Your toner cartridge has run out of toner

To create a print in the laser printer, a cartridge is used - a replaceable unit whose main function is to store the toner stock - the same powder from which the image is formed on a sheet of paper. The average cartridge of the original production for a laser printer is designed to print two to three thousand prints and costs about $ 50- $ 100.

If the toner runs out of the cartridge, the user, depending on the printer model, notices this, either because the print quality deteriorates or when the printer signals that recommends, and sometimes even severely requires, that the consumed cartridge be replaced.

So, your printer runs out of print cartridge, and you do not have a spare cartridge. If the end of the toner supply in the cartridge becomes noticeable on the vertical light stripes on the printouts, you can remove the cartridge from the printer, tap it lightly with your finger, and then gently rock it in the horizontal longitudinal direction. The toner remains evenly distributed throughout the bunker, and you can make several dozen prints on the cartridge.

When the toner supply in the cartridge is exhausted, or the printer has stopped working and requires a replacement of the used cartridge, you will either have to purchase a new cartridge, or refill it if the latter is possible: there are laser printers that can not be refilled.

Let's say that you decided to buy a new cartridge, but never before did. Before buying, be sure to find out the model of your printer. The model name can usually be found on the front or top plane of the printer casing, and sometimes - on the control panel or on the surface of the paper tray - in the latter case, lift the tray and read the model name. Unfortunately, a common mistake for users is to find the model name on the back of the case next to the power cable connector. Not always helps and the reference to the manuals that the printer was equipped with when selling - they sometimes indicate the name of a series of devices, rather than a specific model.

So, you read the name of the model on the case of your printer and know exactly what it's called. Write down on paper this name. Now remove the cartridge from the printer and try to read on it its model (type). Typically, the model of the cartridge is written on its body in the largest font, and the name of the model of the cartridge, with rare exceptions, does not at all resemble the name of the printer from which it was extracted. In some cases, the exact name of the type of cartridge on its case will not be found, and then you have to buy a cartridge, focusing only on the printer model. If you still managed to find out the type of cartridge, write it down next to the printer model.

It will be very good if before calling to the supplier of cartridges you type in the search line yandex.ru or google.ru model of your printer and through the space word "cartridge". This will be especially useful if you do not know the type of cartridge to your printer. From the search results, you determine which cartridge is suitable for your printer. Sometimes a search can yield conflicting results; In this case, give preference to the variant that is most often mentioned in the SERP. Read the search results in Russian only, as, for example, a British site may contain incorrect information about the type of cartridge for the printer: in the UK, your printer is likely to use completely different cartridges, and you can not buy them in Russia.

Now you need to decide which cartridge you will purchase - original or compatible. The original cartridge is manufactured by the printer manufacturer, and compatible - by anyone, but not the manufacturer. The cost of a compatible cartridge is usually several times lower, and the likelihood of a malfunction in its operation is as high as a low quality print, crackle, paper jam, or even a total inoperability. In addition, if you plan to refill the cartridge later, it is better not to purchase a compatible cartridge.

If your printer produces both normal and high capacity cartridges, it will be useful to decide which one is the best for you before contacting the supplier. To make a decision, use the simple rule: if you plan to refill the cartridge then the high-capacity cartridge is not for you. And if you are a principal opponent of refueling and use the printer quite intensively, then it is advisable to purchase a high-capacity cartridge.

And now, when you all know about your future cartridge, find out the approximate price for it from the suppliers of your city. This additionally guarantees you the purchase of exactly the cartridge you need, and also avoids unnecessary costs. Type in the search string yandex or google the phrase "(the type of your cartridge) to buy in (your city)" or visit the sites of computer stores. Focus only on well-known or familiar to you retail stores or online stores.

Successful purchase!