There are plenty of articles on "How to post a question" but I wanted to create one from the view of an expert so that you can post a question that provides the information that makes answering your question quick and easy and provides the best answer the first time. Here are some dos and dont's to keep in mind.
Don't add an unrelated question to a post, especially one that has been marked as accepted. Your post can easily be overlooked because it does not show up as a new question needing a reply.
Do provide the exact model number. Even in the same family of printers, there are different features such as control panels with touch and ones without.
Do provide as much detail about what happened before your printer stopped working, even that fact that Fluffy the cat tripped on a cable could be significant.
Don't say my printer does not work. That tells us nothing and results in Experts having to ask questions back and forth.
Do describe anything you have tried already, if you do not you are likely to get a list of basic steps that you have already covered. I for one never assume a poster's level of technical competence and start at square one.
Don't post: I have tried everything I could find on this forum. That does not provide any guidance because 5 people searching this forum are likely to find completely different information.
Do tell us if you are using 3rd party toner or ink. We know people use 3rd party for a variety of reasons and none of us are here to judge, but the advice I give a user of OEM cartridges is likely different than the advice I give someone with off brand cartridges.
Don't lose your cool if the answer does not solve your problem right away. No one answering questions here is infallible and it might take two or more tries to resolve your issue.
Do mark an answer as an accepted solution if it solves your problem. Most of the subject experts here volunteer their time and having to answer the same question over and over consumes valuable time. An accepted solution means others searching the forum might find the answer without having to ask a question which is better for everyone.
