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Fixing Gaps in Print Outs - horizontal and vertical lines

When your printer starts printing with hortizonal or vertical gaps be sure to check out this video for information about how to fix this issue.

Transcript

If you've just recently replaced an ink cartridge and the printed page is entirely blank, contains blank gaps or missing text:

  • Make sure you've removed the protective shipping tape or vent tape. This is easily overlooked but is quite simple to remedy. On HP, Lexmark, Dell and similar disposable print head cartridges, you'll find a strip of plastic film on the bottom of the cartridge covering the printhead. This tape is used to seal and protect the printhead during shipping. It prevents ink from entering the printhead where it dries to form an ink clog.
    On Epson, Canon and Brother ink cartridges, for fixed print head inkjet printers, you'll see a tear off strip, usually with a graphic which indicates that the tag is to be pulled. The tear off strip seals the the vent holes on the top of the cartridge to prevent it from drying out on the shelf or during shipping.
    After ensuring that the shipping tape has been removed, run the printer's "Head Cleaning" utility to prime the cartridge, then print a test page.
  • If your printed output still indicates clogged ink nozzles:
    • From inside a software application such as MS Word or Notepad, go to the File menu and click "Print".
    • Click on your printer in the list to select it.
    • Click on the "Preferences" button and the "Utilities" or "Maintenance" tab
    • Locate and run the "Head Cleaning" utility at lease once but no more than 3 times consecutively.
    • Print a test page.