Printer installations and changes

Posted in: Printers by Jack on 20 August 2006

Here are two things to keep in mind when you install a new printer:

When you’re upgrading from one printer to a newer one, be sure you go to “Printers and Faxes” (in Windows XP), right click on the old printer and select delete or remove after you’ve disconnected the old printer from your computer. This will prevent the old drivers from causing problems with your new printer’s drivers. This holds true for most hardware. Remove the old before installing the new.

You should also check in the Control Panel under “Add/Remove Software” to see if there’s any software specific to your old hardware that should also be removed.

Finally, if any of the software for your old printer loads with Windows at startup, go to Start/Run and type in “msconfig”. Go to the “Startup” tab and uncheck any entry related to your old printer’s software. When done, click “Apply” and let your computer restart.

Now you’re ready to install the new printer. After you’ve installed the new printer’s drivers, take a look at the other software on the manufacturer’s disk. Often they’ll give you applications that will help you with your print projects. They might be light versions of an application, but still, it’s free software that might come in handy someday.

Printer myths debunked

Posted in: Printers by Jack on 18 August 2006

Here are a few myths spread by printer manufacturers and accepted as fact by some of our customers;

• Myth: You can only use the brand of printer that came with your computer (i.e. can only use a Dell printer with a Dell computer)
• Reality: Printers are ubiquitous. Any USB or parallel port printer can be used with any computer that has a USB or parallel port. Operating systems may present a problem. Many printers do not supply software drivers for Macintosh or Linux. All printers currently manufactured in the U.S. supply drivers for the Windows operating system.
• Myth: The cartridges that come with a new printer are regular cartridges
• Reality: Cartridges sold with a new printer are almost always “starter” cartridges. Starter cartridges are either half full of ink or toner, or have a chip that indicates that they are out of ink/toner after only half the normal page count of a standard cartridge. Most starter cartridges can be refilled to normal cartridge levels once they are empty.
• Myth: Refilled and remanufactured cartridges will void your printer’s warranty
• Reality: Printer manufacturers are prohibited by law from voiding your warranty for using recycled cartridges. Stop by the store and ask for a fact sheet that explains the legal aspects of this myth.

Satisfaction guaranteed

Posted in: blog by Jack on 6 August 2006

One thing that sets us apart from online sellers or swapmeet dealers is our guarantee of satisfaction.

If for any reason you’re not satisfied with your purchase from us, we will gladly retest the cartridge, exchange it for another or refund your money. If your inkjet cartridge has dried out during storage, bring it in and we’ll check it for damage and get the ink flowing again for you at no charge. If it’s a cartridge you bought elsewhere, we recommend you return it for exchange or refund.

Sometimes problems arise from a customer not knowing what to expect from their remanufactured cartridge. Please call or email us if you have any questions. While we want you to be pleased with your purchase, please understand no remanufacturing process can guarantee perfection. Some cartridges test well for us but fail for the customer. Improper storage can lead to cross- contamination or dry print heads. Improper installation can cause toner cartridges to not work. We will work with you to assure your cartridge works as expected.

In any business there are those who use guarantees to take unfair advantage of retailers. We have had those who use all the ink in a cartridge then try to convince us the cartridge never worked properly. We weigh all returned cartridges to determine ink or toner volume. If we find the contents have been used more than expected considering the problem as presented by the customer, we’ll refill or replace the cartridge at our normal price. This is why it’s important that you contact us as soon as a problem arises. It could mean the difference between getting a free replacement and having to pay for another cartridge.