How to Print a Test Page

After you have successfully installed a printer, you should print a test page. Printing a test page can also help to analyze the source of an printing error. It provides information on whether the printer is really working properly and if all colors are printed correctly or whether there are errors in the communication between PC or laptop and printer. The following guide explains in detail how a test page is printed and what you need to watch out for.

Instructions for Windows OS 7

1. Open Start Menu and then select Control Panel
2. Select Devices and Printers
3. Right click on the printer and select Printer Properties
4. In the new window click on Print a Test Page

Note: With other Windows OS versions, the printer menu is selected by left-clicking on Devices and Printers after opening the the Start Menu. Often a test page can also be printed using the manufacturer's printer software, which is usually included with the printer. The "print test page" function can usually be found in the maintenance menu of the software.

Detailed Error Analysis

When you print a test page, you can check your printer for any problems. The test page is designed so that very fine lined elements and colors are printed separately. Errors in printing a color or fine lines are clearly visible. Test pages are also used to help with the calibration of print heads and printer cartridges and for a precise color management. It is generally recommended to print a test page after purchasing and installing a new printer. The printer settings are configured optimally by the manufacturer. The test page should deliver perfect results and can thus serve as a later reference for comparison. Deviations from the reference page in futur test pages make it easier and faster to identify problems.

How to identify Problems

Black vertical stripes on the test page may indicate that the printer has to be cleaned or that there is some sort of foreign particle inside the printer. Black vertical stipes should not be confused with light vertical stripes which become paler towards the edge of the page. This kind of stripe may indicate a dried up or empty printer cartridge. The cartridge should be either cleaned or replaced. When the test page shows colors which are too dark or to lightly printed, it usually indicates errors in the printer software. In this case the printer driver may be incorrect or not up to date. The driver can be updated under printer properties. Colors which are too dark or to lightly printed by laser printers are often a result of the toner cartridge not being shaken properly before installation.

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Further Print Errors

When the colors on the test page are very pale, it is an indication that the printer cartridge is either empty or almost empty. Sometimes the cartrige or the print head just needs to be cleaned. The position of the characters on the test page, pixelated characters, bigger empty spaces or stripes may indicate an error in data transmission or an defective cartridge. Checking the printer cables may help in this case. Are they loose or torn somewhere? A look at the manufacturer's website is always worthwhile, as you may find an exact description of the error. Most printer manufacturers offer a list of the most common errors including problem solving descriptions.

Clean the Printer regularly

To prevent errors in print quality from occuring in the first place, the printer should be cleaned regularly. Over time dust accumulates inside the printer, which can cause errors. A clean cloth and a small brush are suitable for cleaning hard-to-reach areas. It is important to always clean carefully to not damage sensitive parts. Print heads or the nozzle plate can best be cleaned with a nozzle cleaner, which can be purchased from specialist resellers. After cleaning, it is recommended to print a test page to see whether the result has improved or whether the cleaning has caused errors.

When there are problems with printing or the print quality is low, the first step should always be to print a test page. By looking at the test page most errors can be narrowed down and rectified more easily. A reference page should be printed and kept when purchasing and installing a new printer.

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