Brother HL 8050N User Manual

5 - 5   TROUBLESHOOTING
Cannot Print from a Macintosh® Computer
Symptom Possible Cause Action
The printer does not 
appear in the 
Chooser windowIs the printer off? Press the I on the power switch to turn the 
printer on. 
See Turning the Printer On and Off on page 
1-5.
Is the USB or Ethernet interface cable loose 
or disconnected?Turn the printer off and check the interface 
cable. If necessary, reconnect it, then turn 
the printer back on.
Is the network expansion card loose or 
disconnected?Turn the...

TROUBLESHOOTING   5 - 6
Print Quality Problems
Blank or Completely Black Pages are Output
Symptom Possible Cause Action
Nothing is printed The seal of the toner cartridge is not pulled 
out.Pull out the seal.
See Replacing the Toner Cartridge 
(TN-1700) on page 6-1.
Two or more sheets may be feeding at 
once.Remove the paper stack from the tray, fan 
it, and put it back in the tray.
The toner cartridge is old or damaged. Replace the toner cartridge. 
See Replacing the Toner Cartridge 
(TN-1700) on page...

5 - 7   TROUBLESHOOTING
Faded or Dirty Printouts, White Areas (drop-outs), Creases, Blurs
Symptom Possible Cause Action
Faded printouts Is the media suitable? Replace the media with a recommended 
size and type, and confirm that your printer 
driver settings are correct. 
See Suitable and Unsuitable Paper Types 
on page 2-1.
Is the paper damp? Replace the paper. 
See Loading Paper and Printing on page 
2-9.
The toner cartridge is old or damaged. Replace the toner cartridge.
See Replacing the Toner...

TROUBLESHOOTING   5 - 8
Ink smears when 
rubbed.Is the paper damp? Replace the paper.
See Loading Paper and Printing on page 
2-9.
Is the media suitable? Replace the media with a recommended 
size and type, and confirm that your printer 
driver settings are correct.
See Suitable and Unsuitable Paper Types 
on page 2-1.
Shadows appear 
around areas of 
dense black printing.Is the media suitable? Replace the media with a recommended 
size and type, and confirm that your printer 
driver settings are...

5 - 9   TROUBLESHOOTING
Vertical stripes Is the toner cartridge properly installed in 
the printer?Make sure that the toner cartridge is 
properly installed. 
See Replacing the Toner Cartridge 
(TN-1700) on page 6-1.
Dirt may be on the laser window. Clean the laser window.
The toner cartridge, transfer roll cartridge, 
or fuser unit is old or damaged.Check the toner cartridge, transfer roll 
cartridge and fuser unit and replace them 
as necessary. 
See Replacing the Toner Cartridge 
(TN-1700) on page...

TROUBLESHOOTING   5 - 10
Unsatisfactory Printing
Slanted printing, 
Incorrectly positioned 
printingAre the paper guides in the paper tray set 
correctly?In the paper tray, set the side and end 
guides to their correct positions. 
See Load A4/Letter Paper in the Paper Tray 
on page 2-9.
See Load Envelopes in the Paper Tray on 
page 2-15.
Text is blurred. Is the paper damp? Replace the paper.
See Loading Paper and Printing on page 
2-9.
Is the media suitable? Replace the media with a recommended 
size and...

5 - 11   TROUBLESHOOTING
Paper Handling Problems
First, make sure that you are using paper that meets our recommended paper specifications. See 
Suitable and Unsuitable Paper Types on page 2-1.
Symptom Action
The printer does not load paper.■If paper is in the paper tray, make sure it is straight. If the paper is 
curled, you should straighten it before printing. Sometimes it is helpful 
to remove the paper, turn the stack over, and then put it back in the 
paper tray.
■Reduce the amount of paper in the...

TROUBLESHOOTING   5 - 12
Solving Print Problems
Symptom Action
The printer prints 
unexpectedly or it prints 
garbage data.■Make sure the printer cable is not too long. We recommend that you use a 
parallel cable that is less than 2 metres (6 feet) long.
■Make sure that the printer cable is not damaged or broken.
■If you are using an interface-switching device, remove it. Connect your 
computer directly to your printer, and then try again.
■Check that you have chosen the appropriate printer driver with...

5 - 13   TROUBLESHOOTING
Others Problems
Network Problems
Symptom Action
The printer cannot print at all. 
Your PC shows the following 
error message:
There was an error writing to 
LPT1: (or BRUSB) for the 
printer.■Check that the printer cable is not damaged or broken. 
■If you are using an interface-switching device, remove it. Connect your 
computer directly to your printer, and then try again.
Check that you have chosen the appropriate printer driver and ‘Set as 
default’.
Symptom Possible Cause...

TROUBLESHOOTING   5 - 14
DOS Problems
BR-Script 3 Problems
Symptom Action
Cannot print from application 
software■Check that the DOS application software interface settings match those of 
your printer. For example, if you are using a parallel printer cable, you would 
most likely set your DOS software printer port to LPT1.
■Check if the printer has any printer alarms.
■Check that you have chosen the appropriate printer in your application 
software.
Symptom Action
The printer cannot print. If IGNORE...