Dirty power is the state of voltage coming from the wall being either badly grounded or fluctuating abnormally. This can cause absolutely bizarre problems while working on computers and networks. Typically it is the last thing on my mind when I am troubleshooting because it is such a rare occurrence in well developed areas.
Recently I had a peculiar problem with an all in one printer. It would have problems at random either connected to the computer or being used independently as a fax machine or copier. Sometimes it simply would not function. Other times it would function flawlessly and even other times it would function erratically by either printing a portion of the job then stopping or printing the first page and random sequences of symbols on subsequent pages. The client finally told me that the house had been struck by lightning multiple times and they had previously had trouble with the phone lines as a result.
Ultimately the solution was to move the printer to another circuit in the house. The problem was instantly solved.
This is a difficult problem to troubleshoot on a regular basis but simple to diagnose. Either move the equipment in question to a different circuit or if that is not possible then a plug-in circuit can be used. They are inexpensive and can save hours of troubleshooting headaches (they can be purchased here (http://www.unistorage.com/unistorage/index.cfm?fuseaction=shop.dspSpecs&part=932889)
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Very good information to have about the electrical system in a house. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteIs there a way a non-technical person can clean a printer, or should this been done by a professional? My printer consistently pulls several pages through at a time, and I suspect that its insides are gunky.
Blount County is in an isolated area of North Alabama. I have little need for Anti-Spam and Anti-Virus protection. Doesn't my ISP provide me with whatever I need?
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't suggest that the average end user attempt taking apart a printer. Most computer technicians don't even do this. Usually the best course of action is to find a company that services copiers or even a printer specialist like The Printer Connection to do this for you. Printers are different animals than computers and are very quirky.
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