If your Label Printer is printing random characters or code on the label, its settings may not be properly configured. 


The following are steps that you can check to troubleshoot this issue: 



Step #1:  Ensure Label Printer Shows as Generic/Text Only in the Control Panel

  1. From the Windows Start menu or Control Panel, navigate to the Devices and Printers window.    

  2. The Devices and Printers window will open.  Beneath the Printers and Faxes heading, make sure your Label Printer reflects Generic/Text Only for its name and not the actual name of the printer.  For example, ZDesigner LP2824 Plus (ZPL):  


[NOTE:  The printer name will differ depending on your printer model.]

  • If Label Printer Reflects Generic/Text Only:  Proceed to Step #2:  Reinstall the Printer Driver, below.

  • If Label Printer Reflects the Printer Name:  Continue through the following steps. 



      3. Right-click the Label Printer icon and select Printer Properties. 




      4. The Printer Properties window will open.  Select the Advanced tab, then click the New Driver button towards the top of the window.    


      5. The Add Printer Drive wizard will open.  Click the Next button, then make the following selections:  


  • Manufacturer:  Select Generic
  • Printers:  Select Generic/Text Only


      6. Click the Next button to continue, then the Finish button to complete the Add Printer Drive process. 


      7. You will be returned to the Printer Properties window – click the Apply button to save these settings. 


      8. Print a new label to see if the issue is fixed – proceed to step #2 if it is not. 




Step #2:  Reinstall the Printer Driver

  1.  Navigate back to the Devices and Printers window from the Windows Start menu or Control Panel.  

  2. Beneath the Printers and Fax heading, right-click the Label Printer and select Remove Device.  

  3. Next, turn the Label Printer off and then turn it back on.

  4. Windows will automatically reinstall the printer driver and the Label Printer will re-appear in the Devices and Printers window beneath the Printers and Faxes heading.  Right-click it, then select Printer Properties.  

  5. The Printer Properties window will open.  Beneath the General tab, click the Print Test Page button to first ensure a test page can be printed.  

  6. Next, select the Advanced tab and set the Driver dropdown menu to Generic/Text Only.



  7. Click the Apply button, then the OK button, to save the changes.
     
  8. If the Label Printer is still printing unexpected characters /code after completing all the troubleshooting steps listed above, contact Maplewave Client Services for assistance.