Summary

Yellow Dog Software offers the Zebra GC-420d label printer as the standard desktop printer for printing your inventory labels.  This document outlines the steps to set up and troubleshoot this printer (as well as the Zebra LP-2844, discontinued).

If the troubleshooting steps in this document aren’t working or you believe there is a problem with the printer itself, please call:

ZEBRA TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Phone: +1 877 275 9327 

Fax: +1 847 913 2578 

Use Option #3

Zebra GC-420d Desktop Label Printer

Set Up

• Connect to a Power Source - Connect power cable to an outlet, as well as to the printer.
• Connect USB cable to Computer - Connect the USB cable to both the printer and the computer.
• Insert Labels - Insert labels into the printer by using the Lid Openers to open the lid, and placing the label roll in the Label Roll Holder.
•  Install Proper Drivers and Print (See steps below. Each step is related to the picture below it.) - Open Control Panel, and find Devices and Printers.  Click Add a Printer.

• Click Add a Local Printer.

• Click Use an Existing Port. Select the USB port you connected your printer to.  Click Next.

• Click Windows Update to update the printer list.  Once completed, select ZDesigner as the Manufacturer, and ZDesigner GC-420d as the Printer  

• Click Replace the Current Driver 

• Enter a Printer Name for your new label printer. 

• Windows should begin installing the printer.

• Choose whether you’d like to share your printer or not.

• You should return to this page below.  You can print a test page now if you like, however it often doesn’t look correct when printed on a label. 

• You should see your new printer in the device list seen below.

Switching Between Label Types (GC-420d)

Insert the new labels into the Label Roll Holders, and try printing.  If there are any spacing issues, these steps will Auto Calibrate the printer for the new label types.  Should these steps not work or you believe there is an issue with the printer itself, please contact Zebra Support:

ZEBRA TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Phone: +1 877 275 9327 

Fax: +1 847 913 2578  Use Option #3

1. Insert new labels into printer.
2. Make sure the printer is ON.
3. Hold the FEED button down (the green button on top of the printer).
4. It will flash ONCE, then turn off, flash TWICE, then turn off...
5. Continue holding the FEED button until it flashes FOUR times, then let go. The printer should then reset.
6. Let the printer reset. The light should turn a solid green when completed. If not, repeat steps 1 - 5.
7. It should work now. Try printing.

An alternate method for calibrating the printer is:

1. Go to Start → Devices and Printers (or Start → Control Panel → Devices and Printers).
2. Right-click the printer you are using → click Printing Preferences → click Tools.
3. “Command Type” should be set to Action and “Command Name” should be set to Calibrate Media.                                                                                                 
4. Click Send

  Troubleshooting (GC-420d)

The steps below resolve many of the issues found with this label printer.  This will effectively Auto Calibrate the printer.  Should these steps not work or you believe there is an issue with the printer itself, please contact Zebra Support:

ZEBRA TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Phone: +1 877 275 9327 

Fax: +1 847 913 2578  Use Option #3

1. Make sure the printer is ON.
2. Hold the FEED button down (the green button on top of the printer).
3. It will flash ONCE, then turn off, flash TWICE, then turn off...
4. Continue holding the FEED button until it flashes FOUR times, then let go. The printer should then reset.
5. Let the printer reset. The light should turn a solid green when completed. If not, repeat steps 1 - 5.
6. It should work now. Try printing again.

Making your Labels Darker

You can increase the darkness of Zebra labels.

1. Go to Start → Devices and Printers (or Start → Control Panel → Devices and Printers).
2. Right-click the printer you are using → click Printing Preferences.
3. Choose a darkness level from the darkness dropdown close to 15 or higher (see picture below).

Zebra LP-2844 Desktop Label Printer – Discontinued

Set Up

Follow the same steps above as for the GC-420d model.  When choosing the printer model for the driver, choose ZDesigner as the Manufacturer, and LP-2844 as the Printer.

Switching Between Label Types (LP-2844)

Insert the new labels into the Label Roll Holders, and try printing.  If there are any spacing issues, these steps will Auto Calibrate the printer for the new label types.  Should these steps not work or you believe there is an issue with the printer itself, please contact Zebra Support:

ZEBRA TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Phone: +1 877 275 9327 

Fax: +1 847 913 2578  Use Option #3

1. Turn the printer OFF.
2. Hold the FEED button down and turn the printer ON while holding the FEED button down.
3. Release the FEED button when the FEED light flashes once. The printer should then reset.
4. Let the printer reset. The light should turn a solid green when completed. If not, repeat steps 1 - 3.
5. It should work now. Try printing again.

Troubleshooting (LP-2844)

The steps below resolve many of the issues found with this label printer.  This will effectively recalibratethe printer.  Should these steps not work or you believe there is an issue with the printer itself, please contact Zebra Support:

ZEBRA TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Phone: +1 877 275 9327 

Fax: +1 847 913 2578  Use Option #3

1. Turn the printer OFF.
2. Hold the FEED button down and turn the printer ON while holding the FEED button down.
3. Release the FEED button when the FEED light flashes once. The printer should then reset.
4. Let the printer reset. The light should turn a solid green when completed. If not, repeat steps 1 - 3.
5. It should work now. Try printing again.