shiganluo/skill/printer-troubleshooting

Printer Troubleshooting

Use this skill when the user needs a printer added, repaired, or verified on Linux.

Core workflow

1. Identify the connection type: USB, IPP/IPPS, LPD, SMB, or JetDirect/9100.
2. Check CUPS: systemctl is-active cups and lpstat -t.
3. List backends: lpinfo -v.
4. List candidate drivers/PPDs: lpinfo -m.
5. Add the queue with lpadmin, then print a test page.

Canon laser printers

• Canon imageCLASS LBP6230dn supports USB direct printing.
• If the printer is shared on the office network, prefer the network URI over USB.
• If the user is offline from the office network, only USB direct attach works, and only when the printer is physically connected.

Driver selection

• Prefer the manufacturer driver or the closest matching PPD when available.
• For older Canon laser printers, generic PCL/PostScript may work if the exact model is missing.
• Confirm the exact URI before adding a network queue; do not guess.

Verification

• lpstat -p -d
• lpoptions -p <queue> -l
• print a CUPS test page or a tiny text file

Pitfalls

• Network printers need the real address; model name alone is not enough.
• USB printers do not appear until the cable is connected and the device is powered on.
• Some printers expose both USB and Ethernet; pick one path and verify it end-to-end.

See also

• references/canon-lbp6230dn.md for session notes and model-specific findings.