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Tips for Extending the Life of Your Printer

Even in today’s digital world, printers are still an important tool for many organizations. Many people simply prefer to have a hard copy of a document in their hands. For this reason, printers aren’t going away anytime soon. Therefore, it’s crucial that you’re able to use your printer for as long as possible. We offer valuable tips about extending the life of your printer and avoiding excessive printer repair in Vienna, VA.

Use a Printer Jacket

Dust and dirt can seem harmless, but they can cause significant damage when allowed to accumulate on or in your printer. The best way to combat dust buildup is to place a printer jacket around your printer when it’s not being used.

Keep it Clean

If dust does happen to enter your printer, it shouldn’t be ignored. You can simply use condensed air to blow away any particles that could jeopardize the performance of your printer.

Use the Right Paper

Using the right paper in your printer is equivalent to using the best fuel for your vehicle. The quality of the ingoing product significantly affects the performance of the machine. That’s why it’s vital to use the proper paper. This means using fresh paper that isn’t bent, torn, or marked up. Additionally, it’s a good idea to store your paper in a cool place to avoid unnecessary sticking between the sheets of paper.

Contact Gem Laser Express for more advice about printer repair and extending the lifespan of your printer. We can also help you save with a service contract.

The Benefits of Multifunction Printers

Does your office still have a separate device for all your common office tasks? It’s time to say goodbye to the office of the past and learn about the savings you’ll receive when you own multifunction printers in Springfield, VA.

Save Time

It takes a long time to scan, copy, and print documents—especially if you need to prepare a unique piece of equipment for each of these tasks. With a multifunction printer, you can accomplish all these tasks with one quick job.

Save Power

As a business owner, you know that all the little costs add up quickly. That’s why it’s so important to save electricity whenever possible. By purchasing a multifunction printer, you eliminate the redundant power needs of all your single-purpose equipment.

Save Space

There’s nothing better than working in a clean and uncluttered space. The last thing you want is to stare over a mountain of equipment. Multifunction printers empower you to streamline the layout of your office. You’re sure to feel motivated in your newly spacious office.

Save Money

At the end of the day, a successful company is one that can manage their finances effectively. Owning a multifunction printer is an excellent way to reduce your costs. You’ll only need to worry about maintaining one device instead of buying supplies and requesting repair services for a variety of expensive office machines.

Contact Gem Laser Express today for more money-saving advice.

How to Fix Common Issues with Your Multifunction Printer

When you rely on your printer to complete tasks and assignments, the last thing you need is your multifunction printer malfunctioning. That’s why companies like Gem Laser Express, Inc. offer the best multifunction printer repair in Leesburg, VA. You’ll be glad to know there are a few ways to fix minor problems yourself. Contact Gem Laser Express, Inc. to learn more.

Why does my copy machine leave a black line?

Take care of your printer by cleaning the narrow band of glass under the document feeder; this usually resolves the issue 99% of the time.

Why are my documents failing to scan to e-mail?

An E-mail usually imposes a 25MB file size cap. If your scan exceeds that maximum, there are settings within the printer to break the document into smaller sections.

Why is the printer asking me to load another paper type when I know this paper is correct?

The printer is likely experiencing an issue in the settings. Double-check that the driver is set to the same paper type and size as what the printer is programmed to.

Why is my printer jamming?

There are many reasons that your printer could be jamming, but the top culprits are usually worn rollers, dirty photo sensors, and paper being incorrectly loaded into trays.

My faxes keep failing. We have a digital service for our phone lines. Why is this happening?

Digital phone lines compress the analog signal, and this compression frequently causes send and receive failures.

What is the best brand of machine out there?

Most companies have a personal preference, but the Hewlett Packard A3 line is a popular choice for its overall speed, quality, and easy-to-use interface.

When is it time to upgrade our old devices?

Remember, breakdowns occur more frequently as devices age and maintenance becomes more expensive –so switching to a new model can save you more money in the long run.

The printer buttons are complicated. Is there an easier way to complete the work I need?

Combining newer multifunction devices with quickset keys and thoughtful programming can make your life easier with increased usability.

Contact Gem Laser Express, Inc. for more information about their multifunction printer repair services.

Should You Repair or Replace Your Printer?

When it comes to our printers, they are essential tools whether they’re at home or the office. When it starts to malfunction, it can be alarming. That’s why companies like Gem Laser Express, Inc. are an excellent source for replacement or printer repair in Vienna, VA. However, it’s important to note the different signs and facts surrounding your printer to know which option is truly the best for you. Making the right choice will determine whether your printer will continue to be as effective as it has been over the years.

First, you have to see which issues are present with your printer. The problems affecting the functionality can impact productivity. Take these factors into account when deciding the next move for your printer:

Age of the Device
Lifetime Volume of the Device
Cost Per Page
Labor Costs for Repair

If the cost of printer repair is much less than replacing it altogether, then it’s worthwhile calling someone to fix it. If it is more costly to restore an old printer that’s already past its prime, perhaps it’s time to invest in a newer model. Contact Gem Laser Express, Inc. for more information about their printer services.

Getting the Most from Your Xerox Printer

Whether you use an inkjet or laser printer, you want to get the most life out of its toner or ink. While quality printers come in both styles, your Xerox dealer in Montgomery, MD, can help determine which one will work best for you. A laser printer uses toner, a powder heated and pressed onto the paper. An inkjet uses a liquid to print. Inkjet cartridges are less expensive but don’t last as long as toner cartridges.

But what are your replacement options, and how do you know which to get?

Recycling

Recycling refers to converting used cartridges into reusable material. Although a cartridge is recycled, the term doesn’t indicate how it recreated the cartridge, only that it is not new.

Refilling

Refilled cartridges are a good alternative to buying new ones. However, when purchasing refilled cartridges, be sure to ask about the process. Some companies drill into the case and inject the ink or toner, which can result in leaks. Look for cartridges that are disassembled and filled, for a more reliable product.

Remanufacturing

Remanufactured cartridges are disassembled, inspected, and cleaned. Suppliers will install a new drum, wiper blade, and magnetic roller, which preserves printing quality. They’re then refilled and sealed for resale.

Toner Pirates

Toner pirates will try to sell you inferior toner and ink and sometimes even charge you for products you never receive. Always order from a trusted Xerox dealer so you know you’re getting what you need and the quality you expect.

What It Means to Be an HP Gold Partner

All businesses need dependable office equipment to remain productive. When you are upgrading your printers, it helps to consider your options. In these instances, it may help to find an authorized HP dealer in Prince William County, VA. Today, we will discuss why it is advantageous to buy from an HP Gold Partner.

Advantages of an HP Gold Partner

Many office equipment resellers are encouraged to join HP’s partner program, as membership entitles them to specific benefits that they can pass onto their customers. A popular affiliate option is the HP Gold Partner status. The program has the following features, each of which benefits customers in some capacity:

Authorized Distributor: HP dealers with Gold status are authorized sellers of HP-branded printers and digital imaging products. When you buy equipment and supplies from them, you can be assured that you are purchasing authentic products backed by the manufacturer’s warranty. When you buy from them, you are getting products that will last.

Service and Support: HP Gold Partners also receive direct support and training from the manufacturer. The repair technicians with the partner business learn about HP’s full suite of products, ensuring they can provide adequate services to clients.

Promotional Offers: Business partners with HP also receive preferential status with distributors. As a result, HP Gold Partners can sell printers, equipment, and supplies at discounted rates. Clients who buy from an HP Gold Partner can expect to save money.

When shopping for new office equipment, it helps to look for an authorized HP dealer. When shopping for HP printers and digital imaging equipment, confirm whether your preferred dealer is an HP Gold Partner.

Considerations When Buying Multifunction Printers

Multifunction printers in Prince William County, VA, can optimize your workflow and fill many roles in your office. These models can provide printing, scanning, faxing, and file uploading in one device, and can even communicate with your business’s network.

However, an everything-in-one solution isn’t suited for every organization. Here are a few things to consider when shopping for a new multifunction printer. Knowing what you need and how a new addition might affect your workflow can make a difference–both in productivity and costs.

Define Your Needs

No two multifunction printers will have identical specifications and feature sets. As such, you will want to define what you expect from your new equipment so you can keep it within your budget and expectations. Evaluate what your business needs beyond printing, copying, and faxing capabilities. Will your team take advantage of cloud uploading or wireless technology? Are eco-friendly features important? Knowing what you want and what you don’t will help refine your search.

Prioritize User Friendliness

When your employees know how to use the multifunction printer, it streamlines your workflow. Try to find a model that has intuitive interfaces, minimal training requirements, and easily accessible documentation. You may also want to buy equipment that is backed by a maintenance program from the manufacturer or its service partners.

Communication is Key

Your multifunction printer should be able to quickly and efficiently communicate with your business network–which means your IT crew and other users should be able to access its controls remotely. A printer that your network can’t recognize will impede workflow and complicate your troubleshooting efforts.

Having a multifunction printer can make your work easier and more productive, but it is equally important to know what you are buying. Visit your local printer dealer to begin discussing your options.

Why is My Printer Jamming?

We’ve all sent a document to the printer to wait for it to appear. When it doesn’t, the first step is to investigate. Sometimes we can fix the problem ourselves, and sometimes we need to call for printer repair in Vienna, VA.

But how do we know when to make the call? First, we start by learning what causes paper jams and how to avoid them. Some common issues you may encounter include:

Damaged or Warped Paper

Paper that is wrinkled, warped, or damaged doesn’t feed correctly on the rollers. When it goes sideways, everything stops moving. It’s best only to use new sheets of paper for printing.

A Paper Traffic Jam

Sometimes paper just gets stuck. Yanking it out is not recommended, as you can pull the parts out of alignment and cause more problems than you solve. Follow all the instructions on locating the jam, and you’ll be printing again in no time.

Incorrect Paper Size

Paper that’s the wrong size for the printer is bound to get stuck. Whether too small or too large, not using the correct dimensions can cause your print job to go off the rails in a hurry.

Damaged Parts

If any part of the printer experiences damage or wear and tear, it won’t function as expected. When this happens, it’s time to call a printer repair technician to remove the paper and find and address the issue.

Should You Repair or Replace Your Printer

Problems affecting the functionality of multifunction printers in Prince William County, VA, can significantly impact your team’s productivity and leave them feeling frustrated. In time, all printers are going to stop performing at their best levels, whether it means slowing down, experiencing errors, or just refusing to work at all. How do you know if repairing or replacing multifunction printers is the best option when these events occur?

There a few points to keep in mind when deciding to replace or repair your printing device:

Age of the Device

Consider when the device model was released and not just the date that you purchased it. If you’ve had a printer for five years but the model was released two years before that, it can impact its expected lifetime and the availability of parts. If a device is nearing “legacy status” over seven years old, replacing it is your best bet.

Lifetime Volume of Multifunction Printers

The second factor to consider is the lifetime volume of your device. Printing a configuration page from the device will show the lifetime volume. This is similar to considering the overall mileage on a car. If it has been heavily utilized, then even a newer device can “burn out” quickly and be beyond the manufacturer’s recommended monthly volume.

Labor Costs for Repair

Some repairs for multifunction printers can be completed on-site; other repairs will require a print service technician. It’s always smart to ask for a quote upfront. The bill for repairs can quickly skyrocket if there are high labor costs. Compare the cost of the total repair bill to the cost of getting a new device.

Troubleshooting: Do This Before Calling for Printer Repair

When it comes to fixing common issues in printer repair in Falls Church, VA, many issues can actually be resolved by you. There is no need to wait for a printer repair technician to squeeze you into their busy schedule if it’s not necessary.

If you’re wondering whether to call the IT department or a printer repair specialist, try to troubleshoot a printer problem on your own first. Here are the top three most common ways to troubleshoot the issue so you can get back to work quickly.

Fix a Paper Jam on Your Own

Paper jams are frustratingly common. Before jumping straight into the action, take a moment to read the device’s screen instructions (if it has one). They typically have images or descriptions of where the printer is jammed. The printer or copier has various tabs, levers, and knobs, which are usually colored bright blue, orange, or green. Avoid printer repair by using fixtures that can be adjusted without tools. This is helpful in finding and then clearing the paper jam.

Remove Scanner Streaks

If you regularly scan using the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) on top of your printer, then you’ve likely dealt with annoying lines or streaks that muck up pages. Lift the scanner lid. This is what most devices use to scan via the ADF. There is a narrow strip of glass along with the main scanner glass that gets dirty quickly, so chances are it doesn’t need printer repair, just a quick cleaning.

If All Else Fails…Reboot

If you are still experiencing irritating issues after trying to troubleshoot your printer; it’s time to try rebooting: