Dell 1250c User Manual

Dell™ 1250c Color Printer

User's Guide

www.dell.com | support.dell.com

Contents

Before Beginning .......................................11

A Notes, Notices, and Cautions . . . . . . . . . 13

1 Dell™ 1250c Color Printer User's Guide . 15

2 Finding Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

3 Product Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

4 About the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Rear View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Space Requirements

Operator Panel

Securing the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Ordering Supplies

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Setting Up Printer (Printer Setup) ...........29

Contents 1

5 Connecting Your Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Connecting Printer to Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Turning On the Printer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

6 Loading Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

7 Installing Printer Drivers on Computers Running

Windows 41

Inserting the Drivers and Utility CD . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Installing Printer Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

For installing host-based printer driver

For installing XML Paper Specification (XPS) printer driver 41

. . . . . . 41

8 Installing Printer Drivers on Computers Running

Macintosh 45

Installing the Drivers and Software . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Adding a Printer on Mac OS X 10.5 or Later Version(s)

Adding a Printer on Mac OS X 10.4.11

Adding a Printer on Mac OS X 10.3.9

. . . . . . . 46

. . . . . . . . 46

45

Using Your Printer .....................................47

9 Print Media Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Paper Characteristics

2 Contents

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Recommended Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Unacceptable Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Selecting Paper

Selecting Preprinted Media and Letterhead

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

. . . . 52

Printing on Letterhead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Loading Letterhead

Selecting Pre-Punched Paper

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

. . . . . . . . . . . 53

Envelopes

Labels

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Storing Print Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Identifying Print Media and Specifications

Supported Paper Sizes

Supported Paper Types

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

. . . . . . 56

Paper Type Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

10 Loading Print Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Print Media Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Loading Print Media

Loading Envelopes

Loading Letterhead

Using the Output Tray Extension

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

. . . . . . . . . . . . 67

11 Operator Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Using the Operator Panel Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Understanding the Operator Panel Lights

. . . . . . . 71

Contents 3

Common Light Sequences . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Operator Call Errors

Secondary light sequences

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

. . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Fatal Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Firmware Errors

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Printing a Device Settings Page

. . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Resetting Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

12 Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Tips for Successful Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Tips on Storing Print Media

Avoiding Paper Jams

Sending a Job to Print

Canceling a Print Job

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Canceling From the Operator Panel

Canceling a Job From the Computer Running Windows

Manual Duplex Printing (Windows Printer Driver Only)

Printing a Report Page

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Printing a Printer Settings Page

The Operator Panel

The Tool Box

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

. . . . . . . . . . . . 79

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

. . . . . . . . 80

81

. . . . . . . . . . 82

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

80

Printer Settings

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Know Your Printer .....................................85

4 Contents

13 Understanding the Tool Box Menus . . . . 87

Printer Settings Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Printer Information

Menu Settings

Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Printer Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

System Settings

Paper Density . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Adjust BTR

Adjust Fuser

Color Registration Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Adjust Altitude

Reset Defaults

Non-Dell Toner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

BTR Refresh Mode

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Diagnosis

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Chart Print

Machine Check

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Environment Sensor Info . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Developer Stir Mode

Refresh Mode

Resetting Defaults

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

14 Understanding Your Printer Software . . 103

Windows

®

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Printer Status Window

Status Monitor Console

Dell Supplies Management System

Software Update

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

. . . . . . . . 103

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Contents 5

Quick Launch Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

User Setup Disk Creating Tool . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Macintosh

®

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Status Monitor Widget

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

15 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Operating System Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Power Supply

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Memory

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Page Description Language (PDL)/Emulation, Operating System, and
Interface

Environment

Cables

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Maintaining Your Printer .......................115

16 Maintaining Your Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

6 Contents

Conserving Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Storing Print Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Storing Consumables

Replacing Toner Cartridges

Removing the Toner Cartridges

Installing a Toner Cartridge

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

. . . . . . . . . . 119

. . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Cleaning Inside the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

Cleaning the Color Toner Density (CTD) Sensor

Adjusting Color Registration

Performing Auto Correct

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

Printing the Color Registration Chart

Determining Values

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128

. . . . 125

. . . . . . . 127

Entering Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

17 Clearing Jams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

Avoiding Jams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

Identifying the Location of Paper Jams

Clearing Paper Jams From the Front of the Printer

. . . . . . . . . 132

. . . 133

Clearing Paper Jams From the Back of the Printer . . . 134

Clearing Paper Jams From the Output Tray

. . . . . . . 136

Troubleshooting .......................................139

18 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

Basic Printer Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

Display Problems

Printing Problems

Print Quality Problems

The output is too light

Toner smears or print comes off/Stain on back side

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

144

Contents 7

Random spots/Blurred images . . . . . . . . . . . 145

The entire output is blank . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146

Streaks appear on the output

Pitched color dots

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

. . . . . . . . . . . 147

Vertical blanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

Mottle

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148

Ghosting

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148

Fog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150

Bead-Carry-Out (BCO)

Auger mark

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150

Wrinkled/Stained paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152

The top margins is incorrect

Color registration is out of alignment

. . . . . . . . . . . . 153

. . . . . . . 154

Protrudent / Bumpy paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155

Noise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157

Jam

Misfeed jam

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158

Multi-feed jam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159

Other Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160

Contacting Service

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160

Appendix ...................................................161

B Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163

Dell Technical Support Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163

Online Services

Warranty and Return Policy

Recycling Information

8 Contents

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164

Contacting Dell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164

Contents 9

10 Contents

Before Beginning

11

12

Notes, Notices, and Cautions

NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of

your printer.

NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data

and tells you how to avoid the problem.

CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury,

or death.

Information in this document is subject to change without notice.

© 2010 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of these materials in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of
Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.

Dell

, the

DELL

Trademarks used in this text:

Windows, Windows Server,

Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

XML Paper Specification (XPS)

Microsoft Corporation. The terms and conditions upon which Microsoft is licensing such
intellectual property may be found at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=52369;
product includes software developed by Eric Young ([e-mail]);
2003, Dr Brian Gladman, Worcester, UK. All rights reserved. This product uses published AES
software provided by Dr Brian Gladman under BSD licensing terms;
1988-1997 Sam Leffler and Copyright

: Copyright© 1998-2004 Marti Maria.

cms)

Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities
claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in
trademarks and trade names other than its own.

The printer software uses some of the codes defined by the Independent JPEG Group.

and

Windows Vista

: This product may incorporate intellectual property owned by

logo are trademarks of Dell Inc.;

are either trademarks or registered trademarks of

©

1991-1997 Silicon Graphics, Inc.;

TIFF (libtiff)

Microsoft

AES

: Copyright©

ICC Profile (Little

,

DES

: This

: Copyright©

____________________

Notes, Notices, and Cautions 13

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT RESTRICTED RIGHTS

This software and documentation are provided with RESTRICTED RIGHTS. Use, duplication
or disclosure by the Government is subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c)(1)(ii)
of the Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software clause at DFARS 252.227-7013 and in
applicable FAR provisions: Dell Inc., One Dell Way, Round Rock, Texas, 78682, USA.

September 2010 Rev. A00

14 Notes, Notices, and Cautions

1

Dell™ 1250c Color Printer User's Guide

Click the links to the left for information on the features, options, and
operation of your printer. For information on other documentation included
with your printer, see

To order replacement toner cartridges or supplies from Dell:

1

Double-click the icon on your desktop.

If you cannot find the icon on your desktop, follow the procedure below.

a

Navigate to
where

b

Click the file

c

Click

d

Choose

Desktop(create shortcut)

2

Visit the Dell Printer Supplies website at
Dell printer supplies by phone.

For best service, have your Dell printer Service Tag ready.

"Finding Information

x:\abc\Dell Printers\Additional Color Software\Reorder

x:\abc

is the location where the printer software is installed.

DLRMM.EXE

File

on the toolbar.

Send To

from the drop-down menu, and then click

on the submenu that appears.

" on page17.

.

www.dell.com/supplies

, or order

,

To locate the Service Tag of your printer, see "Express Service Code and
Service Tag" on page19.

Dell™ 1250c Color Printer User's Guide 15

16 Dell™ 1250c Color Printer User's Guide

Finding Information

NOTE: The USB cable is not shipped with your printer.

What are you looking for? Find it here

• Drivers for my printer

User's Guide

•My

Drivers and Utilities

The

Drivers and Utilities

documentation, and drivers for your printer. You can
use the CD to install/re-install drivers or access your
setup video and documentation.

2

CD

CD contains setup video,

• How to use my printer

Readme files may be included on your CD to provide
last-minute updates about technical changes to your
printer or advanced technical reference material for
experienced users or technicians.

Quick Reference Guide

Finding Information 17

What are you looking for? Find it here

• Safety information

•Warranty information

Product Information Guide

CAUTION: Read and follow all safety instructions in

your

Product Information Guide

operating your printer.

How to set up my printer

Setup diagram

prior to setting up and

Troubleshooting "Troubleshooting" on page 141

18 Finding Information

What are you looking for? Find it here

Service Tag Express Service Code
xxxxxxx 000 000 000 00

Express Service Code and
Service Tag

The Express Service Code and Service Tag are located
inside the side door of your printer.

• Latest drivers for my printer

Go to support.dell.com

• Answers to technical service
and support questions

• Documentation for my
printer

support.dell.com provides several online tools,
including:

• Solutions — Troubleshooting hints and tips,
articles from technicians, and online courses

• Upgrades — Upgrade information for
components, such as printer driver

• Customer Care — Contact information, order
status, warranty, and repair information

•Downloads — Drivers

• Manuals — Printer documentation and product
specifications

Go to support.dell.com. Select your region, and fill in
the requested details to access help tools and
information.

Finding Information 19

20 Finding Information

Product Features

This chapter describes the product features and indicates their links.

3

2-Sided (Manual Duplex Print)

Manual Duplex Print is to print two or
more pages on the front and back side of
a single sheet of paper manually. This
feature allows you to reduce the paper
consumption.
For more information, see "Manual
Duplex Printing (Windows Printer
Driver Only)" on page81.

Multiple Up in the Layout tab (N-up Print)

N-up Print enables you to print multiple
pages on a single sheet of paper. This
feature allows you to reduce the paper
consumption.
For more information, see the printer
driver's help.

Product Features 21

22 Product Features

About the Printer

1

6 57101112 9 8

423

This chapter provides an overview of your Dell™ 1250c Color Printer.

Front View

4

1 Operator Panel 2 Output Tray

3 Output Tray Extension 4 Print Head Cleaning Rod

5 Toner Ac c e s s Co v er 6 Power Switch

7 Pap er Width Guid es 8 Multipurpose Feeder (MPF)

9 Front Cover 10 Length Guide

11 MPF Extension 12 Paper Cover

About the Printer 23

Rear View

1

2

10

9
8

7
6

5

1 Wall Jack Connector 2 Rear Cover Release Handle

3 USB Port 4 Security Slot

5 Rear Cover 6 Transfer Roller

7 Paper Chute 8 Paper Feed Roller

9 Tra n s fer B e lt 10 Fuser Release Lever

3
4

24 About the Printer

Space Requirements

69 mm/2.7 inches

225 mm/

8.9 inches

300 mm/11.8 inches

329.5 mm/13 inches

307 mm/12.1 inches

394 mm/

15.5 inches

295.5 mm/

11.6 inches

100 mm/

3.9 inches

Place the printer at a location such that there is adequate space for using the
printer feeder and covers.

To avoid irregular screen image or malfunctioning of your printer, avoid
placing the printer in direct sunlight with the front cover opened.

About the Printer 25

Operator Panel

For more information on the operator panel, see "Operator Panel" on page69.

Securing the Printer

To protect your printer from theft, you can use the optional Kensington lock.

Attach the Kensington lock to the security slot on your printer.

Security slot

For details, see the operating instructions supplied with the Kensington lock.

26 About the Printer

Ordering Supplies

Service Tag Express Service Code
xxxxxxx 000 000 000 00

You can order consumables from Dell on the Internet when using a networked
printer. Enter the IP address of your printer in your web browser, launch the
Dell Printer Configuration Web Tool, and click the Order Supplies at: to
order toner for your printer.

You can also order toner cartridges by the following method:

1

Click

Start  All Programs  Dell Printers  Additional Color Laser



Software

The

Dell Supplies Management System

2

Select your printer from the

3

If ordering from the web:

a

Select a web address from the

b

Click the

The

Dell Supplies Management System

Visit Dell Printer supplies ordering web site

Dell 1250c Color Printer - Dell Supplies Management System

screen appears.

c

Enter the Service Tag, and then click OK.

The Service Tag is located inside the toner access cover of your printer.

Dell supplies web site appears.

window appears.

Select Printer Model

Select Reorder URL

.

list.

list.

.

About the Printer 27

If you order by phone, call the number that appears in the Order by Phone
section.

28 About the Printer

Setting Up Printer (Printer Setup)

29

30

Connecting Your Printer

1

Your Dell™ 1250c Color Printer interconnection cable must meet the
following requirements:

Connection type Connection specifications

USB USB 2.0 compatible

5

1 USB Port

Connecting Printer to Computer

A local printer is a printer attached to your computer using the USB cable.

USB Cable

The following operating systems support USB connection:

•Microsoft® Windows® XP

• Microsoft Windows XP 64-bit Edition

Connecting Your Printer 31

•Windows Server® 2003

• Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition

• Windows Server 2008

• Windows Server 2008 64-bit Edition

• Windows Server 2008 R2

•Windows Vista

®

• Windows Vista 64-bit Edition

•Windows 7

• Windows 7 64-bit Edition

•Mac OS

®

X 10.3.9/10.4.11/10.5/10.6

To attach the printer to a computer:

1

Ensure that the printer, computer, and any other attached devices are
turned off and unplugged from the power source/outlet.

2

Connect the smaller USB connector into the USB port at the back of the
printer.

3

Connect the other end of the cable into a USB port of the computer.

NOTE: Do not connect the printer USB cable to the USB port available on the

keyboard.

Turning On the Printer

CAUTION: Do not use extension cords or power strips.

32 Connecting Your Printer

CAUTION: The printer should not be connected to a UPS system.

1

Connect the power cable to the wall jack connector on the back of your
printer (see "Rear View" on page24).

2

Connect the other end of the cable to the power source.

3

Turn on the printer.

Connecting Your Printer 33

34 Connecting Your Printer

Loading Paper

NOTE: Use only laser print media. Do not use ink jet paper in your printer.

NOTE: For printing envelopes, see "Loading Print Media" on page 59.

1

Open the front cover by pulling out the instruction sheet.

2

Pull the paper cover out.

6

3

Remove the instruction sheet attached to the paper cover with adhesive
tape.

Loading Paper 35

4

Pull the length guide forward until it stops.

5

Pull the MPF extension forward until it stops.

6

Adjust the paper width guides to their maximum width.

36 Loading Paper

7

Before loading the print media, flex the sheets back and forth, and then
fan them. Straighten the edges of the stack on a level surface.

8

Load print media on the MPF with the top edge first and with the
recommended print side facing up.

9

Adjust the width guides until they rest lightly against the edges of the
stack of print media.

Loading Paper 37

10

Slide the length guide towards the printer until it touches the print media.

NOTE: Depending on the size of print media, first slide the length guide

backward until it stops, and then slide the MPF extension until it touches print
media.

38 Loading Paper

11

Insert the paper cover into the printer and then align the paper cover to
the marking on the paper tray.

12

Select the paper type from the printer driver if the loaded print media is
not standard plain paper. If a user-specified print media is loaded in the
MPF, you must specify the paper size setting by using the printer driver.

Loading Paper 39

40 Loading Paper

Installing Printer Drivers on Computers Running Windows

Inserting the Drivers and Utility CD

1

Insert the
Navigator.

Drivers and Utilities

CD into your computer to start Easy Setup

7

NOTE: If the CD does not automatically launch, click

(for Windows Vista and Windows 7)



Run

Windows 7)
is the drive letter of your CD), and then click OK.

, and then type D:\setup_assist.exe (where D

Accessories

Start All Programs

(for Windows Vista and

Installing Printer Driver

For installing host-based printer driver

1

Click

Software Installation

Connect printer to your computer

2

When the installation is completed, click

For installing XML Paper Specification (XPS) printer driver

NOTE: Download and install the XPS printer driver at support.dell.com/support

NOTE: XPS driver is supported on the following operating systems: Windows 7,

Windows 7 64-bit Edition, Windows Vista, Windows Vista 64-bit Edition, Windows
Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2008 64-bit Edition.

Windows Vista or Windows Vista 64-bit Edition

1

Extract the zip file you downloaded to your desired location.

2

Click

3

4

Start

Click

Add a printer

Click

Add a local printer

Control Panel

.

.

screen appears.

Hardware and Sound

.

Finish

to exit this tool.

Printers

.

Installing Printer Drivers on Computers Running Windows

5

Select the port connected to this product, and then click

6

Click

Have Disk

7

Click

Browse

8

Click OK.

9

Select your printer name and click

10

To change the printer name, enter the printer name in the

to display the

Install From Disk

dialog box.

, and then select the extracted folder in step 1.

Next

.

box. To use this printer as the default printer, select the check box
displayed under the

Printer name

. Click

Next

.

Installation starts.

If the

User Account Control

NOTE: If you are an administrator on the computer, click Continue; otherwise,

contact your administrator to continue the desired action.

11

As the driver installation is completed, click

dialog box appears, click

Print a test page

page.

12

Click

Finish

.

Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 64-bit Edition

NOTE: You must log in as an administrator.

1

Extract the zip file you downloaded to your desired location.

2

Click

Start

3

Click

Add a printer

4

Click

Add a local printer

5

Select the port connected to this product, and then click

6

Click

Have Disk

7

Click

Browse

8

Click OK.

9

Select your printer name and click

10

To change the printer name, enter the printer name in the

Control Panel

Hardware and Sound

.

.

to display the

Install From Disk

dialog box.

, and then select the extracted folder in step 1.

Next

.

box.

To use this printer as the default printer, select the

check box. Click

printer

Next

.

Set as the default

Next

Printer name

Continue

to print a test

Printers

Next

Printer name

.

.

.

.

42 Installing Printer Drivers on Computers Running Windows

Installation starts.

11

If you do not share your printer, select
share your printer, select

can find and use it

12

As the driver installation is completed, click

Share this printer so that others on your network

. Click

Next

Do not share this printer

.

Print a test page

page.

13

Click

Finish

.

Windows 7, Windows 7 64-bit Edition, or Windows Server 2008 R2

1

Extract the zip file you downloaded to your desired location.

2

Click

Start

3

Click

Add a printer

4

When you use Windows Server 2008 R2, click Add a local or network

Devices and Printers

.

.

printer as an administrator.

If the

User Account Control

NOTE: If you are an administrator on the computer, click Ye s; otherwise,

contact your administrator to continue the desired action.

5

Click

Add a local printer

6

Select the port connected to this product, and then click

7

Click

Have Disk

8

Click

Browse

9

Click OK.

10

Select your printer name and click

11

To change the printer name, enter the
box, and then click

to display the

, and then select the extracted folder in step 1.

Next

dialog box appears, click

.

Install From Disk

Next

.

printer name

.

Yes

Next

dialog box.

in the Printer name

Installation starts.

. If you

to print a test

.

.

12

If you do not share your printer, select
share your printer, select

can find and use it

13

As the driver installation is completed, click

Share this printer so that others on your network

. Click

Next

Do not share this printer

.

Print a test page

page. To use this printer as the default printer, select the

check box.

printer

Installing Printer Drivers on Computers Running Windows 43

. If you

to print a test

Set as the default

14

Click

Finish

.

44 Installing Printer Drivers on Computers Running Windows

Installing Printer Drivers on Computers Running Macintosh

Download and install the printer drivers and software for Macintosh
operating system at support.dell.com/support

Installing the Drivers and Software

1

After downloading the drivers and software, double-click the

Installer

2

Click

3

Select a language for the Software License Agreement.

4

After reading the Software License Agreement, click

5

If you agree to the terms of the Software License Agreement, click
continue the installation process.

6

Confirm the installation location, and then click

7

Click

If you choose the custom installation, click
that you want to install, and then click

icon, and then click

Continue

Install

on the

to perform the standard installation.

Continue

Introduction

.

screen.

Install

Continue

Continue

Customize

.

Dell 1250c

.

.

, select the items

8

Agree

to

• Printer Driver

• Status Monitor Widget

8

Type the administrator's name and password, and then click OK.

9

Click

Install

to proceed with the installation.

10

Click

Close

to complete installation.

Adding a Printer on Mac OS X 10.5 or Later Version(s)

1

Turn on the printer.

2

Connect the USB cable between the printer and Macintosh computer.

3

Open the

System Preferences

Installing Printer Drivers on Computers Running Macintosh

, and click

Print & Fax

.

4

Click the Plus (+) sign, and click

5

Select the printer connected via USB from the

6

Name

and

7

Click

Add

.

Print Using

are automatically entered.

Default

.

Printer Name

list.

Adding a Printer on Mac OS X 10.4.11

1

Turn on the printer.

2

Connect the USB cable between the printer and Macintosh computer.

3

Start

Printer Setup Utility

NOTE: You can find Printer Setup Utility in the Utilities folder in Applications.

4

Click

Add

.

5

Click

Default Browser

6

Select the printer connected via USB from the Printer list.

7

Name

and

Print Using

8

Click

Add

.

.

in the

Printer Browser

are automatically entered.

dialog box.

Adding a Printer on Mac OS X 10.3.9

1

Turn on the printer.

2

Connect the USB cable between the printer and the Macintosh computer.

3

Start

Printer Setup Utility

.

NOTE: You can find Printer Setup Utility in the Utilities folder in Applications.

4

Click

Add

.

5

Select

USB

from the menu.

6

The

Printer Model

7

Click

Add

.

46 Installing Printer Drivers on Computers Running Macintosh

is automatically selected.

Using Your Printer

47

48

9

Print Media Guidelines

Print media can be paper, labels, envelopes, and coated paper among others.
Your printer provides high-quality printing on a variety of print media.
Selecting the appropriate print media for your printer helps avoid printing
troubles. This section describes selecting print media, caring for print media,
and loading the print media in Multipurpose Feeder (MPF).

Paper

For the best print quality in color, use 75 g/m2 (20 lb) xerographic, grain long
paper. For the best print quality in black and white, use 90 g/m
xerographic, grain long paper. Before buying large quantities of any print
media, it is recommended that you try a sample first.

When loading paper, identify the recommended print side on the paper
package, and load the paper accordingly. See "Loading Paper" on page35 for
detailed loading instructions.

Paper Characteristics

The following paper characteristics affect print quality and reliability. It is
recommended that you follow these guidelines when evaluating new paper
stock.

Weight

The MPF automatically feeds paper whose weights range from 60 to 163 g/m2
(16 to 44 lb bond) grain long. Paper lighter than 60 g/m
properly, and could cause paper jams. For best performance, use 75 g/m
lb bond) grain long paper.

Curl

Curl is the tendency of print media to curve at its edges. Excessive curl can
cause paper feeding problems. Curl usually occurs after the paper passes
through the printer, where it is exposed to high temperatures. Storing paper

2

2

(24 lb)

(16 lb) may not feed

2

(20

Print Media Guidelines 49

unwrapped, even in the paper feeder, can contribute to paper curling prior to
printing and cause feeding problems regardless of humidity. When printing
on curled paper, straighten the paper and then insert it into the MPF.

Smoothness

The degree of paper smoothness directly affects print quality. If the paper is
too rough, the toner does not fuse to the paper properly, resulting in poor
print quality. If the paper is too smooth, it can cause paper feeding problems.
Smoothness between 150 and 250 Sheffield points produces the best print
quality.

Moisture Content

The amount of moisture in the paper affects both print quality and the ability
of the printer to feed the paper properly. Leave the paper in its original
packaging until you are ready to use it. This limits the exposure of the paper
to moisture changes that can degrade its performance.

Grain Direction

Grain refers to the alignment of the paper fibers in a sheet of paper. Grain is
either grain long, running the length of the paper, or grain short, running the
width of the paper. For 60 to 135 g/m
fibers are recommended. For paper heavier than 135 g/m

2

(16 to 36 lb bond) paper, grain long

2

(36 lb bond), grain

short is preferred.

Fiber Content

Most high-quality xerographic paper is made from 100% chemically pulped
wood. Paper containing fibers such as cotton possess characteristics that can
result in degraded paper handling.

Recommended Paper

To ensure the best print quality and feed reliability, use dry 75 g/m2 (20 lb)
xerographic paper. Business paper designed for general business use also
provide acceptable print quality. Only use paper able to withstand high
temperatures without discoloring, bleeding, or releasing hazardous emissions.
The laser printing process heats paper to high temperatures. Check with the
manufacturer or vendor to determine whether the paper you have chosen is
acceptable for laser printers.

50 Print Media Guidelines

NOTE: Always print several samples before buying large quantities of any type of

print media. When choosing any print media, you should consider the weight, fiber
content, and color.

Unacceptable Paper

The following paper types are not recommended for use with the printer:

• Chemically treated paper used to make copies without carbon paper, also
known as carbonless paper, carbonless copy paper (CCP), or no carbon
required (NCR) paper

• Preprinted paper with chemicals that may contaminate the printer

• Preprinted paper that can be affected by the temperature in the fuser

• Preprinted paper that require a registration (the precise print location on
the page) greater than ±0.09 inches, such as optical character recognition
(OCR) forms

In some cases, you can adjust registration with your software program to
successfully print on these forms.

• Coated paper (erasable bond), synthetic paper, thermal paper

• Rough-edged, rough or heavily textured surface paper, or curled paper

• Recycled paper containing more than 25% post-consumer waste that do
not meet DIN 19 309

• Multiple-part forms or documents

• Print quality may deteriorate (blank spaces or blotches may appear in the
text) when printing on talc or acid paper.

• Moist paper that may cause wrinkle

Selecting Paper

Proper paper selection helps prevent jams and ensures trouble-free printing.

To help avoid jams or poor print quality:

• Always use new, dry, and undamaged paper.

• Before loading the paper, identify the recommended print side of the
paper. This information is usually indicated on the paper package.

• Do not use paper that you have cut or trimmed yourself.

Print Media Guidelines 51

• Do not mix print media sizes, weights, or types in the same source. This
may result in a paper jam.

• Ensure that the paper is properly loaded in the MPF.

• Flex paper back and forth, and then fan them. Straighten the edges of the
stack on a level surface.

Selecting Preprinted Media and Letterhead

When selecting preprinted media and letterhead paper for the printer:

• Use grain long paper for best results.

• Use only forms and letterhead printed using an offset lithographic or
engraved printing process.

• Select paper that absorb ink, but do not bleed.

• Avoid paper with rough or heavily textured surfaces.

• Use paper printed with heat-resistant inks designed for use in xerographic
copiers. The ink must withstand temperatures of 225°C (437°F) without
melting or releasing hazardous emissions.

• Use inks that are not affected by the resin in toner or the silicone in the
fuser. Inks that are oxidation-set or oil-based should meet these
requirements; latex inks might not. If you are in doubt, contact your paper
supplier.

Printing on Letterhead

Check with the manufacturer or vendor to determine whether the pre-printed
letterhead you have selected is acceptable for laser printers.

52 Print Media Guidelines

Loading Letterhead

Load the letterhead in the printer with the print side facing up. Ensure that
the title on the letter head enters the printer first.

Selecting Pre-Punched Paper

Pre-punched paper brands can differ in the number and placement of holes
and in manufacturing techniques. However, it may not be possible to print on
the paper to depending on the placement of holes on the paper.

To select and use pre-punched paper:

• Test paper from several manufacturers before ordering and using large
quantities of pre-punched paper.

• Paper should be punched at the paper manufacturer and not drilled into
paper already packaged in a ream. Drilled paper can cause jams when
multiple sheets feed through the printer. This may result in a paper jam.

• Pre-punched paper can include more paper dust than standard paper. Your
printer may require more frequent cleaning and feed reliability may not be
as good as standard paper.

• Weight guidelines for pre-punched paper are the same as non-punched
paper.

Print Media Guidelines 53

Envelopes

Depending on the choice of envelopes, it is possible to expect variable levels
of light wrinkling. Before buying large quantities of any print media, it is
recommended that you try a sample first. See "Loading Print Media" on
page59 for instructions on loading an envelope.

When printing on envelopes:

• Use only high-quality envelopes that are designed for use in laser printers.

• Set the print media source to MPF. Set the paper type to
select the correct size of envelope from the printer driver.

• For best performance, use envelopes made from 75 g/m
paper. You can use up to 105 g/m
feeder as long as the cotton content is 25% or less. Envelopes with 100%
cotton content must not exceed 90 g/m

• Use only freshly unpackaged, undamaged envelopes.

• Use envelopes that can withstand temperatures of 205°C (401°F) without
sealing, excessive curling, wrinkling, or releasing hazardous emissions. If
you have any doubts about the envelopes you are considering, check with
the envelope supplier.

• Adjust the guide to fit the width of the envelopes.

• To load envelope in MPF, the print side must be facing up.

• See "Loading Envelopes" on page64 for instructions on loading an
envelope.

• Use one envelope size during a print job.

• Ensure that the humidity is low because high humidity (more than 60%)
and the high printing temperatures may seal the envelopes.

• For best performance, do not use envelopes that:

– Have excessive curl or twist

– Are stuck together or damaged in any way

– Contain windows, holes, perforations, cutouts, embossing

– Use metal clasps, string ties, or metal folding bars

– Have an interlocking design

– Have postage stamps attached

2

(28 lb bond) weight for the envelope

2

(24 lb bond) weight.

Envelope

2

(20 lb bond)

, and

54 Print Media Guidelines

– Have nicked edges or bent corners

– Have rough, cockle, or laid finishes

Labels

Your printer can print on many labels designed only for use with laser printers.

When selecting labels:

• Label adhesives, face sheet (printable stock), and topcoats must be able to
withstand temperatures of 205 °C (401 °F) and pressure of 25 pounds per
square inch (psi).

• Use labels that can be without sealing, excessive curling, wrinkling, or
releasing hazardous emissions.

• Do not use label sheets with a slick backing material.

NOTICE: Before buying large quantities of any print media, it is recommended that

you try a sample first.

When printing on labels:

• Use labels that can withstand temperatures of 205 °C (401 °F) without
sealing, excessive curling, wrinkling, or releasing hazardous emissions.

• Set the paper type to

• Do not load labels together with paper in the same tray.

• Do not print within 1 mm (0.04 inches) of the die-cut.

• Do not print within 1 mm (0.04 inches) of the edge of the label, of the
perforations, or between die-cuts of the label.

• Do not print a label through the printer more than once.

• Portrait orientation is preferred, especially when printing bar codes.

• Do not use labels that have exposed adhesive.

• Use full label sheets. Partial sheets may cause labels to peel off during
printing, resulting in a jam.

• Do not use label sheets that have adhesive to the edge of the sheet. It is
recommended that zone coating of the adhesive is done at least 1 mm
(0.04 inches) away from edges. Adhesive material contaminates your
printer and could void your warranty.

Label

from the printer driver.

Print Media Guidelines 55

CAUTION: Otherwise the printer occur in a jam and contaminate your printer and

your cartridges with adhesive. As a result, could void your printer and cartridge
warranties.

Storing Print Media

For proper print media storage, the following guidelines help avoid media
feeding problems and uneven print quality.

• For best results, store print media in an environment where the
temperature is approximately 21°C (70°F) and the relative humidity is
40%.

• Store cartons of print media on a pallet or shelf, rather than directly on the
floor.

• If you store individual packages of print media out of the original carton,
ensure that they rest on a flat surface so that the edges do not buckle or
curl.

• Do not place anything on top of the print media packages.

Identifying Print Media and Specifications

This section provides information on supported paper sizes, types, and
specification.

Supported Paper Sizes

A4 (210x297 mm)

B5 (182x257 mm)

A5 (148x210 mm)

C5 (162x229 mm)

Monarch (3.875x7.5 in)

Monarch LEF (7.5x3.875 in)*

Envelope #10 (4.125x9.5 in)

DL (110x220 mm)

56 Print Media Guidelines

1

Multipurpose Feeder (MPF)

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Multipurpose Feeder (MPF)

DL LEF (220x110 mm)*

1

Letter (8.5x11 in)

Legal (8.5x14 in)

Folio (8.5x13 in)

Executive (7.25 x 10.5 in)

Custom*2*

3

1

*

You can place the originals in a long-edge feed direction or in a short-edge
feed direction. The following illustration shows SEF and LEF. The arrow mark
in the illustration shows the orientation of the paper loading.

NOTE: Not available when the XPS Printer Driver is used.

*2Custom width: 76.2 mm (3.00 inches) to 215.9 mm (8.50 inches)

The maximum width for envelope (DL LEF): 220 mm (8.66 inches)
Custom length: 127 mm (5.00 inches) to 355.6 mm (14.00 inches)
The maximum length for envelope (Monarch LEF): 98.4 mm

3

Only the administrator user can set the custom size from the printer driver.

*

LEFSEF

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Supported Paper Types

Media Multipurpose Feeder (MPF)

Plain

Plain Side 2

Plain Thick

Plain Thick Side 2

Y*

Y

Y

Y

Print Media Guidelines 57

Media Multipurpose Feeder (MPF)

Recycled

Recycled Side 2

Label

Covers

Covers Side 2

Envelope

Coated

Coated Side 2

* Values marked by an asterisk (*) are the factory default menu settings.

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Paper Type Specifications

Paper type Weight (gsm) Remarks

Plain Paper 60–90 -

Plain Thick Paper 91–105 -

Covers 106–163 -

Coated 106–163 Inkjet printer paper cannot

be used.

Label - Inkjet printer paper cannot

be used.

Envelopes - -

Recycled 60–105 -

58 Print Media Guidelines

10

Loading Print Media

Loading print media properly helps prevent jams and ensures trouble-free
printing.

Before loading print media, identify the recommended print side of the print
media. This information is usually on the print media package.

Capacity

Multipurpose Feeder (MPF) can hold:

• 150 sheets of standard paper

• 16.2 mm (0.64 inches) of thick paper

• One sheet of coated paper

• 16.2 mm (0.64 inches) of post cards

• Five envelopes

• 16.2 mm (0.64 inches) of labels

Print Media Dimensions

The MPF accepts print media within the following dimensions:

• Width — 76.2 mm (3.00 inches) to 215.9 mm (8.50 inches)

• Length — 127 mm (5.00 inches) to 355.6 mm (14.00 inches)

Loading Print Media

NOTE: Use only laser print media. Do not use ink jet paper in this printer.

1

Open the front cover.

Loading Print Media 59

2

Pull the paper cover out.

3

Pull the length guide forward until it stops.

4

Pull the MPF extension forward until it stops.

60 Loading Print Media

5

Adjust the paper width guides to their maximum width.

6

Before loading the print media, flex the sheets back and forth, and then
fan them. Straighten the edges of the stack on a level surface.

7

Load print media on the MPF with the top edge first and with the
recommended print side facing up.

Loading Print Media 61

8

Adjust the width guides until they rest lightly against the edges of the
stack of print media.

9

Slide the length guide towards the printer until it touches the print media.

NOTE: Depending on the size of print media, first slide the length guide

backward until it stops, and then slide the MPF extension until it touches print
media.

62 Loading Print Media

10

Insert the paper cover into the printer and then align the paper cover to
the marking on the paper tray.

Loading Print Media 63

Loading Envelopes

NOTE: When you print on envelopes, be sure to specify the envelope setting on the

printer driver. If not specified, the print image will be rotated 180 degrees.

When Loading Envelope#10, DL, or Monarch

Load envelopes with the side to be printed on facing up, the flap side facing
down, and the flap turned to the right.

To prevent DL and Monarch from being wrinkled, they are recommended to
be loaded with the print-side facing up, flap opened, and facing you.

When Loading C5

Load envelopes with the side to be printed on facing up, with the flap open.

64 Loading Print Media

NOTICE: Never use envelopes with windows, or coated linings. These lead to

paper jams and can cause damage to the printer.

NOTE: If you do not load envelopes in the MPF right after they have been removed

from the packaging, they may bulge. To avoid jams, flatten them as shown below
when loading them in the MPF.

NOTE: If envelopes are still not fed correctly, add some bending to the flap of the

envelopes as shown in the following illustration.
The amount of the bending shall be 5mm (0.20 inches) or less.

Loading Print Media 65

NOTE: To confirm the correct orientation of each print media such as envelopes,

see the instruction on the Envelope/Paper Setup Navigator on the printer driver.

Loading Letterhead

The letterhead must be toward the top edge of MPF with the print side facing
up. However, the letterhead must be inserted top edge first with the print side
facing down when loading paper into the MPF.

66 Loading Print Media

Using the Output Tray Extension

The output tray extension is designed to prevent print media from falling
from the printer after the print job is complete.

Before printing a document, ensure that the output tray extension is fully
extended.

Loading Print Media 67

68 Loading Print Media

11

5

Operator Panel

Using the Operator Panel Buttons

The operator panel has two buttons and several indicators that show the
status of the printer.

1

2

3

5

(Jam)

1

• Indicates that a paper jam occurred or the rear cover is open.

2

• Indicates that the toner is low or empty, or toner error occurred.

3 (Error)

• Indicates that an error occurred.

4

• Indicates the printer status, such as receiving and printing data.

5

• Press this button to start duplex printing after loading paper.

• Press and hold this button to print the Report pages.

indicator

(Toner)

indicator

(Ready/Data)

(Start)

button/indicator

indicator

indicator

4

Operator Panel 69

6

(Cancel)

button

• Press this button to cancel a job or clear an error.

7

(Manual Duplex)

indicator

• Indicates that the printer is ready to print the second side (odd) pages

for duplex printing.

8

(Load Paper)

indicator

• Indicates that no paper is loaded or a paper jam occurred in the

multipurpose feeder.

The indicators provide information on the status of the printer and help you
locate each problem.

Indicator Status Condition

Jam Orange on A paper jam occurred.

Orange blinks The rear cover is open.

Toner Orange on The specified toner cartridge is empty or not

installed when Dell toner cartridges are used

Non-Dell Toner is set to Off).

(

Orange blinks The specified toner is low when Dell toner

cartridges are used (

Off).

to

All toner indicators blink when the printer is in
the non-Dell toner mode (
is set to On).

Error Orange on A fatal error occurred.

Orange blinks An error occurred.

Ready/Data Green on The printer is ready to print.

Green blinks The printer is processing or printing.

Orange on The printer is in the power saver mode.

Orange blinks The printer is canceling.

Start Green on To continue printing, press the (Start) button.

Non-Dell Toner is set

Non-Dell Toner

Cancel - To cancel the current job or clear the error, press

the (Cancel) button.

70 Operator Panel

Indicator Status Condition

5

Manual Duplex Green blinks The printer is waiting for manual duplex printing.

Load Paper Orange on No paper is loaded or a paper jam occurred in the

multipurpose feeder.

Orange blinks The wrong size of paper is loaded.

Understanding the Operator Panel Lights

The operator panel lights mean different things, depending on their
sequence. Orange or green lights that are off, on, and/or blinking indicate
printer conditions such as printer status, intervention (for example, out of
paper), or service.

Off On Fast Blink Slow Blink

-None

-

1

2

3

5

4

Common Light Sequences

The following table shows the most common light status.

Operator Panel 71

1 2 3 4 5 7 8 Printer Status

Jam Toner Error Ready

--- - - -

/Data

Start Manual

Duplex

Load

Paper

Ready

--- - - -

--- - - -

--- - - -

--- - - -

--- - - -

--- - - -

--- - - -

--- - - -

--- - - -

--- -

*1

Load paper for the second side (odd) pages, and press the (Start) button . See

"Manual Duplex Printing (Windows Printer Driver Only)" on page 81.

Processing

Printing

Canceling

Calibrating

Warm i n g up

Waiting for incoming data

Initializing NVM

On Diagnosis when starting

In power saver mode

Waiting for manual duplex
printing.

*1

Warnings

The following table shows the warning conditions. You can continue printing
even though the warning appears.

72 Operator Panel

1 2 3 4 5 7 8 Printer Status

Jam Toner Error Ready/

YMC K

- --- -

-- -- -

--- --

---- -

--

Start Manual

Data

*1

*1

*1

*1

*1

Duplex

- - - The yellow toner is low.

-- -The magenta toner is low.

- - - The cyan toner is low.

-- -The black toner is low.

- - - The printer is in the non-Dell

Load

Paper

toner mode.

*1

- --- -

-- -- -

--- --

*1

The Ready/Data indicator blinks or lights up green depending on the printer status.

*2

This warning appears only when Dell toner cartridges are used (Non-Dell

- - - The yellow toner is empty.

*1

- - - The magenta toner is empty.

*1

- - - The cyan toner is empty.

Toner is set to Off).

*3

In this case, you can continue printing in black and white.

*2

*2

*2

*2

*3

*3

*3

Operator Call Errors

The following table shows the location where an error occurred. Operator call
errors require some kind of intervention to resolve the problem.

Operator Panel 73

1 2 3 4 5 7 8 Cause/Remedy

Jam Toner Error Ready/

YMC K

Data

Start Manual

Duplex

Load

Paper

- - - - - - - No paper is loaded.

Load paper and press the
(Start) button.

See "Loading Paper" on
page 35.

- - - - - - - - Paper jam occurred.

See "Clearing Jams" on
page 131.

---- - - - -The rear cover is open.

Close the rear cover.

----- - - The wrong size of paper is
loaded.

See "Loading Paper" on
page 35.

- - - - - - - - - An error occurred.

Press and hold the (Start)
button to display the
secondary error light
sequences.

- - - - - - - - The specified toner cartridge
is low, not installed or not

-- -- - - - -

--- - - - - -

supported.

See "Replacing Toner
Cartridges" on page 118.

---- - - - -

- - - - - - - - The density of the specified
toner is not enough. Re-install

-- -- - - - -

or replace the specified toner
cartridge.

--- - - - - -

---- - - - -

See "Replacing Toner
Cartridges" on page 118.

74 Operator Panel

Secondary light sequences

When the Error indicator blinks, a secondary error has occurred. Press and
hold the (Start) button to display the secondary error light sequences.

1 2 3 4 5 7 8 Cause/Remedy

Jam Toner Error Ready/

YMC K

---- - - Memory overflow

- - - - - - PDL (Page Description

- - - - - - Invalid job environment

Data

Start Manual

Duplex

Load

Paper

Press the (Cancel) button
to clear the message and
cancel the current print job.

See "Canceling a Print Job" on
page 80.

Language) error

the

Press
to clear the message and
cancel the current print job.

See "Canceling a Print Job" on
page 80.

The configuration of the
printer set on the printer driver
does not match the
configuration of your printer.

Press the (Cancel) button
to cancel the current print job.

See "Canceling a Print Job" on
page 80.

(Cancel) button

Operator Panel 75

Fatal Errors

Contact Dell if this error occurs repeatedly. See "Contacting Dell" on
page 164.

1 2 3 4 5 7 8 Cause/Remedy

Jam Toner Error Ready/

Data

- - - - - - A fatal error occurred.

Start Manual

Duplex

Load

Paper

Turn off the printer, and then
on.

Firmware Errors

Contact Dell if this error occurs repeatedly. See "Contacting Dell" on
page 164.

1 2 3 4 5 7 8 Cause/Remedy

Jam Toner Error Ready/

YMC K

- - - - - - A firmware error occurred.

- - - - - A ROM erasing error occurred.

- - - - A ROM writing error occurred.

Data

Start Manual

Duplex

Load

Paper

Press the (Cancel) button
to clear the error.

See "Canceling a Print Job

page 80.

Turn off the printer, and then
on.

Turn off the printer, and then
on.

" on

76 Operator Panel

1 2 3 4 5 7 8 Cause/Remedy

Jam Toner Error Ready/

YMC K

- - - An error occurred while

Data

Start Manual

Duplex

Load

Paper

downloading the firmware.

Turn off the printer, and then
on.

Printing a Device Settings Page

Press and hold the (Start) button when the Ready/Data indicator lights
(ready status) until the Ready/Data indicator blinks.

Resetting Defaults

After executing this function and rebooting the printer, all the menu
parameters are reset to their default values.

1

Turn off the printer.

2

Open the rear cover.

3

While holding down the
same time, turn on the printer.

4

After the Orange LED on the Ready/Data indicators go out, release the

and

(Start)

5

Close the rear cover.

(Cancel)

• Initializes the non-volatile memory (NVM).

(Start)

buttons.

and the

(Cancel)

buttons at the

CAUTION: Never attempt to turn off the printer. The printer will cease to

function.

The printer restarts automatically to apply the settings and prints the
printer settings and device settings pages.

6

Check if the factory settings are restored by referring to the Printer
Settings and Device Settings pages.

Operator Panel 77

78 Operator Panel

12

Printing

This chapter covers tips for printing, how to print certain lists of information
from your printer, and how to cancel a job.

Tips for Successful Printing

Tips on Storing Print Media

Store your print media properly. For more information, see "Storing Print
Media" on page117.

Avoiding Paper Jams

NOTE: It is recommended that you try a limited sample of any print media you are

considering using with the printer before purchasing large quantities.

By selecting appropriate print media and loading it properly, you can avoid
paper jams. See the following instructions on loading print media:

• "Loading Print Media" on page59

• "Avoiding Jams" on page131

If you experience a jam, see

"Jam

" on page157 for instructions.

Sending a Job to Print

To support all of the printer features, use the printer driver. When you choose
Print from a software program, a window representing the printer driver
opens. Select the appropriate settings for the specific job you are sending to
print. Print settings selected from the driver have precedence over the default
menu settings selected from Tool Box.

You may need to click Preferences from the initial Print box to see all of the
available system settings you can change. If you are not familiar with a feature
in the printer driver window, open the online Help for more information.

®

To print a job from a typical Windows

1

Open the file you want to print.

application:

Printing 79

2

From the

3

Verify that the correct printer is selected in the dialog box. Modify the
system settings as needed (such as the pages you want to print or the
number of copies).

4

Click
screen, and then click

5

Click OK or

File

menu, select

Preferences

Print

Print

.

to adjust system settings not available from the first

OK

.

to send the job to the selected printer.

Canceling a Print Job

There are several methods for canceling a print job.

Canceling From the Operator Panel

To cancel a job after it has started printing:

1

Press the

NOTE: Printing is canceled only for the current job. All the following jobs will

continue to print.

Canceling a Job From the Computer Running Windows

Canceling a Job From the Taskbar

When you send a job to print, a small printer icon appears in the right corner
of the taskbar.

1

Double-click the printer icon.

A list of print jobs appears in the printer window.

(Cancel)

button.

2

Select the job you want to cancel.

3

Press

Delete

on the keyboard.

Canceling a Job From the Desktop

1

Minimize all programs to reveal the desktop.

Click

StartPrinters and Faxes

Click

Start

2008 R2).

80 Printing

Devices and Printers

(for Windows XP)

(for Windows 7 and Windows Server®

.

Click

Start

Windows Vista

Click

Start

A list of available printers appears.

2

Double-click the printer you selected when you sent the job.

A list of print jobs appears in the printer window.

3

Select the job you want to cancel.

4

Press

Delete

Control Panel

®

).

Control Panel

on the keyboard.

Hardware and Sound

Printers

(for Windows Server 2008).

Printers

(for

Manual Duplex Printing (Windows Printer Driver Only)

NOTE: When printing on curled paper, straighten the paper and then insert it into

the feeder.

NOTE: The XPS printer driver does not support manual duplex printing.

When you start manual duplex printing, the instruction window appears.
Note that the window cannot be reopen once closed. Do not close the
window until duplex printing is complete.

1

First print the even pages (rear sides).

For a six page document, rear sides are printed in the order of page 6, page
4, then page 2.

Printing 81

2

After the printing of even pages is complete, remove the paper stack from
the output tray.

NOTE: Warped or curled prints can cause paper jams. Straighten them

before setting them.

3

Next stack the prints and set them as they are (with the blank side face up)
into the MPF. Pages are printed in the order of page 1, page 3, then page 5.

4

Press the

NOTE: Printing on both sides of the paper is not possible if the document

consists of various sizes of papers.

(Start)

button.

Printing a Report Page

To confirm your printer settings, print a report page.

This section describes two methods of printing a report page.

Printing a Printer Settings Page

To verify detailed printer settings, print a printer settings page.

See "Operator Panel" on page69 or "Understanding the Tool Box Menus" on
page87 to identify the display and operator panel buttons if you need help.

82 Printing

The Operator Panel

1

Ensure that the green LED on the
not blinking, and then press and hold the
seconds.

The printer settings page is printed.

The Tool Box

NOTE:

1

Click

Start

Tool Box

NOTE: The Select Printer window appears in this step, when multiple printer

drivers are installed on your computer. In this case, click the name of Dell
1250c Color Printer listed in Printer Name, and then click OK.

The

Tool Box

2

Click the

3

Select

The

Reports

4

Click the

The printer settings page is printed.

All Programs

.

opens.

Printer Settings Report

Reports

from the list at the left side of the page.

page is displayed.

Printer Settings

button.

(Ready/Data)

Dell Printers

tab.

indicator is on and

(Start)

button for over three

Dell 1250c Color Printer

Printer Settings

You can select menu items and corresponding values from the Tool Box.

NOTE:

NOTE: Factory defaults may vary for different countries.

These settings are active until new ones are selected or the factory defaults are
restored.

To select a new value as a setting:

1

Click

Start

Tool Box

All Programs

.

Dell Printers

Dell 1250c Color Printer

Printing 83

NOTE: The Select Printer window appears in this step, when multiple printer

drivers are installed on your computer. In this case, click the name of Dell
1250c Color Printer listed in Printer Name, and then click OK.

The

Tool Box

2

Click the

3

Select the desired menu item.

opens.

Printer Maintenance

tab.

Each menu item has a list of values for the menu item. A value can be:

• A phrase or word to describe a setting

• A numerical value that can be changed

• An On or Off setting

4

Select the desired value, and then click the associated button with each
menu item.

Driver settings may have precedence over changes previously made and may
require you to change the Tool Box defaults.

84 Printing

Know Your Printer

85

86

13

Understanding the Tool Box Menus

The Tool Box allows you to view or specify the printer settings. You can also
diagnose the printer settings by using the Tool Box.

The Tool Box consists of the Printer Settings Report, Printer Maintenance,
and Diagnosis tabs.

NOTE: For how to start Tool Box, see "Understanding Your Printer Software" on

page 103.

Printer Settings Report

The Printer Settings Report tab contains the Printer Information, Menu
Settings, and Reports pages.

NOTE: Values marked by an asterisk (*) are the factory default menu settings.

Printer Information

Purpose:

To display the information of your printer.

Va l u e s:

Dell Service Tag Number Displays Dell's service tag number.

Express Service Code Displays the express service code of the printer.

Printer Serial Number Displays the serial number of the printer.

Printer Type Displays the type of the printer. Color Laser is

displayed normally.

Asset Tag Number Displays the asset tag number of the printer.

Memory Capacity Displays the memory capacity.

Processor Speed Displays the processing speed.

Firmware Version Displays the version of the controller.

MCU Firmware Version Displays the version of the Machine Control Unit

(MCU) firmware.

Understanding the Tool Box Menus 87

Printing Speed (Color) Displays the speed for color printing.

Printing Speed
(Monochrome)

Displays the speed for monochrome printing.

Menu Settings

Purpose:

To display the current settings of your printer.

Va l ue s :

System Settings Power Saver Timer Sleep Displays the time taken by the

printer before it enters Sleep mode
after it finishes a job.

Power Saver Timer Deep
Sleep

Fault Time-Out Displays the time taken by the

Job Time-Out Displays the amount of time that

Auto Log Print Displays whether to automatically

Default Print Paper Size Displays the default paper size.

Low Toner Alert Message Displays whether to show the alert

Pape r Densit y Plain Displays the paper density of plain

Label Displays the paper density of

Adjust BTR Plain Displays the voltage setting of the

Displays the time taken by the
printer before it enters Deep Sleep
mode after it goes into Sleep
mode.

printer before it cancels jobs that
stop abnormally.

the printer waits for data to arrive
from the computer.

print a job history report after
every 10 jobs.

message when the toner is low.

paper.

labels.

transfer roller for plain paper.

88 Understanding the Tool Box Menus

Plain Thick Displays the voltage setting of the

transfer roller for thick plain paper.

Recycled Displays the voltage setting of the

transfer roller for recycled paper.

Covers Displays the voltage setting of the

transfer roller for cover paper.

Coated Displays the voltage setting of the

transfer roller for coated paper.

Envelope Displays the voltage setting of the

transfer roller for envelopes.

Label Displays the voltage setting of the

transfer roller for labels.

Adjust Fuser Plain Displays the temperature setting

of the fuser for plain paper.

Plain Thick Displays the temperature setting

of the fuser for thick plain paper.

Recycled Displays the temperature setting

of the fuser for recycled paper.

Covers Displays the temperature setting

of the fuser for cover paper.

Coated Displays the temperature setting

of the fuser for coated paper.

Envelope Displays the temperature setting

of the fuser for envelopes.

Label Displays the temperature setting

of the fuser for labels.

Auto Registration
Adjustment

Adjust Altitude Displays the altitude of the location where the printer is installed.

Non-Dell Toner Displays whether to use toner cartridge of another manufacturer.

BTR Refresh
Mode

Displays whether to automatically adjust color registration.

Displays whether to execute counter measures for curling/
separating discharge of the paper.

Reports

Purpose:

Understanding the Tool Box Menus 89

To print the settings and history information of your printer.

The reports are printed in the paper size specified in printer settings. The
default is A4 or Letter.

Va l ue s :

Printer Settings Click to print a detailed list of the printer settings.

Device Settings Click to print a detailed list of the device settings.

Job History Click to print the completed jobs history.

Error History Click to print the error history.

Color Test Page Click to print a color test page.

Printer Maintenance

The Printer Maintenance tab contains the System Settings, Paper Den sity,
Adjust BTR, Adjust Fuser, Color Registration Adjustment, Adjust Altitude,
Reset Defaults, Non-Dell Toner, and BTR Refresh Mode pages.

NOTE: Values marked by an asterisk (*) are the factory default menu settings.

System Settings

Purpose:

To configure the power saving mode, time-out time, job log auto print, mm/
inch setting, default paper size setting, and low toner alert message setting.

Va l ue s :

*1

Sleep

Deep Sleep 6 minutes

5 minutes

5–30 minutes

1–6 minutes

*

*

90 Understanding the Tool Box Menus

Specifies the time taken by the
printer before it enters Sleep
mode after it finishes a job.

Specifies the time taken by the
printer before it enters Deep
Sleep mode after it goes into
Sleep mode.

Fault Time-Out 0: Off Disables the fault time-out.

60 seconds* Specifies the time taken by the

3–300 seconds

printer before it cancels jobs that
stop abnormally. The print job is
cancelled if it times out.

Job Time-Out 0: Off Disables the job time-out.

30 seconds

*

5–300 seconds

Specifies the amount of time that
the printer waits for data to arrive
from the computer. The print job
is cancelled if it times out.

Auto Log Print Off* Does not automatically print a job

history report.

On Automatically prints a job history

report after every 10 jobs.

Default Print Paper

*2

Size

Low Toner Alert
Message

A4 Specifies the default paper size.

Letter

On

*

Shows the alert message when the
toner is low.

Off Does not show the alert message.

Apply New
Settings

Restart printer to
apply new settings

*1 Enter 5 in Sleep to put the printer in the Sleep mode five minutes after it finishes a

job. This uses less energy, but requires more warm-up time for the printer. Enter 5 if
your printer shares an electrical circuit with room lighting and you notice lights
flickering.
Select a high value if your printer is in constant use. In most circumstances, this
keeps the printer ready to operate with minimum warm-up time. Select a value
between 5 and 30 minutes for the Sleep mode if you want a balance between energy
consumption and a shorter warm-up period.
The printer automatically returns to the standby mode from the Sleep mode when it
receives data from the computer. You can also return the printer to the standby mode
by pressing any button on the operator panel.

2

The default for mm/inch and Default Print Paper Size vary depending on country-

*

specific factory default.

After you complete the settings, press the Apply New Settings
button to apply the changes.

Press the Restart printer to apply new settings button to apply
the changes.

Understanding the Tool Box Menus 91

Paper Density

Purpose:

To specify the paper density.

Va l ue s :

Plain Normal* Specifies the paper density of plain paper.

Light

Label Normal* Specifies the paper density of labels.

Light

Apply New Settings After you complete the settings, press the Apply New

Settings button to apply the changes.

Restart printer to apply new
settings

Press the Restart printer to apply new settings button
to apply the changes.

Adjust BTR

Purpose:

To specify the optimum voltage settings for printing for the transfer roller
(BTR). To lower the voltage, set negative values. To increase, set positive
values.

The default settings may not give the best output on all paper types. If you
see mottles on the print output, try to increase the voltage. If you see white
spots on the print output, try to decrease the voltage.

NOTE: The print quality changes depending on the values you select for this item.

Va l ue s :

Plain 0*

-3 – +3

Plain Thick 0*

-3 – +3

Recycled 0*

-3 – +3

92 Understanding the Tool Box Menus

Covers 0*

-3 – +3

Coated 0*

-3 – +3

Envelope 0*

-3 – +3

Label 0*

-3 – +3

Apply New
Settings

Restart printer
to apply new
settings

After you complete the settings, press the Apply New Settings
button to apply the changes.

Press the Restart printer to apply new settings button to apply the
changes.

Adjust Fuser

Purpose:

To specify the optimum temperature settings for printing for the fuser. To
lower the temperature, set negative values. To increase, set positive values.

The default settings may not give the best output on all paper types. When
the printed paper has curled, try to lower the temperature. When the toner
does not fuse on the paper properly, try to increase the temperature.

NOTE: The print quality changes depending on the values you select for this item.

Va l u e s:

Plain 0*

-3 – +3

Plain Thick 0*

-3 – +3

Recycled 0*

-3 – +3

Covers 0*

-3 – +3

Understanding the Tool Box Menus 93

Coated 0*

-3 – +3

Envelope 0*

-3 – +3

Label 0*

-3 – +3

Apply New
Settings

Restart printer
to apply new
settings

After you complete the settings, press the Apply New Settings
button to apply the changes.

Press the Restart printer to apply new settings button to apply the
changes.

Color Registration Adjustment

Purpose:

To set Color Registration Adjustment (individual yellow, magenta, cyan
correction) settings. When Auto Registration Adjustment is set to On, the
printer prints the color registration chart and adjusts the color registration by
using the chart. Color registration adjustments need to be made during the
initial setup of the printer or when the printer is moved to a different
location.

Va l ue s :

Auto Registration
Adjustment

Auto Correct

Print Color Regi Chart

On* Automatically adjusts color registration.

Off Does not automatically adjust color registration.

*1

*1*2

Click Start to automatically correct color
registration.

Click Start to open the Print Color Regi Chart
window, and then select the paper size and click
OK to print a color registration chart.

94 Understanding the Tool Box Menus

Registration
Adjustments

Y(Yellow) 0* Specifies lateral (perpendicular to

*1

M(Magenta) 0*

-5–+5

paper feed direction) color
adjustment values individually.

-5–+5

C(Cyan) 0*

-5–+5

LY(L ef t
Yellow)

LM(Left
Magenta)

LC(Left
Cyan)

RY(Right
Yellow)

RM(Right
Magenta)

RC(Right
Cyan)

0* Specifies process (paper feed

-5–+5

0*

direction) color adjustment values
individually.

-5–+5

0*

-5–+5

0*

-5–+5

0*

-5–+5

0*

-5–+5

Apply New Settings After you complete the settings, press the Apply

New Settings button to apply the changes.

Restart printer to apply new
settings

*1 This item is available only when Auto Registration Adjustment is set to Off.
*2 The color registration chart prints a lattice pattern of yellow, magenta, and cyan

lines. On the chart, find the values on the right side that are next to the line that is
perfectly straight for each of the three colors. If the value for this line is 0, color
registration is not needed. If the value for this line is any value other than 0, specify
the adjustment values under Registration Adjustments.

Press the Restart printer to apply new settings
button to apply the changes.

Adjust Altitude

Purpose:

To specify the altitude of the location where the printer is installed.

Understanding the Tool Box Menus 95

The discharge phenomenon for charging the photo conductor varies with
barometric pressure. Adjustments are performed by specifying the altitude of
the location where the printer is being used.

NOTE: An incorrect altitude adjustment setting leads to poor printing quality,

incorrect indication of remaining toner.

Va l ue s :

0 meter* Specifies the altitude of the location where the printer

1000 meters

2000 meters

3000 meters

Apply New Settings After you complete the settings, press the Apply New

Restart printer to apply new
settings

is installed.

Settings button to apply the changes.

Press the Restart printer to apply new settings button
to apply the changes.

Reset Defaults

Purpose:

To initialize NVM (non-volatile memory) for system parameters. After
executing this function and rebooting the printer, all the menu parameters are
reset to their default values.

For details, see "Resetting Defaults" on page 100.

Va l ue s :

Start Click to initialize the system parameters.

Non-Dell Toner

Purpose:

To use toner cartridge of another manufacturer.

96 Understanding the Tool Box Menus

NOTE: Using non-Dell-brand toner cartridges may make some printer features

unusable, reduce print quality and decrease the reliability of your printer. Dell
recommends only new Dell-brand toner cartridges for your printer. Dell does not
provide warranty coverage for problems caused by using accessories, parts, or
components not supplied by Dell.

NOTE: Before you use toner cartridge of another manufacturer, be sure to restart

the printer.

Va l u e s:

Non-Dell
To ne r

Apply New Settings After you complete the settings, press the Apply New

Restart printer to apply new
settings

Off* Does not use toner cartridge of another manufacturer.

On Use toner cartridge of another manufacturer.

Settings button to apply the changes.

Press the Restart printer to apply new settings button
to apply the changes.

BTR Refresh Mode

Purpose:

To execute counter measures for curling/separating discharge of the paper.

Va l u e s:

BTR Refresh
Mode

Apply New Settings After you complete the settings, press the Apply New

Restart printer to apply new
settings

*

Off

On Automatically executes counter measures for curling/

Does not automatically execute counter measures for
curling/separating discharge of the paper.

separating discharge of the paper.

Settings button to apply the changes.

Press the Restart printer to apply new settings button
to apply the changes.

Diagnosis

The Diagnosis tab contains the Chart Print, Machine Check, Environment
Sensor Info, Developer Stir Mode, and Refresh Mode pages.

Understanding the Tool Box Menus 97

NOTE: Values marked by an asterisk (*) are the factory default menu settings.

Chart Print

Purpose:

To print various charts that can be used for diagnosing your printer.

Va l ue s :

Pape r Size A 4 Selects the paper size to print charts.

Letter

Ghost Configuration Chart Click to print a chart to check for ghost printing.

4 Colors Configuration
Chart

Alignment Chart Click to print a chart, and then check for proper

Drum Refresh
Configuration Chart

Click to print bands of yellow, magenta, cyan, and
black with varying density.

alignment of the print image on the paper.

Prints a chart to check the light fatigue of the drum
cartridge.

Machine Check

Purpose:

To check the operation of the different components of the printer.

Va l ue s :

98 Understanding the Tool Box Menus