Solution: You may have a clogged print head, a problem that can occur if you use an inkjet printer infrequently. Your printer's utility program can clean out the dried ink, and print a test page for inspection. The step-by-step instructions on how to do this vary by printer. From the Windows 7 Start menu, click Devices and Printers or Control Panel, and look for your printer's utility app. For additional details, read "." For more tips on unclogging ink nozzles, go (Again, these steps may vary slightly for Vista and XP users.)

Problem: My printer says my ink cartridge is empty. I think it's lying.

Solution: You may be right. Printer out-of-ink messages are . The good news: You can try various hacks to get around those ink cartridge controls. We're not suggesting that all, or even some, of these will work with your printer, but they're worth a try. One tip reveals how to for various HP printers. And a on this page shows how to revive an "out of ink" Epson cartridge. If you're feeling adventurous, check them out.

Problem: My wireless printer is too slow.

Solution: To get the best performance from a network printer, it's hard to beat a wired, Ethernet-cable-to-router connection. Wireless printing may be more convenient in many homes and offices, but it has its limitations. Since Wi-Fi speeds slow down with distance, you'll want to place your wireless printer as to the router. Also, make sure your Wi-Fi printer or any wireless print server it connects to supports the , which can rival the performance of 100-mbps Ethernet.