why does my printer print boxes instead of text?

Question

Level 1

5 points

why does my printer print boxes instead of text?

I am using Mac OS 10.9.4 and a Canon Pixma MP 470 printer. Lately sometimes my printer prints pages with boxes instead of text. I've tried to download updates for this printer from Canon, but am unable to do so, because it won't accept my administrator password (and I know the password is correct). Here is a scanned page demonstrating the problem:

I downloaded Maverick 1 month ago; the problem coincides with my having done this. Could it be a fault of Maverick?

Posted on Nov 17, 2015 9:28 AM

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Answer 1

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,739 points

Nov 18, 2015 7:44 AM in response to tottieirene

Please back up all data before proceeding.

Launch the Font Book application and validate all fonts. You must select the fonts in order to validate them. See the built-in help and this support article for instructions. If Font Book finds any issues, resolve them.

Start up in safe mode to rebuild the font caches. Restart as usual and test.

Note: If FileVault is enabled in OS X 10.9 or earlier, or if a firmware password is set, or if the startup volume is a software RAID, you can’t start in safe mode. In that case, ask for instructions.

If you still have problems, then from the Font Book menu bar, select

File ▹ Restore Standard Fonts...

You'll be prompted to confirm, and then to enter your administrator login password.

Also note that if you deactivate or remove any built-in fonts, for instance by using a third-party font manager, the system may become unstable.

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Answer 2

tottieirene Author

Level 1

5 points

Nov 18, 2015 7:49 AM in response to Linc Davis

Thank you, Linc Davis.

I am in the process of following your suggestion, but it is too complicated for me, so I'm going to the Apple Store to get help.In addition to the pages being printed with boxes instead of text, sometimes the pages come out with gibberish-- characters mixed with the text. I'll try to find out why this happens too.

totttieirene

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Answer 3

TildeBee

Level 7

31,923 points

Nov 18, 2015 9:38 AM in response to tottieirene

Hi tottie --

Have you by any chance added or deleted any fonts in that time frame? It is definitely a Font issue, and does not involve hardware, or updating your Mac. You could take a look by launching your built in Font Book application.

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Answer 4

tottieirene Author

Level 1

5 points

Nov 22, 2015 11:47 AM in response to TildeBee

Dear Bee,

Thank you for your reply. No, I haven't added, nor deleted any fonts. I'm glad to know that it's a font problem, and will take that information with me to the Genius at the Apple Store. Hopefully he can help me straighten it out.

My printer at times also prints gibberish among the text - too often.

tottieirene

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