IT Queries: Computer problems answered

Hello – we have 2 identical Brother DCP-350C printers and both all of a sudden have stopped printing “red” and why this has affected the printing of black when we have an exclusive black ink in the machines I don’t know but it has and now anything we print out in supposed black comes out in green! I have cleaned and cleaned and cleaned some more but still it hasn’t worked plus replaced cartridges. One printer has already had a printer head replaced under warranty. Neither are under warranty now and are approximately 2 years old. Can you advise anything we might be able to do to get this working as I don’t really think it is worthwhile taking them to a repairer as they only cost $99 each at time of purchase but want to cover all avenues in case there might a simple solution.

If not what machines would you recommend. We only use them for home purposes but my husband does do a lot of graphic printouts so a relatively good quality print would be beneficial. Also are there any just solely black inkjet printers available these days – this would be for the second computer.

The problem lies in the way the Brother printer deals with colours. What is probably happening is if the printer thinks there is any colour in the document, it mixes the red, green and blue cartridges to make something close to black rather than using the black document. Apart from your current problem this is an insanely expensive way to print.

We’d recommend ditching the printers and getting a cheap colour laser. While this may cost a few hundred dollars more than an inkjet, you’ll get better quality prints from a more reliable system. If the two computers are networked, you’ll be able to share them or be able to plug the printer directly into the network.

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