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stowheliman
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January 11th, 2009 19:00
AIO 944 Printer - Can't power off; Buttons don't work
I am a lifetime IBM user and not at all familiar with Dell printers, computers or support. But a friend asked me for help on their Dell printer and here I am. I am looking at a Dell 944 AIO printer that does not work. It will power on OK, but it cannot be powered off using the "Power" button. For that matter, no buttons on top of the printer work. I'm told this occurred after replacing an ink cartridge although its possible the ink cartridge wasn't securely held in place when the lid was closed. But this was quickly remedied and the printer has not worked since.
The printer power supply which plugs into the back of the 944 has a green LED on indicating to me that it is providing the correct power. The small LCD screen on the 944 printer shows the Dell logo and the description that it is a 944 printer.
When the power supply is plugged into the printer, the LCD turns on (after taking about 5 seconds or so) and the print cartridges move from its parked position on the left hand side to the right about 2 inches. Not quite far enough to see both the color and black cartridges. I don't think the print head mechanism is jambed as I can freely move the print head all the way to the right when power is turned off. After restoring power, the print head returns to its parked location (left side).
I did not hook up the Dell laptop that normally interfaces with this printer as I am interested in just getting the printer to work before sending any print jobs. It would be great to even print a test page if possible.
Does anyone have any ideas how to troubleshoot this printer?
Any help would be appreciated.
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Posted January 11th, 2009 22:00
stowheliman,
Here is about all I can tell you about the 944 printer. These would be things I would try first.
Unplug the printer from the wall. Now remove the power brick from the back of the printer for 60 seconds, this will reset any printer error codes. While you're doing this, try this.
Dell Series 5 ink cartridges have a sensor in them that cannot be reset. Article on refilling Dell ink cartridges.
Dell Series 5 ink cartridges can be purchased at Staples, Walmart or Dell's Website.
It is also possible to get a new ink cartridge with a bad sensor. Please take it to the place of purchase for a refund or a replacement one.
Or try re-installing the drivers this way and see if that helps.
Disconnect your printer. Download and run this patch to completely remove the printer from your computer.
Restart your computer.
Download the proper drivers.
Install the proper drivers. You'll be prompted when to connect your printer(powered on)
Scanning
Scanning using USB connection, open the Dell All-In-One Center, click on scanning and copying and scan from there.
Scanning wirelessly, use the scan buttons on the printer.
Rick
Clean the Encoder Strip
Additional Information Notice: As you perform the following steps, be careful when handling the encoder strip as it can break easily. It is possible that dust can gather on the encoder strip which will make it very difficult for the printer to determine where the carriage is on its track. To clean the encoder strip, perform the following steps:
- Power down the printer and unplug the power.
- Lift the cover on the printer.
- Using a dry, lint free cloth, pinch the encoder strip on the right-hand side of the cartridge carriage and pull your fingers across it toward the right-hand side of the printer (Figure 1).
Figure 1: The Encoder Strip to the right of the cartridge carrier
Note: The encoder strip is a narrow band of clear plastic and can be difficult to see without direct lighting.
- Plug in the printer and power it on.
- Open the cover to allow the cartridge carriage to center itself.
- Using a dry, lint free cloth, pinch the encoder strip on the left-hand side of the cartridge carriage and pull your fingers across it towards the left-hand side of the printer. (Figure 2).
Figure 2: The encoder strip to the left of the cartridge carrier
- Power down the printer and unplug the power.
PudgyOne
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224
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Posted January 11th, 2009 22:00
stowheliman,
Here is about all I can tell you about the 944 printer. These would be things I would try first.
Unplug the printer from the wall. Now remove the power brick from the back of the printer for 60 seconds, this will reset any printer error codes. While you're doing this, try this.
Print roller and Jam problems
Dell Series 5 ink cartridges have a sensor in them that cannot be reset. Article on refilling Dell ink cartridges.
Dell Series 5 ink cartridges can be purchased at Staples, Walmart or Dell's Website.
It is also possible to get a new ink cartridge with a bad sensor. Please take it to the place of purchase for a refund or a replacement one.
Or try re-installing the drivers this way and see if that helps.
Disconnect your printer. Download and run this patch to completely remove the printer from your computer.
Restart your computer.
Download the proper drivers.
XP Drivers
Vista 32-bit Drivers
All other drivers
Install the proper drivers. You'll be prompted when to connect your printer(powered on)
Scanning
Scanning using USB connection, open the Dell All-In-One Center, click on scanning and copying and scan from there.
Scanning wirelessly, use the scan buttons on the printer.
Rick
Clean the Encoder Strip
It is possible that dust can gather on the encoder strip which will make it very difficult for the printer to determine where the carriage is on its track. To clean the encoder strip, perform the following steps:
Figure 1: The Encoder Strip to the right of the cartridge carrier
Figure 2: The encoder strip to the left of the cartridge carrier