10-02T20:57:00.003-07:00

Lexmark recently released a new firmware and upload to their website. New Firmware will block 3rd party 100xl cartridges to use on their printer. If your customers are using Remanufactured Lexmark 100XL all colors, please DON'T download this new firmware. Thank you.

Please click following link for details.

WARNING !!! LEXMARK FIRMWARE SITE INFO

http://tonernews.com/Message.aspx?vy=bb&id=23858
http://tonernews.com/Message.aspx?vy=bb&id=23857

What does the chip on a cartridge do?

2011-10-02T20:57:00.001-07:00

Some are aimed at helping toner cartridge users avoid using counterfeit cartridges, software communicates the information from the smart chip to an authentication service through the Internet back to the printer manufacturer.

Most of the time it's to make it more difficult for the consumers using after market (remanufactured) cartridges being used in the printer-- or in other words to prevent you from saving money. The printer interrogates the chip to see whether the cartridge is from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), in order to protect their revenue stream.

Other functions it can perform are ink/toner levels, page count, automatic re-ordering through the OEM web store thereby by passing consumers right to choice.

Printer shows I have little or no ink just after I just replaced them

2011-10-02T20:56:00.001-07:00

Epson Printers

They sometimes work for a page or two and then don't work at all. When I print a nozzle check there is no black ink at all, but the colors work fine.
My computer told me the cartridge was full, but the next page I printed was completely blank
I have run the print tests, nozzle checks and clean print head cycles, etc. Nothing works but color
Computer started showing that the printer ink has little to no ink at all and won't print

All the above point to a likely blocked printhead, or the ink in the cartridges have been drained due to leaving the printer in standby mode which will periodically drain the ink from the cartridge. It can also be ink purge tube has been disconnected, draining the ink from the cartridge. Can you fix this at your home or office? No. The printhead and purge tube can be serviced by a technician.

Brother TN-450 Toner – Replace Toner, I just replaced it

2011-09-29T11:41:00.000-07:00

Brother TN-450 Toner – Replace Toner, I just replaced it

If you have just replaced the toner and the machine is still telling you to replace the toner. It quite likely the toner sensor flag on the side of the toner has not been “tripped” to recognize another toner has been replaced.

Check to ensure that the dial on the left side of the cartridge is in the position as illustrated in the image below. If not, turn the dial counter clockwise until it matches the position in the image. If not, turn the dial counter-clockwise until it matches the dial position in the image. It is imperative that this dial be locked into position as illustrated to ensure that the printer detects that a new cartridge has been installed and resets the “REPLACE TONER” mode.Check to make sure that the printer is powered up during the entire process. Changing the cartridge with the printer powered off will not reset the “REPLACE TONER” mode. In the event that the printer is powered off when the cartridge is installed, you will need to remove the cartridge and repeat step one before reinstalling the cartridge.Put the new toner cartridge firmly into the drum unit you hear and feel it lock into place. If installed successfully, the green lock lever will lift automatically.

Brother Print Quality Issues

2011-09-08T11:16:00.001-07:00

Faint

Check the machine’s environment. Conditions such as humidity, high
temperatures, and so on, may cause this print fault.
Check the machine’s environment. Conditions such as humidity, high
temperatures, and so on, may cause this print fault.
If the whole page is too light, Toner Save mode may be on. Turn off Toner
Save mode in the machine’s menu settings or in the printer Properties of the driver. If this problem occurs when making copies or printing received faxes, turn off Toner Save mode in the machine’s menu setting.
Clean the scanner window and the primary corona wire of the drum unit. If the print quality has not improved, put in a new drum unit.
Put in a new toner cartridge.

Gray background

Make sure that you use paper that meets our specifications.
Check the machine’s environment. Conditions such as high temperatures and high humidity can increase the amount of background shading. Install a new toner cartridge
Clean the primary corona wire and the drum unit. If the print quality has not improved, put in a new drum unit.

Ghost

Make sure that you use paper that meets our specifications. Rough-surfaced
paper or thick paper may cause this problem.
Make sure that you choose the proper media type in the printer driver or in the machine’s Paper Type menu setting.
Put in a new drum unit

Toner specks

Make sure that you use paper that meets our specifications. Rough-surfaced
paper may cause the problem.
Clean the primary corona wire and the drum unit. (See Cleaning the corona wire on page 130 and Cleaning the drum unit on page 131.) If the print quality has not improved, put in a new drum unit.

Hollow print

Make sure that you use paper that meets our specifications.Choose Thick paper mode in the printer driver or in the machine’s Paper
Type menu setting, or use thinner paper than you are currently using.
Check the machine’s environment. Conditions such as high humidity can cause hollow print
Clean the primary corona wire on the drum unit. (See Cleaning the corona wire on page 130.) If the print quality has not improved, put in a new drum unit.

All black

Clean the primary corona wire on the drum unit. (See Cleaning the corona
wire on page 130.) If the print quality has not improved, put in a new drum unit.
The drum unit may be damaged. Put in a new drum unit.

Black Spots at 3.7 in. (94 mm) intervals

White Spots on black text and graphics at 3.7 in.
(94 mm) intervals

Dust, paper powder, glue, and so on may stick to the surface of the photosensitive
drum (OPC) and cause black or white spots to appear on printed documents.
Make a few copies of a blank, white sheet of paper. If you still see the spots on printed documents after making multiple copies, clean the drum unit.If the print quality still has not improved you need to install a new drum.

Black Spots

Clean the drum unit.If the print quality still has not improved you need to install a new drum. Caused by defective wiper blade or electrical fault in the drum.

Black toner marks across the page

Make sure that you use paper that meets our specifications
If you use label sheets for laser printers, the glue from the sheets may
sometimes stick to the OPC drum surface. Clean the drum unit.
Do not use paper that has clips or staples because they will scratch the
surface of the drum.
If the unpacked drum unit is in direct sunlight or room light, the unit may be damaged.
The drum unit may be damaged. Put in a new drum unit.

White lines across the page

Make sure that you use paper that meets our specifications. A rough surfaced paper or thick print media can cause the problem.
Make sure that you choose the proper media type in the printer driver or in the machine’s Paper Type menu setting.
The problem may disappear by itself. Print multiple pages to clear this
problem, especially if the machine has not been used for a long time.
Clean the scanner window with a soft cloth.
The drum unit may be damaged. Put in a new drum unit.

Lines across the page

Clean the primary corona wire in the drum unit.
Clean the scanner window with a soft cloth.
The drum unit may be damaged. Put in a new drum unit.

Black lines down the page

Printed pages have toner stains or stripes down the page

Clean the primary corona wire of the drum unit.
Make sure the primary corona wire’s blue tab is at the home position (a).
The drum unit may be damaged. Put in a new drum unit.
The toner cartridge may be damaged. Put in a new toner cartridge.
The fuser unit may be smudged. Call Customer Service

White lines down the page

Clean the laser scanner window with a soft cloth.
The toner cartridge may be damaged. Put in a new toner cartridge.

Page skewed

Make sure the paper or other print media is loaded properly in the paper tray and that the guides are not too tight or too loose against the paper stack.
Set the paper guides correctly.
If you are using the MP tray, see Loading envelopes and other media
The paper tray may be too full.
Check the paper type and quality.

Curled or wave

Check the paper type and quality. High temperatures and high humidity will cause paper to curl.
If you do not use the machine often, the paper may have been in the paper tray too long. Turn over the stack of paper in the paper tray. Also, fan the paper stack and then rotate the paper 180° in the paper tray.

Wrinkles or creases

Make sure that paper is loaded properly. Check the paper type and quality. Turn over the stack of paper in the tray or rotate the paper 180° in the input tray.

Envelope creases
Open the back cover. Press against the "1" on the blue levers on either side of the machine As the top of the lever rotates backward, lift the bottom portion of the lever from below until it stops. Close the back cover and resend the print job.

Poor fixing

Open the back cover and make sure that the two blue levers on the left and right
hand sides are in the down position.

Brother TN-350 Toner – Shows Replace Toner?

2011-08-31T10:46:00.001-07:00

There is also an optical sensor built on both sides of the toner, this prompts the user when toner supply is really low. The sensor monitors toner supply levels by shining a light beam across a toner cartridge window. If no toner is detected, the ‘low toner’ light consequently blinks. The amount of toner filling the chamber is employed to block the light beam delivered by the sensor; thus, the printer continues to operate. But once toner is depleted, the light beam connects, completes the circuit and the ‘low toner’ prompt appears. In the picture the cartridge window is the clear plastic round window.

If the cause of the stoppage is the optical sensor, placing a black electrical tape right across the cartridge window will solve the problem.

Another feature of the Brother TN 350 toner cartridge is the reset gear that accurately monitors the number of pages printed by the printer. This counting device is activated depending on the number of revolutions made by the cartridge developer roller. Once the rated capacity is reached, the device turns off the printer automatically.

Adjusting the reset gear would resolve the issue. Adjust the reset gear flag to its starting position.

Left: The Sensor flag Right: Sensor flag is now ready

In the above photo you can clearly see the toner flag sensor is now ready facing forward. Have a look at the old toner cartridge; the old toner will have the flag in its “tripped” position. As the toner is placed into the printer the sensor flag is push back. Your new toner cartridge if not in this position the printer will go into the replace toner error mode. You gently move the flag forward, pushing against the small cogs/gear mechanisms. Once done this flag now resets the printer when the cartridge is installed.

Resetting ink levels HP 14 cartridge

2011-08-18T11:04:00.000-07:00

First check to verify that your cartridge has not exceeded it's expiration date. Printers that use the HP14 cartridge are unable to use expired cartridges after 18 months. If your cartridge is not past it's expiration date, you may be able to override the ink level meters on the printer.

IMPORTANT: Printing with an empty print cartridge can result in damaged print heads. Be sure to replace frequently, and before the printer shows signs of low ink.

Before disabling the Ink Level Gauge, be aware that your printer will no longer warn you when your cartridges are in need of replacement. You will need to pay close attention, and refill them before they run low. The procedure to reset the ink level on the black cartridge differs slightly from the the color cartridge procedure. To override the ink level gauge:

For Black

Press both left and right arrow buttons simultaneously, then release Press 7, 8, then 9. A prompt should appear in the status window on the unit, press 1 for Yes to turn off the level indicator on this particular black cartridge.

For Tri-Color

Press both left and right arrow buttons simultaneously, then release Press 4, 5, then 6. A prompt should appear in the status window on the unit, press 1 for Yes to turn off the level indicator on this particular color cartridge.

The following is an alternate method for the Color Inkjet 1160 model printer. This model does not have a keypad for the sequence above. You may reset this printer's ink level gauge, by the following method:

For Black

Press and hold down the Power button
While holding down the Power button:
* Press the Cancel button twelve (12) times
* Press the Resume button once (1)
Release the Power button
For Tri-Color

Press and hold down the Power button
While holding down the Power button:
* Press the Cancel button twelve (12) times
* Press the Resume button three (3) times
Release the Power button.

Brother DR-520 Drum Unit - Clear “Drum Near End” from the display?

2010-05-27T08:45:00.000-07:00

The message "Drum Near End" will appear on the LCD display of the Brother machine when the drum unit is nearing the end of it's life. You may be able to continue printing with the message displayed, however, if there is a noticeable deterioration in the output print quality, then the drum unit should be replaced.

The drum unit, part number DR520, is a consumable item, and it is necessary to replace it periodically. There are many factors that determine the actual drum life, such as temperature, humidity, type of paper and how much toner you use for the number of pages per print job. The estimated drum life is approximately 25, 000 pages, when printing Letter or A4 size paper at 5% coverage. The actual number of pages your drum will print may be significantly less than these estimates. Because we have no control over the many factors that determine the actual drum life, we cannot guarantee a minimum number of pages that will be printed by your drum.

To view the remaining drum life, follow the steps below:
1. Press Menu, 7 (Machine Info), 3 (Parts Life)
2. Press 1 (Drum) to see the remaining % life.
3. Press Stop/Exit.

To view instructions with graphics for replacing the drum unit , click here

If the message continues to appear on the display after replacing the drum, reset the drum counter by following the steps listed below:
1. Open the front cover, and then press Clear/Back.
2. Press 1 and when the LCD shows Accepted, close the front cover.

Brother DR-520 Drum Unit - How do I clear the message Replace Drum?

2010-05-27T08:43:00.002-07:00

This message will appear if the drum unit is at the end of its life.

The drum unit part number is the DR520. The drum unit is a consumable item that requires periodic replacement.

There are many factors that determine the actual drum life, such as temperature, humidity, type of paper and how much toner you use for the number of pages per print job. The estimated drum life is up to 25,000 pages in accordance with ISO/IEC 19752. The actual number of pages your drum will print may be significantly less than these estimates. Because we have no control over the many factors that determine the actual drum life, we cannot guarantee a minimum number of pages that will be printed by your drum.

To replace the drum unit follow the instructions listed below or to view instructions with graphics click here

1. Press the cover release button and then open the front cover.
2. Remove the old drum unit and toner cartridge assembly. Place it on a drop cloth or disposable paper to avoid scattering toner.
3. Hold down the blue lock lever on the right and pull the toner cartridge out of the drum unit.
4. Wait to unpack the new drum unit immediately before installing it. Place the old drum unit into the plastic bag and discard it according to local regulations.
5. Reinstall the toner cartridge into the new drum unit.
6. Reinstall the new drum unit, keeping the front cover open.
7. Press the CLEAR/BACK key.
8. Press 1 to select YES. When the LCD shows Accepted, close the front cover.

Brother DR-520 Drum Unit - How do I clear the Dust on Drum message from the display? Drum Error

2010-05-27T08:43:00.001-07:00

Dust or toner on the corona wire may cause this error message to appear on the display. To clean the corona wire , follow the instructions listed below.

1. Press the cover release button and open the front cover.
2. Remove the drum unit and toner cartridge assembly. Place it on a drop cloth or disposable paper to avoid scattering toner.
3. Clean the primary corona wire inside the drum unit by gently sliding the blue tab from left to right and right to left several times. Be sureto return the blue tab to the home position.
4. Put the drum unit and toner cartridge assembly back in the machine.
5. Close the front cover.
6. If the message "Dust on Drum" continues to appear on the display, the drum, part number DR520 must be replaced.

Brother DR-520 Drum Unit - Why does the display still show Drum Near End after I replaced the drum?

2010-05-27T08:42:00.000-07:00

1. Open the front cover, and then press the CLEAR/BACK key.
2. Press 1 and when the LCD shows Accepted, close the front cover.

Brother DR-510 Drum Unit - How do I clear the message Change Drum Soon from the display

2010-05-27T08:41:00.001-07:00

The message "Change Drum Soon" will appear on the LCD display when the drum unit is nearing the end of it's life or the drum counter was not reset after replacing the drum.

If the drum unit was not replaced order a replacement drum (DR510) and use the drum until you have a print quality problem; then replace the drum unit with a new one as follows:

1. Press the cover release button and then open the front cover.
2. Remove the old drum unit and toner cartridge assembly. Place it on a drop cloth or disposable paper to avoid scattering toner.
3. Hold down the lock lever on the right and pull the toner cartridge out of the drum unit.
4. Wait to unpack the new drum unit until immediately before installing it. Place the old drum unit into the plastic bag and discard it according to local regulations.
5. Reinstall the toner cartridge into the new drum unit.
6. Reinstall the new drum unit, keeping the front cover open.
7. Press Clear/Back.
8. Press 1 and when the LCD shows Accepted, and close the front cover.

If the drum unit was previously replaced and the drum counter was not reset perform the reset procedure as follows:

1. Open the front cover, and then press Clear/Back.
2. Press 1 and when the LCD shows Accepted, and close the front cover.

Brother DR-510 Drum Unit - How do I clear the message Change Drum Soon from the display

2010-05-27T08:39:00.000-07:00

Brother DR-500 Drum Unit - Why does the message CHANGE DRUM SOON continue to appear on the display, after I replaced the drum?

2010-05-27T08:38:00.000-07:00

This message would continue to appear if the drum counter was not reset when you replaced the drum. To reset the drum follow the instructions listed below:

1. Press the cover release button located in the front of the unit belowhe Output Tray Support Flap and extension and open the front cover.
2. Press the Clear/Back key.
3. Press 1 to reset.
4. When the display shows "Accepted" close the front cover.

If the message continues to appear on the display, unplug the power cord, wait approximately 30 seconds and then plug it back in.

1. Press the cover release button located in the front of the unit below the Output Tray Support Flap and extension and open the front cover.
2. Remove the drum unit and toner cartridge from the unit by lifting it up and out. Place it on a drop cloth or disposable paper to avoid scattering toner.
3. Hold down the blue lock lever located on the right side of the drum and lift the toner cartridge out of the drum unit.
4. Reinstall the toner cartridge into the drum unit by inserting it in the drum until it clicks into place
5. Reinstall the drum unit into the unit. Make sure it is securely in place.
6. Press 1 to reset.
7. When the display shows "Accepted" close the front cover.

Brother DR-500 Drum Unit - How do I clear the message Dust on Drum?

2010-05-27T08:37:00.000-07:00

Dust or toner on the corona wire may cause this message to appear on thedisplay. To clean the corona wire, follow the instructions listed below.

1. Turn off the power switch and unplug the power cord.
2. Press the cover release button and then open the front cover.
3. Remove the drum and toner cartridge assembly.
Note : We recommend that you place the toner and drum assembly on a piece of paper in case you accidentally spill or scatter toner.
4. Clean the primary corona wire inside the drum unit by gently sliding the blue tab from right to left and left to right several times. Return the blue tab and snap it into the home position before you put the drum/toner assembly back into the machine. If you don't, printed pages may have a vertical stripe.
5. Reinstall the drum and toner cartridge assembly back in the Brother machine.
6. Close the front cover.

If the problem continues the drum (DR500) must be replaced.

Brother DR-400 Drum Unit - How do I clear the message PLS CLEAN DRUM from the display?

2010-05-27T08:36:00.000-07:00

Dust or toner on the corona wire may cause this error message to appear on the display. To clean the corona wire, follow the instructions listed below.

1. Open the front cover (below the paper ejection tray) by pulling the taps on the left and right side of the unit towards you.
2. Lift the drum unit slightly and pull it out.
3. Place the drum unit on a drop cloth or large piece of disposable paper to avoid spilling and scattering the toner.
4. Clean the corona wire inside the drum by gently sliding the blue tap (located on the top left side of the drum unit) from side to side 7 or 8 times.
5. Return the tab to the home position (left side of drum). It should click into place. (If the tab is not at the Home position, printed pages may have vertical stripes)
6. Reinstall the drum unit.
7. Close the front cover, pressing firmly on each side until the cover clicks into place.

Brother DR-400 Drum Unit - Why does the message CHANGE DRUM SOON continue to appear on the display after I replaced the drum?

2010-05-27T08:35:00.000-07:00

This message would continue to appear if the drum counter was not reset when you replaced the drum. To reset the drum follow the instructions listed below:

1. Open the front cover.
2. Press the CLEAR key.
3. Press 1 to reset.
4. Close the front cover, pressing firmly on each side until they click into place.

If the message continues to appear on the display, unplug the power cord, wait approximately 30 seconds and then plug it back in.

If the message still appears, reset the drum and toner:

1 Open the front cover (below the paper ejection tray) by pulling the taps on the left and right side of the unit towards you.
2. Lift the drum unit slightly and pull it out.
3. Remove the toner cartridge from the drum holding down the lock lever (purple tab) on the right side of the drum unit and lift the toner out.
4. Reset the toner into the drum (be sure it clicks into place).
5. Reset drum unit in MFC.
6. Close the front cover, pressing firmly on each side until the cover clicks into place.

Reset the counter:

1.Open the front cover.
2. Press the CLEAR key.
3.Press 1 to reset.
4. Close the cover, pressing firmly on each side until they click into place.

Brother DR-360 Drum Unit - The status monitor software states: Clean Corona Wire. How do I clean the corona wire of the drum unit?

2010-05-27T08:33:00.000-07:00

This message shows up in the Status Monitor every time the drum and toner assembly is removed and front cover is closed.

Please use the following steps to clean the corona wire:

Caution: Do NOT use any type of spray to clean the inside or outside of the machine. Doing this may cause a fire or electrical shock.

1. Open the front cover.
2. Remove the drum and toner assembly.Caution: We recommend that the drum be placed on a piece of disposable paper in case toner is accidentally scattered.
3. Clean the primary corona wire inside the drum unit by gently sliding the green tab from right to left several times. Return the tab to the home position before re-installing the drum and toner assembly. If you do not, the printed pages may have a vertical stripe.
4. Re-install the drum and toner assembly into the printer.
5. Close the front cover.

If the problem continues, turn OFF the status monitor by using the procedure below:

Disabling the Status Monitor:

1. In the task tray (bottom right corner of the screen) you will see an icon of a printer. Right click on this icon and uncheck Load Status Monitor on Startup.
2. Right click on the status monitor icon again and select Exit.
3. Reboot the PC.

The Status monitor is now disabled.

Brother DR-360 Drum Unit - How do I clear the message Drum Error from the display?

2010-05-27T08:28:00.000-07:00

To clear the message Drum Error from the display clean the corona wire by following the instructions listed below:

1. Turn off the power switch and unplug the power cord.
2. Open the front cover by placing your hand on the top center section of the machine (above the word Brother) and pull forward.
3. Remove the drum and toner assembly by pulling on the handle in the middle of the toner and drum assembly.
NOTE: We recommend that you place the toner and drum assembly on a piece of paper in case you accidentally spill or scatter toner.
4. Clean the primary corona wire inside the drum unit by gently sliding the green tab from right to left and left to right several times. Return the tab to the home position before you put the drum/toner assembly back into the machine. If you do not, printed pages may have a vertical stripe.
5. Place the drum and toner assembly back in the machine.
6. Close the front cover of the machine.
7. Plug the machine in and turn the power switch on.

If the problem continues, the drum (DR360) will need to be replaced. Instructions for replacing the drum click here:

1. Open the front cover by placing your hand on the top center section of the machine (above the word Brother) and pull forward.
2. Remove the drum and toner assembly by pulling on the handle in the middle of the toner and drum assembly. NOTE: We recommend that you place the drum and toner assembly on a piece of paper in case you accidentally spill or scatter toner.
3. Push down the green lock lever on the left side of the toner and drum assembly, and then lift the toner cartridge off of the drum unit.
NOTE: Handle the toner cartridge carefully. If toner scatters on your hands or clothes, immediately wash it off with cold water.
4. Unpack the new drum unit.
5. Put the toner cartridge firmly into the new drum unit until you hear it lock into place. If you put it in properly, the lock lever will lift automatically.
6. Place the drum and toner assembly back in the machine.
7. Perform a drum reset:
a. Make sure the front cover is open. Press the Clear/Back key on the control panel of the machine. The LCD will read Replace Drum? 1. Yes 2. No.
b. Press 1. The LCD will display Accepted. Wait for the machine to display Cover Is Open, Close the Front Cover.
c. Close the front cover making sure it latches on both sides.

Brother DR-360 Drum Unit - Why does the message CHANGE DRUM SOON continue to appear on the LCD display after I replaced the drum?

2010-05-27T08:27:00.000-07:00

This message would continue to appear if the drum counter was not reset when you replaced the drum. To reset the drum follow the instructions listed below

1. Open the front cover.
2. Press the Clear/Back key on the control panel. The display will show #REPLACE DRUM - 1.YES 2.NO#.
3. Press 1 to reset the drum count.
4. Close the front cover.

Brother DR-350 Drum Unit - How do I clear the message Change Drum Soon from the display?

2010-05-27T08:07:00.000-07:00

The message "Change Drum Soon" will appear on the LCD display of the Brother machine when the drum unit is nearing the end of it's life Evenif the LCD shows Change Drum Soon, you may be able to continue printing without having to replace the drum unit for a while. However, if there is a noticeable deterioration in the output print quality, then the drumunit should be replaced.

The drum unit, part number DR350, is a consumable item, and it is necessary to replace it periodically. There are many factors that determine the actual drum life, such as temperature, humidity, type of paper and how much toner you use for the number of pages per print job. The estimated drum life is up to 12,000 pages. The actual number of pages your drum will print may be significantly less than these estimates. Because we have no control over the many factors that determine the actual drum life, we cannot guarantee a minimum number of pages that will be printed by your drum.

To view instructions with graphics for replacing the drum unit : click here

Brother DR-350 Drum Unit - Why does the display still show CHANGE DRUM SOON after I replaced the drum?

2010-05-27T08:06:00.000-07:00

This message would continue to appear if the drum counter was not reset when you replaced the drum. To reset the drum follow the instructions listed below

1.Open the front cover.
2.Press the options key on the control panel. The display will show #REPLACE DRUM - 1.YES 2.NO#.
3.Press 1 to reset the drum count.
4.Close the front cover.

Brother DR-350 Drum Unit -How do I clear the message Dust on Drum, Drum Error or Clean Corona Wire from the display?

2010-05-27T08:03:00.000-07:00

The message Dust on Drum, Drum Error or Clean Corona Wire will appear ifthe primary corona wire on the drum unit needs to be cleaned or the drumneeds to be replaced.

1. Turn off the power switch and unplug the power cord.
2. Open the front cover.
3. Pull out the toner and drum assembly.
Note: We recommend that you place the toner and drum assembly on a pieceof paper in case you accidentally spill or scatter toner.
4. Clean the primary corona wire inside the drum unit by gently sliding the blue tab from right to left and left to right several times. Return the blue tab and snap it into the home position before you put the drum/toner assembly back into the machine. If you don#t, printed pages may have a vertical stripe.
5. Put the toner and drum assembly back in the machine.
6. Close the front cover.
7. Plug the machine back into the power outlet and turn on the power switch.
8. if the message continues to appear, the drum will need to be replaced.

If the problem continues after replacing the drum and your machine is within warranty, contact Brother directly.

If your machine is out of warranty, you can contact us for support.

HP Ink Cartridge Not Recognised in Printer

2010-05-26T14:26:00.000-07:00

HP Cartridge Error message - Cartridge Not Recognised in Printer? Did you replace the ink cartridge in printer and now it isn't being recognized?

Tried a second ink cartridge as well and it doesn't recognize it either!
Maybe it worked for about a week, then suddenly stopped in the middle of a print job and now is not recognized. Still looking for answers??

Have you checked whether the cartridge is out of ink?
The status lights on the unit will blink if one of the cartridge is out of ink.

HP Ink Cartridges Tips Tricks and Solutions

2010-05-24T14:29:00.001-07:00

HP Ink Cartridges Tips Tricks and Solutions click here

Epson Ink Cartridge Tips Tricks and Solutions

2010-05-24T14:28:00.001-07:00

Epson ink cartridge tips and tricks click here

Dell Ink Cartridge Tips and Tricks Support

2010-05-24T14:18:00.001-07:00

For Dell ink cartridge tips and tricks support click here

Canon Ink Cartridge Tips and Tricks Support

2010-05-24T14:17:00.001-07:00

Tips, Tricks, and Solutions for Ink Cartridges click here

Brother DR350 Change Drum Soon

2010-05-24T14:15:00.001-07:00

To view instructions with graphics for replacing the drum unit go to the website listed below:

Brother DR350 Change Drum Soon