How output defects, paper-feed problems, device detection, and scanner faults point to different printer and peripheral paths.
Classify a printer symptom before replacing a part. A defect on a printed page, a paper-motion failure, and a device-recognition problem involve different paths.
| Symptom | First path |
|---|---|
| Repeated jam or skew | Paper condition, tray, guides, rollers, and feed path |
| Ghosting, streaking, or faint image | Toner or ink, drum, fuser, transfer, and print-engine components |
| Printer is unavailable | Power, cable or network connection, address, queue, and driver recognition |
| Scanner fails while printing works | Scanner-specific connection, software, permissions, and settings |
An image-quality defect cannot normally be fixed by changing network cables. Conversely, a printer that is not detected should have its power and connection path checked before replacing imaging components.