Answer:
The most likely cause of receiving pages with dribbled characters when printing a test page using the current properties on your computer is a mismatch between the printer driver and the printer settings.
Here's an explanation of the possible causes:
1. Incorrect printer driver: A printer driver is a software program that allows the computer to communicate with the printer. If the wrong printer driver is installed or if the driver is outdated, it can cause compatibility issues and result in dribbled or garbled characters on the printed pages.
2. Printer settings mismatch: The printer settings on your computer should match the capabilities and settings of the physical printer. If there is a mismatch, such as using incorrect paper size, incorrect print quality settings, or unsupported print features, it can lead to printing issues and produce dribbled characters on the pages.
3. Connectivity issues: If there are connectivity problems between the computer and the printer, such as loose cables, network issues, or wireless interference, it can disrupt the data transmission and cause printing errors.
4. Low ink or toner: Insufficient ink or toner levels in the printer cartridges can result in inconsistent printing quality and lead to dribbled characters or faded prints.
To resolve the issue, you can try the following steps:
1. Check printer driver: Make sure you have the correct printer driver installed for your printer model. Visit the manufacturer's website to download and install the latest driver version if necessary.
2. Verify printer settings: Double-check the printer settings on your computer and ensure they match the physical printer's capabilities. Check the paper size, print quality, and any advanced settings to ensure they are compatible.
3. Check connectivity: Ensure that the printer is properly connected to the computer. Check the cables and connections, or troubleshoot any network or wireless connectivity issues.
4. Check ink or toner levels: Verify the ink or toner levels in the printer cartridges. If they are low, replace or refill the cartridges as needed.