Linux Printer Problems – Check the Simple Things First

[Unison]

Linux Printer Problems – Check the Simple Things First​

I had a good reminder today that when troubleshooting Linux, it's very easy to assume Linux itself is the problem.

I was trying to get my Epson XP-2100 printer working under Manjaro. Linux could detect the printer over USB, but nothing was actually printing.

After checking the printer setup and trying a few commands, I eventually switched over to Windows to see if the printer behaved differently.

The problem turned out to be much simpler than expected — the ink cartridges were empty!

It's a useful troubleshooting lesson. Before spending too much time changing drivers, CUPS settings or printer configurations, check the basics first:

• Is there paper in the printer?
• Are the ink cartridges actually OK?
• Is the USB/network connection working?
• Is there an error showing on the printer itself?
• Does the printer work from another operating system?

Linux often gets blamed simply because that's the system we're using when the problem appears.

In this case Manjaro wasn't the problem at all.

One lesson learned though — I'll be buying genuine ink cartridges next time!

Anyone else ever spent ages troubleshooting a computer problem only to discover it was something simple?

 

[CyborJaX]

I have to say Unison I have found Linux to be one of the best for picking up wireless network printers and that was without actually doing anything,
every printer as been picked up automatically while installing system, never even looked for printer it as just popped up as install finished.
That was on 3 different occasions and 3 different printers so I love it ....

 

[Unison]

I have to say Unison I have found Linux to be one of the best for picking up wireless network printers and that was without actually doing anything,
every printer as been picked up automatically while installing system, never even looked for printer it as just popped up as install finished.
That was on 3 different occasions and 3 different printers so I love it ....

I normally find Linux pretty good with printers as well.

My problem yesterday actually turned out to be the inks I'd used. They weren't genuine Epson cartridges and they were no good, which created a completely different problem and had me thinking there was something wrong with the Linux printer setup.

Switched over to Windows to check it and eventually found the inks were the culprit. They were brand new, but some were only showing around 10% full and others were showing as out of ink!

Lesson learned — I'll be sticking with the proper Epson inks next time!