Printers & Peripherals
Printer Not Printing? Complete Troubleshooting Guide for Dhaka Home & Office
16 June 2026 · 16 min read · BAYAS Editorial
Your printer was working fine last week. Today, you press Print and... nothing. No paper moves. No ink touches the page. Just an error code on the small LCD screen and a sinking feeling that your deadline is getting closer.
Printer problems are frustrating because they always happen at the worst time — before a tender submission, during exam season, or when a client needs a signed contract emailed as a scanned PDF. At BAYAS, we have serviced thousands of printers across 36 Dhaka zones — HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, and every major brand sold in Bangladesh. This guide covers the most common printer problems in Dhaka and what you can do before calling a technician.
If your printer needs professional attention, skip straight to our printer repair service in Dhaka page or call 01712-644590 for a same-day visit.
Why printers fail faster in Dhaka
Before we get to specific fixes, it helps to understand why printers in Dhaka seem to break more often than in other cities.
Dhaka dust. Construction sites, unpaved roads, and year-round dry months fill the air with fine dust particles. This dust settles inside your printer's paper path, on roller surfaces, and inside the print head mechanism. A dusty roller loses grip, causing paper jams. Dust on a laser printer's corona wire creates vertical lines on every page.
Humidity. During monsoon season (June–October), indoor humidity in Dhaka can cross 80%. Printer paper absorbs this moisture and becomes wavy, causing it to jam inside the feed mechanism. Thermal paper and photo paper degrade faster. Inkjet print heads clog more frequently because water evaporates from the nozzles at an uneven rate.
Voltage fluctuation. Power surges during load-shedding transitions can reset your printer's firmware, corrupt its internal settings, or — in the worst case — fry the formatter board (the printer's main logic board). We replace formatter boards on HP LaserJets and Canon MFPs almost every month at our workshop.
Generic ink and toner. The single biggest cause of print quality problems in Dhaka is refilled cartridges and compatible inks that don't match the printer's chemistry. A bad ink can clog an Epson print head beyond recovery within weeks.
Printer Problem #1: Printer Not Printing at All
Symptom: You send a print command. The printer makes no sound. No paper moves. Nothing happens.
Step 1: Check the obvious
- Is the printer powered on? Check the power light. If off, press the power button. If it flashes and doesn't stay on, the power supply may be faulty.
- Is the USB cable or network connection secure? A loose USB cable is the #1 cause of "printer not detected." Unplug and re-plug at both ends — printer and computer.
- Is there paper in the tray? Sounds obvious, but many "not printing" calls to BAYAS turn out to be empty paper trays.
Step 2: Check the print queue
On Windows: Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners → Select your printer → Open print queue On Mac: System Settings → Printers & Scanners → Select your printer → Print Queue
Look for paused, stuck, or error documents. Right-click and Cancel them. Sometimes one corrupted print job (a PDF that failed to render, a photo with embedded fonts) blocks every subsequent job from reaching the printer.
Step 3: Set as default printer
Check that your printer is set as the default device. When a laptop switches between networks or connects to an office printer, Windows sometimes reverts to "Microsoft Print to PDF" or "Fax" as the default.
Step 4: Run the printer's built-in test page
Almost every printer has a function to print a self-test page without a computer:
- HP: Press and hold the Cancel button (X) for 10 seconds
- Canon: Press the Stop button, then power on while holding
- Epson: Press the paper feed button while powering on
- Brother: Press Menu → Print Reports → Printer Settings
If the test page prints, the printer hardware is fine — the problem is your computer, driver, or connection. If the test page does NOT print, the printer has a hardware issue: formatter board, power supply, or main logic board failure.
| Scenario | Likely fix | BAYAS cost |
|---|---|---|
| Test page prints, PC won't print | Driver reinstall or USB/network fix | BDT 500–1,000 |
| Test page does not print, power light on | Formatter board or main logic fault | BDT 1,500–4,500 |
| Test page does not print, no power light | Power supply or PSU board failure | BDT 800–2,500 |
| Printer shows "offline" in Windows | Port configuration or driver issue | BDT 500–800 |
Printer Problem #2: Paper Jams
Symptom: Paper feeds partway, then stops. The printer shows a jam error. You open panels and see crumpled paper inside.
Paper jams are the most common printer problem in Dhaka, and they are almost always caused by one of three things.
Dirty or worn pickup rollers
The rubber rollers that grab paper from the tray and feed it into the printer lose grip over time. Dust from Dhaka air coats the roller surface, and the rubber hardens after 12–18 months of use. When rollers lose grip, the paper feeds at an angle or fails to feed entirely, causing a jam.
Fix: Clean the rollers with a lint-free cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher). Rotate the roller by hand and wipe the entire circumference. If cleaning does not help, the rollers need replacing — BAYAS carries common roller kits for HP, Canon, Epson and Brother printers.
Low-quality or humid paper
Paper bought from a local stationery shop that has been sitting in a non-AC room through Dhaka's monsoon season absorbs moisture and warps at the edges. Warped paper jams in the feed path because the leading edge does not align with the separation pad.
Fix: Use fresh, sealed paper. Store paper in a dry place (not on the floor, not near a window). If you can feel the paper feeling soft or wavy, discard it — it will keep jamming.
Foreign objects
We have found paper clips, staples, eraser bits, and food crumbs inside printers brought to BAYAS. Always check the paper path carefully when clearing a jam. A small metal staple left inside can short the printer's electrical contacts and destroy the formatter board [requires] expensive replacement → /services/printer-repair-service-dhaka.
Jam prevention checklist:
- Clean pickup rollers every 3 months
- Use fresh, sealed paper
- Store paper in a dry place, away from direct sunlight
- Fan the paper stack before loading (separates moist pages)
- Do not overfill the paper tray — load only to the marked line
Printer Problem #3: Print Quality Issues
Symptom: Pages come out with lines, smudges, faded areas, or completely blank.
For inkjet printers
Missing lines / banding / streaking — This is almost always a clogged print head. Epson and Canon inkjets are especially prone to head clogs when left unused for even 2–3 weeks in Dhaka's dry season. The ink in the nozzles dries out and blocks the tiny openings.
Fix: Run the printer's built-in head cleaning cycle:
- Open your printer software on the computer
- Find Maintenance or Utility tab
- Run "Head Cleaning" (not "Nozzle Check" — cleaning uses more ink)
- Print a nozzle check pattern after each cleaning cycle
- Repeat up to 3 times. If the lines are still there after 3 cycles, the clog is stubborn and may need professional cleaning with cleaning solution and ultrasonic treatment — BAYAS offers this service for BDT 800–1,500.
Faded prints / wrong colours — Usually means one or more ink cartridges are empty, low, or clogged. Check your ink levels from the printer software. If an ink level is low, replace that cartridge. If levels are fine but colours are wrong, run the head alignment utility.
For laser printers
Vertical black lines or bands on every page — This is a scratched drum or a dirty corona wire. The drum unit in a laser printer is a photosensitive cylinder that transfers toner to paper. A scratch on the drum surface creates a permanent line on every page. Dust on the corona wire causes static charging inconsistency.
Fix: Open the printer and locate the drum unit (usually accessible from the front panel). If you see a visible scratch on the green/blue drum surface, replace the drum. If the drum looks clean, clean the corona wire using the printer's built-in cleaner (a small slider inside the drum unit — move it back and forth 3–4 times).
White vertical bands / missing print — Low toner or a toner cartridge that is malfunctioning. Shake the toner cartridge gently (side to side, not up and down) to redistribute the powder and try again. If that does not work, replace the toner.
Smudges and ghosting — Usually a failing fuser unit. The fuser is the part that melts toner onto the paper. When it ages, toner does not fuse properly and smudges when you rub the page. Fuser replacement is a job for a professional — it involves high-voltage components and precise temperature alignment.
| Quality issue | Likely cause (Inkjet) | Likely cause (Laser) | BAYAS fix cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lines / streaks | Clogged print head | Scratched drum or dirty corona | BDT 800–3,000 |
| Faded print | Low ink / toner | Low toner or drum wear | +cartridge cost |
| Smudging / ghosting | Wrong paper type | Fuser unit failing | BDT 2,500–5,500 |
| Blank pages | Print head completely blocked | Toner cartridge not seated | BDT 1,000–2,000 |
| Colours wrong | Head clog in colour nozzle | Colour drum alignment off | BDT 500–1,500 |
Printer Problem #4: Printer Offline / Not Detected
Symptom: Your computer reports the printer as "Offline" or "Not available" even though it is powered on and connected.
Fix sequence:
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Restart both devices. Turn the printer off and on. Restart your computer. This resolves 60% of "offline" issues.
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Check the connection. For USB printers: try a different USB port. For network printers: check if the printer has an IP address (print a network config page from the printer menu). If the printer has no IP, it is not connected to your network properly.
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Run Windows Printer Troubleshooter. Settings → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters → Printer → Run. Windows can often fix corrupted printer spooler settings automatically.
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Reinstall the driver. Go to the manufacturer's website (not a third-party site), download the latest driver for your exact model, and install it. Do not rely on Windows Update for printer drivers — they are often months behind.
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Change the port. For network printers: Go to Printer Properties → Ports tab → Add Port → Standard TCP/IP Port → Enter the printer's IP address. This manually binds Windows to your printer's network location.
If none of these steps work, the printer's network card or formatter board may be faulty. BAYAS technicians can diagnose and replace these components during a home visit.
Printer Problem #5: Scanner or Copy Not Working
Symptom: The printer prints fine, but scanning or copying produces blank pages, black pages, or an error.
Flatbed scanner issues — Most commonly caused by a dirty scanner glass. Dhaka dust settles on the glass surface, creating dark patches on every scan. Clean the glass with a soft, lint-free cloth and a small amount of glass cleaner (spray the cloth, not the glass). For stubborn marks, use isopropyl alcohol.
ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) issues — If scanning multiple pages, problems with the ADF are usually roller-related (same as paper jams) or sensor-related. Check that the ADF rollers are clean and that no small paper fragments are blocking the feed sensor.
Scan software issues — On Windows, the Windows Fax and Scan app sometimes refuses to detect the scanner even when the printer is working. Try the manufacturer's own scan utility (HP Smart, Canon IJ Scan Utility, Epson Scan 2) instead of the Windows default.
Printer Problem #6: Network Printing Issues
Symptom: The printer is on the network, you can ping it, but print jobs disappear into a void.
This is one of the most frustrating problems in Dhaka offices because it looks like a printer fault but is almost always a network configuration issue.
Check the IP address. Dhaka ISPs often use dynamic IPs for their routers, and the printer's DHCP lease can expire overnight. If your printer was on 192.168.0.105 yesterday and the router reassigned it to 192.168.0.112 this morning, your computer is still sending jobs to the old IP. Fix: Assign a static IP to the printer from the router's DHCP reservation settings.
Check the port. Windows uses port 9100 for raw printing to HP printers and IPP (port 631) for network printers. If your firewall or router blocks these ports, print jobs never reach the printer. Temporarily disable Windows Firewall to test — if printing works with the firewall off, add an exception for the printer port.
Check for double NAT. If your office uses two routers (one from the ISP, one of your own), devices on one router cannot communicate with devices on the other. Print jobs from a computer on Router A will never reach a printer on Router B. This is extremely common in Dhaka offices where the ISP's ONT has built-in router functionality and the office added a second router for WiFi.
| Network printing error | Most likely cause | BAYAS fix cost |
|---|---|---|
| "Printer not found" on network | DHCP IP changed or subnet mismatch | BDT 800–1,500 |
| Prints from one PC but not another | Port configuration or driver per PC | BDT 500–1,000 |
| Prints only when firewall is off | Port 9100 or IPP blocked | BDT 800–1,200 |
| "Double NAT" — cross-network failure | Two routers on same network | BDT 1,500–3,000 |
| Scan-to-email not working | SMTP settings or ISP port block | BDT 1,000–2,000 |
When to call BAYAS
Some printer problems are easy DIY fixes. Others [require] professional tools and experience → /services/printer-repair-service-dhaka. Call BAYAS when:
- The printer shows an error code you cannot find in the manual
- You have run the head cleaning cycle 3+ times with no improvement
- The printer makes unusual mechanical noises (grinding, clicking, screeching)
- You see visible smoke or smell burning electronics
- The fuser needs replacement (involves high-voltage components)
- The formatter board or power supply is suspected (requires multimeter testing)
- You need a network printer set up for the first time in your office
- Print quality is still bad after replacing ink or toner
BAYAS covers all printer brands sold in Bangladesh — HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, Samsung, Xerox — and offers:
- Same-day home or office visits across 36 Dhaka zones
- Genuine consumables sourced from authorized suppliers
- Free pickup and delivery for workshop repairs
- 30-day workmanship warranty on every repair
- Office maintenance contracts from BDT 2,500 per printer per month
Preventive printer maintenance checklist
The best printer repair is the one you never need. Follow this checklist to keep your printer running through Dhaka's toughest months:
- Monthly: Wipe the exterior and paper tray with a dry cloth. Run a nozzle check (inkjet) or print a test page (laser).
- Every 3 months: Clean pickup rollers with isopropyl alcohol. Clean scanner glass with glass cleaner. Check and replace any nearly-empty cartridges.
- Every 6 months: Full interior dust cleaning (BAYAS can do this for BDT 700–1,500 during a visit). Inspect rollers for wear. Check fuser condition on laser printers.
- Annually: Complete preventive maintenance visit by BAYAS — internal cleaning, roller inspection, print head check, driver updates, and network config verification.
Why Dhaka trusts BAYAS for printer service
- 8+ years of experience servicing printers in Dhaka homes and offices
- 36 Dhaka zones covered — from Uttara to Jatrabari, Gulshan to Mirpur
- All brands serviced — HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, Samsung, Xerox
- Genuine parts only — OEM and authorized compatible consumables
- Transparent pricing — quote shared before any work begins
- 30-day warranty on all parts and labour
Call or WhatsApp 01712-644590 for a free diagnosis quote. Same-day visits available across Dhaka.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my printer keep saying "offline" in Windows?
This usually happens when the printer's driver loses communication with the device. Restart both the printer and computer first. If that doesn't work, the printer may have a new IP address (for network printers) or the driver needs reinstalling.
How often should I clean my printer's print head?
For inkjet printers that you use weekly, run a nozzle check every 2 weeks and a head cleaning only when you see missing lines. For printers used less than once a week, run a head cleaning before any important print job.
Can I use refilled ink cartridges in my printer?
You can, but the risk is higher in Dhaka's variable climate. Low-quality refilled ink has unpredictable viscosity and can clog print heads permanently. If you use refills, buy from a reputable supplier and use the printer at least once a week to keep ink flowing.
My laser printer has vertical black lines. Is it the drum or the toner?
Vertical lines that repeat at the same position on every page are almost always a scratched drum. Vertical bands that gradually widen or fade are usually a toner distribution issue. Replace the drum first — if the lines persist, the toner cartridge is also damaged.
How do I find the printer's IP address in Dhaka?
Most printers can print a network configuration page from the front panel menu. Look for "Network Settings" → "Print Network Summary" or "Print Configuration Page." The IP address will be listed under TCP/IP or Network Status.
Do you maintain printers under office contract in Dhaka?
Yes. BAYAS offers monthly and quarterly maintenance contracts for Dhaka offices with 3+ printers. Contracts include preventive cleaning, consumable management, driver updates, and priority same-day response. WhatsApp 01712-644590 for a quote.
BAYAS serving Dhaka since 2018 — 5000+ repairs across 36 zones. Call or WhatsApp 01712-644590 for a free quote on your printer repair or maintenance.