Troubleshooting ezCheckPrinting Free: Common Fixes and TipsezCheckPrinting Free is a convenient tool for small businesses and individuals who need to print checks quickly and affordably. While the free edition covers essential functionality, users sometimes encounter issues ranging from installation problems to print formatting errors. This guide walks through common problems, practical fixes, and tips to keep your check-printing workflow smooth and secure.
1. Before you start: checklist and precautions
- Backup your data: Export or copy your check database and any templates before making changes.
- Check software version: Ensure you’re running the latest ezCheckPrinting Free release. Updates often fix bugs.
- Confirm system requirements: Verify compatibility with your OS (Windows versions are most common).
- Printer readiness: Make sure your printer has enough ink/toner, the correct paper loaded, and that the printer driver is up to date.
2. Installation and activation issues
Symptom: Installer fails, program won’t open, or activation prompts appear.
Fixes:
- Run installer as Administrator (right-click → “Run as administrator”).
- Temporarily disable antivirus/firewall during installation—some security suites block installers. Re-enable afterward.
- If the program won’t launch, check Task Manager for stuck processes (ezCheckPrinting.exe); end them and retry.
- Reinstall: Uninstall via Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program, restart, then reinstall the latest installer from the vendor.
- If activation fails, verify your license code or activation steps; free versions usually don’t require a license, but trial or promo codes might.
3. Printer won’t print or prints blank pages
Symptom: Job completes but printer outputs blank pages, or nothing happens.
Fixes:
- Print a test page from Windows printer settings to confirm printer functionality.
- Ensure the correct printer is selected in ezCheckPrinting (File → Page Setup or Print dialog).
- Check paper orientation and tray selection; MICR checks often require specific trays or manual feed.
- For blank MICR lines, ensure MICR toner/cartridge supports magnetic ink; standard ink may print visually correct checks but fail bank scanning.
- Update or reinstall the printer driver from the manufacturer’s site.
4. Alignment and formatting problems
Symptom: Fields (payee, amount, date, MICR line) print off-center or misaligned.
Fixes:
- Use the built-in alignment utility: most check-printing apps include a sample alignment/check calibration page. Print it and follow the guide to adjust offsets.
- Check paper size and margins in Page Setup — set to exact check stock dimensions (often 8.5” x 3.5” or business check sizes).
- Disable “Fit to Page” or scaling options in the print dialog; these can resize content unexpectedly.
- If using pre-printed checks, ensure the template matches the vendor’s layout; adjust fields in the template editor.
5. MICR font and bank acceptance issues
Symptom: Bank rejects checks or cashing machines fail to read MICR.
Fixes:
- Confirm you’re using a certified MICR font (E-13B or CMC-7 depending on region). ezCheckPrinting Free often provides options or instructions for MICR fonts.
- Use magnetic ink or a MICR toner cartridge if your bank requires true MICR encoding. Some banks accept checks printed with standard toner but many automated readers require magnetically encoded ink.
- Print a sample and request bank verification if unsure. Some banks provide free test scans.
6. Data import/export and database errors
Symptom: Import failed, data missing, or corrupted records.
Fixes:
- Use supported formats for import (commonly CSV). Ensure headers match ezCheckPrinting’s required column names.
- Open the CSV in a spreadsheet to confirm encoding (UTF-8 recommended) and that no stray characters or line breaks exist in fields.
- If the program database is corrupted, restore from your backup export. Regularly export/check backups.
- If an import partially succeeds, check for error logs or messages—fix the rows listed and re-import.
7. Print preview looks different than printed output
Symptom: Preview is correct but printed result shifts or crops.
Fixes:
- Preview engines differ from printer rendering. Verify printer driver settings (paper size, margins, duplexing off).
- Disable any post-processing in printer properties (e.g., “Enhance thin lines” or color correction).
- Try printing to a PDF first (Microsoft Print to PDF or a PDF printer). If PDF looks correct, print the PDF — this isolates ezCheckPrinting vs driver issues.
8. Performance problems and crashes
Symptom: Slow response, freezes, or application crashes.
Fixes:
- Large databases or high-resolution logos can slow the app. Reduce logo size or archive old records.
- Make sure your system has sufficient RAM and disk space; close other memory-hungry applications.
- Run ezCheckPrinting as Administrator or try compatibility mode if running on a newer OS than supported.
- Check Windows Event Viewer or any error logs the app produces for clues; report crashes to vendor support with log files.
9. Security and fraud prevention tips
- Keep check stock in a secure location; only print when necessary.
- Restrict access to the software with Windows user accounts and file permissions.
- Use secure backups (encrypted external drives or password-protected files).
- Consider using pre-printed checks from reputable printers that include fraud-deterrent features (watermarks, microprinting).
10. When to contact support or switch tools
- Contact vendor support if you encounter persistent bugs, activation errors, or MICR/electronic-clearing issues after trying fixes above. Provide screenshots, log files, and steps to reproduce.
- If key features you need (multi-user access, advanced templates, bank reconciliation) are missing in the Free edition, evaluate upgrading or switching to a paid solution that matches your workflow.
Summary checklist (quick reference)
- Backup data before changes.
- Update software and printer drivers.
- Use MICR ink/toner for magnetic encoding.
- Match templates to your check stock.
- Print test pages/PDFs to isolate issues.
If you want, tell me the exact symptom you’re seeing (OS, printer model, whether checks are pre-printed or blank) and I’ll provide step-by-step fixes tailored to your situation.
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