Skip to main contentClick to view our Accessibility Statement or contact us with accessibility-related questions.
Phaser 600


Symptoms and solutions

Diagnostic tools

 The Phaser 600 printer provides several tools for diagnosing and solving various types of problems; these tools include the following:

  • Troubleshooting quick reference table describes printing problems by symptom, then lists the possible causes and solutions.

  • Phaser 600 Color Printer Quick Reference Guide provides easy access to troubleshooting information on media jams, ink jams, and cleaning procedures.

  • Configuration Page is found in the Help Pages menu (accessed from the front panel). This page provides useful information for installation and troubleshooting. Refer to Printing the configuration page for instructions.

  • PS Error Handler is loaded from the Printer Defaults menu of the front panel. Used to diagnose PostScript problems. When a PostScript error occurs, an error page prints out if the error handler is enabled.

Maintaining print quality

 If you notice a problem with the quality of your prints (such as ink smears, streaks, or off-set ink dots), the probable solution is cleaning one of the printer's components (drum, exit rollers, paper clamp rollers, paper clamp, back tension blade, fuser, etc.).

  • Clean the printer regularly.

  • Handle the media only by the edges to avoid fingerprints.

  • Keep the ink sticks packaged until you are ready to use them.

  • To help you diagnose the problem, print the test print from the Utilities menu in the front panel. Always do this before calling the Customer Support Hotline because it contains useful diagnostic information.

    Troubleshooting quick reference

    Symptom Possible Causes Solution
    Power indicator is blinking The printer is receiving, processing or printing a job. Wait for the job to be completed or cancel the job.
    You have entered the menu in the front panel. Exit the menu.
    Power indicator is off The printer is not ready, is disabled, or has detected an error. Read the front panel message to determine the printer's status.
    The power switch on the printer is off, or the power cord is not connected. Check that the power cord is plugged into the printer and into an active circuit; check that the power switch is set to on.
    Error indicator is blinking The printer is stopped because it detected a user-correctable error such as an open door or a media jam. Correct the condition reported by the front panel (e.g., close the door or clear the media jam).
    Error occurred that is not user-correctable. Turn the printer off and back on again. If the indicator is still on after the power-up sequence, the printer requires service. See If you need help.
    The front panel menu exits and returns to Ready without anyone pressing the button. Front panel timeout: if no activity occurs in 5 minutes, the front panel returns to Ready. Press Menu to enter the front panel menu.
    Front panel reports:

    Clear <Location> Jam

    		Media jam. Remove the jammed media. See Clearing a media jam.
    Media is too thick or too thin. Use recommended media. Refer to All about media for more information.
    Using Letter-size cut-sheet media (ANSI A, ISO A4, and Arch A) or smaller. Use media at least B-size for better feed reliability.
    Roll media is not cut evenly or smoothly. Make sure that the cutter is sharp; use a new blade in the cutting tool for manual cutting.
    Front panel reports:

    Clear Ink Loader Jam

    		An ink stick has jammed in the ink loader. Remove the jammed ink stick. See Clearing an ink jam.

    If you can't make a print

    Symptom Solution
    Printer not operating Make sure that you plugged in the printer and turned it on.
    Make sure that you connected the interface cable(s) properly.
    Make a test print from the front panel to verify that the controller board is functional.
    Verify that your computer can communicate with the printer.
    Printer not operating (cont'd.) Verify that your printer can communicate:

    If you have a Macintosh

    Make sure that you have the correct PPD file installed and selected and that you have selected the printer in the Chooser. If the printer's name does not appear in the Chooser, your LocalTalk or EtherTalk connection may be faulty. (See also Printer doesn't appear in the Chooser (Macintosh) below.)

    You can use the Print Window command to send a file to the printer without using an application. If the communication link between your computer and the printer is working, the printer produces a directory listing of the active window on the desktop.

    Printer not operating (cont'd.) Verify that your printer can communicate:

    If you have a PC

    Type this DOS command:

    echo %! > port

    echo showpage[Ctrl-D] > port

    Where [CTRL-D] indicates pressing the D key while holding down the CTRL key. Substitute the name of the printer port (for example COM1:, COM2:, LPT1:, LPT2:) for the variable port in this command. For example, if you are testing a parallel connection on LPT1, type:

    echo %! > lpt1:

    echo showpage[Ctrl-D] > lpt1:

    If the communication link between your computer and the printer is working, the printer ejects a blank page (if media was previously loaded). If this occurs, but you cannot print from your application or through Windows, make sure that the appropriate driver is installed and that you have selected the printer correctly.

    Power indicator blinks and stops, but the file does not print This is probably the result of a PostScript error. Enable the PostScript error handler in the printer's front panel. See Using a PostScript error handler for more information.
    Printer not printing, even though you've configured a supported driver for your printer. General things to try

    • Print a different file.
    • Print from a different application.
    • Use a different driver.
    • Print from a different computer.
    • Use different cabling.
    Printer not printing, even though you've configured a supported driver for your printer (cont'd.) Macintosh users

    • Open the Chooser and select a supported driver, such as the LaserWriter 8.x, and your printer.
      If the driver isn't installed or properly set up with your printer, refer to Macintosh software for instructions.

      Make sure that Background Printing is turned off.

    • If you are having trouble printing from the Finder in System 7.1, for example, if the Phaser 600 printer driver dialog boxes are not opening, it may be because the Finder doesn't have enough allocated memory. Reinstall a supported driver to automatically allocate enough memory for printing from the Finder.

    • For PowerMacs, you should be using the latest version of Open Transport and the system software, available from Apple Computer.

    • If you are using LaserWriter 8, throw away the LaserWriter 8 Pref file, located in the Preferences folder, inside the System Folder. A new preferences file will be generated.

    • Use the most current version of the Macintosh operating system.

    • Use the most current version of your application.

    • If you prefer using background printing, but it seems to be causing problems, allocate more memory to the Print Monitor.
    Printer not printing, even though you've configured a supported driver for your printer (cont'd.)

    		 Windows users (general)
    Windows 3.1 users (using the Xerox driver)

    • Make sure that your printer is connected to the port you selected in the driver's Printers/Connect dialog box.

    • Try resetting the Transmission Retry timeout option in the driver's Printers/Connect dialog box to 950 seconds.

    • Check the Options dialog box to make sure that Printer, not Encapsulated PostScript File, is selected in the driver's
      Print To box.

    • If the error message Windows Header has not been downloaded to the printer appears on your computer screen, open the driver's Options dialog box and turn on the Send Header with Each Job check box.
    Printer not printing, even though you've configured a supported driver for your printer (cont'd.)

    		 Windows 95 users
    • Make sure that your printer is connected to the port you selected in the driver's Details tab.

    • Try resetting the Transmission Retry timeout option in the driver's Details tab to 950 seconds.

    • Make sure that the correct port is selected in the driver's Details tab.

    • If the error message Windows Header has not been downloaded to the printer appears on your computer screen, click the PostScript tab and click one of the options for PostScript Header.
    If you are using PC/NFS

    If you have PC/NFS software installed on your computer, you need to make the following selection in the Network Options dialog box:

    1. From the Main window, double-click the Print Manager icon.

    2. From the Options menu in the Print Manager, select Network Settings.

    3. In the Network Options dialog box, uncheck the
      Print Net Jobs Direct box.

    4. Click OK.
    Printer not printing, even though you've configured a supported driver for your printer (cont'd.).

    		 Using the PS Error Handler

    Follow these steps to use the PostScript Error Handler, after trying the previous suggestions:

    1. Set the PS Error Handler to on in the front panel's Printer Defaults menu.

    2. Use the error handler utility to determine what is wrong. Refer to Using a PostScript error handler for information on using the error handler.
    If you can't print from Windows to an LPT port

    		 Windows 3.1
    1. Double-click the Printers icon in the Control Panel.

    2. In the Printers dialog box, choose your printer from the list of installed printers.

    3. Click the Connect button; the Connect dialog box appears.

    4. Change your port connection from LPTx to LPTx.DOS (where x is 1, 2, or 3).

    5. Click OK.
    Refer to Fixing timeout problems in Windows for instructions on fixing timeout problems in Windows.
    If you can't print from Windows to an LPT port (cont'd.)

    		 Windows 95

    1. Select Start in the taskbar on your screen.

    2. In the menu that appears, select Settings.

    3. In the next menu, select Printers; the Printers window appears.

    4. Click on your printer's icon and select Properties from the File menu.

    5. Click the Details tab.

    6. Click Add Port.

    7. Click Other.

    8. Make sure that Local Port is highlighted, then click OK.

    9. Type LPTx.DOS (where x is 1, 2, or 3).

    10. Click OK.

    11. In the Details tab, the Print to the following port should be LPT.DOS
      (unknown local port).
    If you can't print from Windows to an LPT port (cont'd.)

    		 Check the printer's language mode

    1. Print a copy of the printer's configuration page to see the language mode on each port. Refer to Printing the configuration page.

    2. If the printer port you are using has the wrong language set for the type of application you are using, send one of the following utility files to the printer:

    • To print PostScript files, use the PSCRIPT.PS file to set up a port to receive PostScript; see Printing PostScript files or World Wide Web for details.

    • To print HP-GL files, use the HPGL.PS file to set up a port to receive HP-GL; see Printing HP-GL files or World Wide Web for details.

    • To print PostScript or HP-GL files, use the AIS.PS file to set up a port for automatic language selection; see Enabling automatic language selection or World Wide Web.
    Printer doesn't appear in the Chooser (Macintosh) Try another network connection.
    Try printing from another computer.
    Make sure that the printer is turned on and the cables are correctly attached.
    Check the termination (refer to the documentation for your network adapter or connector for information on termination).
    If you have changed the printer's name, make sure that you have given it a unique name (not the same as any other printer in the zone or on the network).
    Make sure that the correct network zone is selected in either the Network Control Panel or the AppleTalk Control Panel in System 7.5.3 or later.
    For network-connected printers:

    Problems may occur when double-spooling occurs or banner pages are specified. Refer to Xerox' on-line documentation or contact your network administrator for more help on troubleshooting your specific type of network.

    Print job does not finish (the printer times out) If you are using the serial or parallel port from a PC, make sure that you used the MODE command to set the PC's communication parameters. For example:

    MODE LPT1:,,P > NUL
    MODE COM1:9600,N,8,1,P

    The P parameter in these commands sets the port timeout to Infinite Retry and must be part of the command.

    If you are using Windows 3.1 or Windows 95, make sure that the Transmission Retry value for the printer's assigned port is set to 950. For more information, see Printing from a PC then select your driver.
    Error indicator is blinking The Error indicator blinks with any hard error, such as media jam or door open.

    Look at the front panel for an indication of the type of error, then correct the problem. If the front panel message is Service Required/Fault Code:xx, make note of the fault code number, then turn the printer off and on again. If the Error indicator remains on after power-up, your printer requires service. See If you need help for telephone information.

    Media problems

    Symptom Solution
    Frequent media jams

    		 Make sure that the fixed end of the paper roll holder (the side without the removable plastic nut) is installed at the side closest to the front panel.
    Make sure that the media is installed so that it loads over the top of the roll, as shown.
    Make sure that the leading edge of a media roll is cut evenly (corners are 90°) and smoothly before feeding it into the printer; refer to the illustration. For instructions on getting the best cut on the media roll, refer to Cutting roll media.
    Frequent media jams (cont'd.)

    		 When you feed the media into the printer, do the following:

    1. Align the media with the guide on the printer, so that it feeds evenly and straight.

    2. As you feed the media into the printer, insert it until it stops against the feed rollers, making sure it touches all rollers at once.
    Clean the printer's rollers and drum. See Feed rollers and paper guides for instructions.
    To optimize the printer's wide-format design, use cut-sheet media at least B-size and/or roll media at least 16.5 inches wide for better feed reliability.
    Open the top cover and exit cover to check the paper path for any obstruction.
    Media skews Make sure that the fixed end of the paper roll holder (the side without the removable plastic nut) is installed at the side closest to the front panel.
    Make sure that the media is installed so that it loads over the top of the roll. Refer to the drawing on the previous page.
    Make sure that the media is fed into the printer evenly.
    To optimize the printer's wide-format design, use cut-sheet media at least B-size and/or roll media at least 16.5 inches wide for better feed reliability.
    Make sure that the leading edge of the media roll is cut evenly (corners are 90°) and smoothly. Refer to the illustration below. If your media is not cut evenly, follow the instructions on Cutting roll media.

    Media does not advance Clean the Drum, Feed rollers and paper guides, and Clamp rollers.
    Media wrinkling Check media thickness; media that is too thin will wrinkle.
    Reduce the image so that ink placement and fusing complete at least 25 mm (1 inch) from the trailing edge of the media.

    Problems with image size and position

    Symptom Solution
    Cut-off images

    		 Check your application for image sizing.
    Make sure that you are using a printer PPD file and have selected the correct page size. If you select the incorrect page size, the image may be cut off.
    Make sure that the media selected in the driver is the same as or smaller than the media installed.
    If you selected Page Centering in the driver, make sure that media is loaded before you send the print job; otherwise, the default media setting calculates the centering position.
    Image shifts or margins are incorrect (Macintosh)

    		 Make sure that you have installed the printer driver or the correct PPD file onto your Macintosh so that you can select the correct page sizes from the driver. For details on how to print from a Macintosh, refer to Printing from a Macintosh.

    Print quality problems

    Symptom Solution
    Off-set ink dots

    		 Clean or replace the fuser wheel.
    To save your print, as well as the cost and time of having to resend the job:
    • If the ink dots appear in the white space on your print, use an eraser to carefully remove the ink.
    Prints have dull, faded colors

    		 Check the selected color correction mode.
    Clean the printhead from the front panel Utilities menu. Refer to Cleaning the printhead.
    Make sure that Media Fusing is turned on and try setting it to Cold.
    Streaks or spots

    		 Clean the Clamp rollers.
    Clean the Back tension blade and paper clamp.
    Clean the paper clamp (Clamp rollers).
    Clean the exit rollers (Fuser shuttle and exit rollers).
    Clean the fuser wheel or replace the Fuser Kit components (Removing the fuser components).
    Clean the Feed rollers and paper guides.
    Black-and-white prints instead of color

    		 If you have a Macintosh

    Make sure that you are using the correct PPD file with the latest Apple LaserWriter printer driver (version 6.0.7 or higher), which supports color PostScript.

    Make sure that Color/Grayscale is selected in the Print dialog box. Some applications require special files to print in color. Make sure that these files are properly installed. For information, refer to Printing from a Macintosh or through the Xerox World Wide Web page.

    Make sure that you have not selected Monochrome in the TekColor Options dialog box.
    If you have a PC

    Be sure to use a driver that supports color PostScript. If you are using Windows 3.1, use the Phaser 600 printer driver.

    If you are using Windows, make sure that the Color box in the Options dialog box is checked. For information on the drivers, refer to Printing from a PC or through the Xerox World Wide Web page.

    Make sure that you have not selected Monochrome in the Xerox Printer Features dialog box.

    If you are not using a driver, make sure that you have not downloaded the monochrome mode selection code; make sure that the front panel is not set for Monochrome.

Support Home Page
Phaser 600 Support Page

Xerox Office Support Home
Additional Information

Register your Printer
ASPs & TPMs
About Software Support
Color Connection
Printer Warranties
Material Safety Data Sheets
Supplies & Cartridge Recycling Program