Brother DCP-145C printer problem

There could be many reasons for this, I would start by making sure the printer is properly installed. Uninstall the driver, reboot and re-install the latest printer driver from the Brother website. If this is a very large print file it could be a resource problem, esp. with XP.

I recommend doing a disk cleanup – empty your temp folder and recycle bin – some software builds the print file in these directories. Next in the printer properties look for the spooling options and set it to "print directly to printer" instead of spool the print jobs.

Can you print anything with that printer, like a text document from notepad with just one word on it, can you print in other software – other apps than what your trying to print?There could also be a program interfering with the printing process, you can test this by going into MSconfig and disabling all your startup items – except for wireless and maybe antivirus. Reboot and try to print. What's changed? Anything new installed, updates?

I use a methodology called "UDAS" for troubleshooting User, Data, Application, System. Think about the issue from each of these four areas and develop test to see if something is causing the problem, like

• User – try a different user account,
• Data – try a different file,
• Application – can you print from a different program, if so than the software is messed up.

This is simple but very effective troubleshooting methodology. Once you get some practice using it and know how to build tests that isolate one variable, you can solve any computer issue.

Also – always do the easiest and most likely solutions first.

Also, attempt to clear the Spool queue. You can do this by removing all of the files located in Windows/System32/Spool/PRINTERS.

Having worked at an Epson and HP warranty shop for over 10 years, I can say many "compatible" cartridges cause significant issues. Blocked print heads is one. I have not worked for that shop for several years and have no interest in ink sales :-)

Epson cartridges normally have a very fine screen at the bottom of the cartridge above where it goes into the print head. This screen keeps dried ink particles from entering the print head. As the ink level goes down, ink dries on the sides of the cartridge and then movement allows it to drop into the tank. Many compatible cartridges do not have this screen. We cut many open to check this.

If the printer has not been turned off properly, it will also cause clogged print heads. It is important to turn off with the power button and allow the printer to properly cap the printhead/cartridge. Turning off with a power bar will assure issues like plugged heads/nozzles.

A good technician may be able to clean the printhead with a solution from Epson( or others) but it takes some time and patience. Given the cost of printers today, most will skip this due to cost.

There are some "kits" offered that have the cleaning solution and a syringe. One is here I also see some videos on the process online. The Epson fluid was red but I belive that was for easy visibility when cleaning. I would certainly check your local repair shops and see if they will give an estimate for a proper cleaning.

Also note there are absorbant pads under the print head rest position that can become saturated and must be replaced or you will have ink smeared across the paper.

As a side note, we tried two different compatible inks in an Epson printer and then printed the same image on the same high quality paper. The difference in quaility was clear to anyone who looked at the image. Epson ink was much better.