Printer Troubleshooting Checklist

1. Confirm the basics

• Make sure the printer is powered on and shows no error lights or messages (paper jam, out of paper, low toner, ext.).

• If the printer has a screen, confirm it’s not showing Offline, Paused, or Error.

• If possible, ask: Can anyone else print to this printer right now?

  • If no one can print → likely a printer or network issue.

  • If others can print → likely an issue with your computer.

2. Make sure the correct printer is selected

• In the application you are trying to print from, verify:

  • The intended printer name is selected (not a similarly named one).

  • The printer is not labeled “Offline” or “Unavailable.”

• Check your default printer:

  • Windows sometimes auto‑switches defaults after updates.

  • macOS may retain old printers from previous locations.

3. Try a test print

• Print a 1‑page text document (not a large PDF or graphics-heavy file).

• If it fails:

  • Note the exact error message shown if any.

4. Restart the printer (if accessible)

• Power the printer off

• Wait 30 seconds

• Power it back on and wait until it is fully ready

• Try printing again after it finishes initializing

If You Still Can’t Print, Contact LAITS With This Information

Assistance with printer issues can be done at a LAITS service desk, via chat, or via phone. Providing these details helps LAITS technicians resolve the issue faster:

• Your computer type (Mac or Windows)

• The printer name and location

• Whether others can print to the same printer

• The exact error message, if shown

• Whether the issue happens:

  • From all applications, or

  • Only from one application (e.g., Word, Outlook, PDF)

• Whether you are on campus or off campus (and on VPN)