Resolving the Double‑Print Glitch on a Xerox B4020

Welcome to a detailed, step‑by‑step exploration of how to fix the double‑print glitch that can haunt users of the Xerox B4020. This common problem shows up as two copies of a single document on the same page or as a duplicate document after a single print job. The culprit can be anything from a software hiccup to a hardware misconfiguration. By the end of this guide you will have a clear understanding of why the glitch occurs and a reliable method to eliminate it.

Understanding the Double‑Print Problem

When a Xerox B4020 produces two identical copies from a single print command, the user is left with wasted paper, ink, and frustration. The glitch is often mistaken for a “copy” button error or a printer queue mistake. However, it can also stem from deeper firmware issues, corrupted print drivers, or even a simple mis‑selection of printer settings in the job’s dialog.

Recognizing the pattern is the first step toward a cure. Look for:

• Two pages printed back‑to‑back on a single sheet
• Duplicate documents appearing in the same order in the print queue
• Repeated “duplicate page” messages in the printer’s status display

If you notice any of these, proceed with the troubleshooting steps below.

Common Causes of Double‑Print Glitches

1. Software Driver Incompatibility
   Outdated or corrupted drivers can send duplicate instructions to the B4020.
2. Misconfigured Print Settings
   The “Print as a copy” option, a double‑scan feature, or a two‑pass setting can cause duplication.
3. Firmware Bugs
   The printer’s internal software may have a glitch that triggers double‑printing under certain conditions.
4. Printer Queue Conflicts
   A stuck job can force the next print to repeat the previous one.
5. Paper‑Tray Misalignment
   Misaligned trays can cause the printer to think it has to re‑print a page.

Identifying the root cause is essential because the solution differs depending on which factor is at play.

Preparation Steps

Before diving into the fixes, gather the following tools and information:

• A computer with access to the B4020’s administrative interface
• The latest driver and firmware packages from Xerox’s official website
• A spare sheet of plain paper for test prints
• A print‑ready document (PDF or Word) that you will use for diagnostics
• A quiet workspace to avoid interruptions during the process

Also, make sure you have administrator rights on the computer you’ll use to control the printer.

Step‑by‑Step Fixes

1. Verify Printer Status and Clear the Queue

1. Open the “Devices and Printers” panel on Windows or the equivalent on macOS.
2. Locate the Xerox B4020 icon.
3. Right‑click the icon and choose “See what’s printing.”
4. If there is a stuck job, right‑click it and select “Cancel.”
5. After clearing, attempt a single test print.

If the double‑print persists, move to the next step.

2. Update or Re‑install the Printer Driver

1. Visit Xerox’s support site and download the driver for the B4020 that matches your operating system.
2. Uninstall the current driver from the computer’s device manager.
3. Install the newly downloaded driver, following the on‑screen prompts.
4. After installation, restart the computer.

Run a test print. Drivers are often the culprit, especially after operating‑system updates.

3. Check the Print Settings in the Document Dialog

When you open the print dialog for your test document, confirm that:

• The “Copies” field is set to 1.
• The “Pages” field includes only the intended pages.
• The “Print as a copy” or “Print in duplicate” options are unchecked.
• The “Print on both sides” setting is turned off unless duplex printing is desired.

If you notice any mis‑configuration, correct it and print again.

4. Inspect Duplex and Scanning Options

The B4020 supports duplex printing, but enabling it inadvertently can cause double‑print output.

1. Open the printer’s web interface by typing its IP address into a browser.
2. Navigate to the “Print Settings” or “General Settings” section.
3. Disable duplex printing temporarily.
4. Return to the computer, send a single‑page print, and observe the outcome.

Re‑enable duplex once you confirm the glitch is resolved.

5. Apply a Firmware Update

Firmware bugs can be subtle and only show up in specific scenarios.

1. In the printer’s web interface, locate the “Firmware Update” page.
2. Follow the instructions to upload the latest firmware file.
3. Wait for the printer to reboot automatically.
4. After reboot, conduct another single‑page test print.

Firmware updates are crucial for long‑term stability.

6. Reset the Printer to Factory Settings

If all else fails, a factory reset can clear hidden glitches.

1. In the web interface, look for “Restore Defaults” or “Factory Reset.”
2. Confirm the action.
3. The printer will reboot and lose all custom settings.
4. Re‑configure the printer on your computer, including network settings and driver installation.
5. Print a test page.

A fresh start often eliminates persistent double‑print problems.

7. Verify Physical Paper Path

Sometimes the problem lies not in software but in the paper path:

• Check that the trays are correctly loaded and aligned.
• Ensure there is no paper jam or obstruction.
• Remove any foreign objects from the feed rollers.

After cleaning, perform a test print.

8. Use the Xerox Support Tool

Xerox offers a diagnostic utility called “Xerox Diagnostic Tool.”

1. Download it from the support site.
2. Run the tool on your computer.
3. Follow prompts to scan the printer for errors.
4. Apply any recommended fixes automatically.

This can catch less obvious issues that manual checks miss.

When the Problem Persists

If after following all steps the double‑print glitch continues, consider:

• Contacting Xerox support for hardware inspection.
• Checking for firmware versions that are known to cause the issue in release notes.
• Investigating any recent network changes that might affect print jobs.

Professional service may be necessary if a hardware fault is identified.

Preventive Tips

• Regularly update drivers and firmware: schedule quarterly checks.
• Maintain clean paper trays: avoid paper jams.
• Keep an eye on the print queue: cancel any stuck jobs immediately.
• Use high‑quality paper: low‑grade sheets can trigger double‑print behaviors.

By implementing these habits, you reduce the chance of encountering the double‑print glitch again.

Final Thoughts

The double‑print glitch on the Xerox B4020 is not an insurmountable obstacle. With a systematic approach—starting from the print queue, through drivers, settings, firmware, and physical checks—you can isolate and resolve the problem efficiently. Remember that a single print job should produce exactly what the user requests; any deviation indicates a malfunction that can be corrected with the right set of actions.

Test the printer after each change. This incremental approach saves time and helps you pinpoint the exact cause. If the problem remains stubborn, reach out to Xerox support, as they can offer insights into known firmware bugs or provide a technician if a hardware replacement is necessary.

By following these steps, you will restore reliable printing performance to your Xerox B4020, eliminating the annoyance of duplicate pages and freeing up both time and resources for your home office tasks.