Questions
Frequently asked questions
This page covers what people ask about most: the guide itself, everyday home printing, and scanning documents, including the kind you'd rather strangers didn't see. The answers are short and general; for details on your device, check its manual and the manufacturer's official website.
A passport scan on your desktop is like a key under the doormat: convenient right up until the first guest arrives.
About the guide
Is this the same site that used to be here?
No. The domain previously hosted unrelated pages. Their content is gone, we aren't restoring it, and we're not responsible for it. All this guide inherited from that period is the name.
Why don't you name brands and models?
We're an independent guide and don't want to turn into a storefront. Models come and go quickly, while the principles of choosing, setting up, and caring for a device stay the same. Those are what we explain.
Why are there no links to drivers?
Because there's only ever one right link: the official website of your device's manufacturer. Any link from us could go out of date or point to the wrong model.
Can you fix my printer?
No, we don't repair devices or advise on specific breakdowns. If the simple steps in the troubleshooting section didn't help, contact a repair service or the manufacturer's support.
Printing
Should I turn off my printer at night?
If you don't use it often, sure. Just turn it off with the device's own power button rather than pulling the plug: that gives an inkjet printer time to cap the printhead and keep the ink from drying out.
Why is my cartridge "empty" when it still prints?
Level sensors give a rough estimate with a safety margin. Sometimes the device lets you keep printing after the warning; the manual explains how. Don't try to bypass the cartridge's protection.
How can I save ink?
Print drafts in economy mode, use black and white where color isn't needed, check the print preview, and don't run printhead cleaning without a reason.
Can I print on any kind of paper?
It's best to use the paper your manual recommends. Paper that's too thin, too heavy, or glossy when it shouldn't be jams more often, and ink doesn't sit as well on it.
Scanning and security
What resolution should I use for documents?
Medium is enough for ordinary paperwork: the text is readable and the file stays compact. High resolution comes in handy for photos, fine print, and documents you want to keep in your archive long-term.
How do I combine several pages into one file?
Use the document feeder or the add-pages mode in your scanning software, and save the result in a universal document format. The step-by-step process is in the guides section.
Where should I keep scans of my passport and other documents?
In a separate folder on your own computer, not in a shared network folder or on a family device everyone uses. If you sent the scan to someone, delete the extra copies from your downloads and attachments.
How do I delete a scan for good?
Delete the file, then empty the trash. Check whether a copy is still in your phone's cloud gallery, in email attachments, or in the device's own memory if it stores jobs.
Read next
- Guides
Hands-on guides: connect a printer, print from your phone, save ink, and scan a stack of pages into a single file. The article catalog lives here too.
- Problems
What to do when paper jams, pages come out streaky, the printer says it's offline, the print queue gets stuck, or scans come out too dark.
- Security
Your printer on the home network and scans with personal info: default passwords, firmware updates, pages left in the tray, and recycling old devices.
- Glossary
Home printing terms explained: driver, print queue, cartridge, toner, printhead, document feeder, and text recognition.
- Tools
What's handy to keep near the printer: a supply of the right paper, a soft cloth, a spot for cartridges, a switched power strip, and a folder for scans.
Sources
- Printer and scanner manuals from manufacturers (in general terms)
- Security guidance for home network devices (in general terms)
- Ksvsoft editorial materials
This advice is written in general terms and reflects our editors' understanding as of the review date. Printers and scanners work differently, and their menus and feature names vary too, so your device's manual is always the final word. If it says something different from us, go with the manual.