OVERVIEW
Target audience: The entire McGill community
uPrint is the campus-wide printing service that allows you to print from any location and pick up your jobs at any uPrint device.
This article is divided into FAQs for:
FAQs for All users
What functions can uPrint devices perform?
All uPrint devices can print, copy and scan to email. Many can also staple documents.
Where is the nearest uPrint machine on campus?
See: Location of public uPrint devices
How do I know which uPrint devices print in colour?
All uPrint devices print in colour.
Where can I find the serial number of a uPrint device?
The serial number can be found in the information sticker located at the front of most uPrint devices.
Refunds
The printer jammed / printed out blank sheets of paper / I was charged for jobs I didn't get. Can I get a refund?
Yes, by submitting the uPrint Refund request. Please make sure to fill out all the mandatory information in order to avoid delays in processing your request.
Scanning
What is the maximum amount of pages I can scan to email?
The uPrint devices can send a scan of up to 10 MB in size by email. Due to the amount of factors involved (resolution, format (PDF, TIFF, etc.), colour depth, page size, device type, etc.) we cannot provide a page estimate.
When scanning a document, can I get a PDF that's searchable and editable?
Yes. See instructions in Scanning documents with OCR to make the text searchable.
Printing
Do I have to pay for print jobs that I sent to the print queue but never printed?
No, you are only charged for print jobs once you press the Print or Print All button on the uPrint device.
I released my print job but it didn't print out. What happened?
There may be due to several possible reasons:
The document format is not recognized: In most cases, this is because the device does not recognize document sizes other than the standard letter size (8 1/2 x 11) or legal size (8 ½ x 14), and, on devices that offer this capability, Tabloid (11 x 17). While the uPrint devices convert the European A4 and A5 sizes to fit, it cannot do so for other sizes. Before printing out a document, ensure that it has been formatted to use one of the standard sizes.
The printer needs attention: The printer may be out of paper or other supplies.
For Xerox Altalink models (C8135, C8155, C8170): Under the Jobs feature you can see the current and most recent activity on the printer. You will also be able to interrupt, pause, or delete the jobs that you are printing.
I sent a colour print job to the McGill Colour queue but decided I want to print it in black & white instead. Can I change the colour at the device?
Once you send a job to one of the print queues, you cannot modify it.
Can I print from home and release the print job from a uPrint device on campus later?
Yes. There are two options for printing from your home computer:
- Option 1 (requires print drivers): You must first install the uPrint driver for Windows, Mac & Linux on your personal laptop / computer; then you can connect to VPN and send print jobs to the uPrint queues. Keep in mind that they only remain in the queue for 72 hours before they are deleted, so you'll need to release your job before then.
- Option 2 (via email): The uPrint Anywhere solution allows you to email your documents via attachment, or in the body of the email. No need to install print drivers. No network connection necessary. However, there are some limitations on the control over your print jobs (e.g., paper size, maximum file size, special formatting).
NOTE: By installing printer drivers, you have greater control over your printouts, including specifying paper sizes, layout and stapling options.
If I have trouble logging into a printer, will someone else be able to print my item for me?
Once you send a job to one of the print queues, only you can print it by using the same credentials that you used to send it to the print queue. If you cannot log into a printer and are an active McGill student, there may be a hold or lock on your account.
I'm having trouble installing the uPrint driver package on my Windows computer and received an error message during the installation. What can I do?
Check that the Print Spooler Service is running:
- Go to Start > Run > type "Services.msc" then press OK.
- Locate Print Spooler in the Services list. Verify the following settings:
- Startup Type column: Verify that "Automatic" or "Manual" is listed. If "Disabled" appears instead, right-click on the Print Spooler service and select Properties. Select "Automatic" from the Startup Type dropdown. Press Apply.
- Status column: If Print Spooler does not have a Status of "Started" next to it, right-click on it and select "Start".
- Close the Services window by pressing the X in the upper Right corner.
Can I send print jobs from my iPad, tablet, or smartphone?
Yes. The uPrint Anywhere solution allows you to email your documents via attachment, or in the body of the email. There is no need to install print drivers, and it does not require a network connection . However, there are some option limitations on print jobs (e.g., paper size, maximum file size, special formatting).
How do I set my default printer?
Follow instructions at: Set your default printer
FAQs for Students
Do I have to enter my McGill password every time I swipe my McGill ID card?
Regular students who are not required to use the uPrint prepaid guest cards can avoid having to enter your password, by signing into Minerva and submitting the Student Tab > uPrint - Campus Printing Menu > Password Waiver form.
Note: If you lose your McGill ID card, you will no longer have this extra layer of security, and anyone will be able to use your card and bill print/copy jobs to your student account.
How can I find out if my McGill account has a hold on it? How do I get the hold lifted?
Go to Minerva > Student Tab > Registration Menu > Review Holds and Warnings. You will not be able to use the uPrint service until after you clear the holds on your account and the next data update period occurs. These occur at 7 a.m., 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 4 p.m., Monday to Friday.
My McGill account is locked but I need to print; what can I do?
If your account is locked for any reason, you will not be able to use this, or any other IT service (such as email). Common reasons for a lock include wireless abuse, email spam, and compromised accounts. You may contact the IT Service Desk to unlock your account, but keep in mind that it will not be done until you resolve the issue that caused the lock to be placed on your account. In the meantime, if you really need to print, you can purchase a uPrint prepaid guest card at the Le James bookstore and McGill Library branches.
I swiped my McGill ID card, but uPrint does not allow me to sign in. What can I do?
In order to use the uPrint system with your McGill ID card you must meet the following criteria:
- Have a valid McGill ID card
- No significant financial holds / locks on your student account
- You must be registered for a credit course in the current term OR the upcoming fall/winter term OR have just completed your last term prior to graduation.
Note: Members of the following groups cannot access the uPrint machines with their McGill ID card and must instead purchase a uPrint prepaid guest card:
- Exchange students
- Inter-University Transfer students
- Special and Visiting students in the School of Continuing Studies
- Special intensive English and French programs in the School of Continuing Studies
uPrint prepaid guest cards are sold at the Le James bookstore and McGill Library branches.
Billing and Charges (students)
Where can I see what jobs I have been charged for?
- Log into Minerva and go to the Student Menu
- Click uPrint - Campus Printing Menu
- Click Review uPrint charges
Do I have to wait till the end of the month to view my monthly statement of printing charges?
Yes, however you can use the View Detail option of the Review uPrint charges form (see above FAQ) to view your recent credits, and copy / print charges. There is a delay of approximately five minutes before the transactions appear on Minerva.
How will I be billed for copying and printing charges?
On the first of each month, a charge will appear on your student fee account for the total cost of your copying and printing in the previous month, plus applicable taxes. You can view this on your Account Summary by Term in Minerva. An e-bill will be issued shortly thereafter, and you will have until the due date on the e-bill to pay for the charges.
How can I pay for uPrint charges?
You are encouraged to pay your account balance through online banking. Other payment options can be found on the Student Accounts website.
I only owe a small amount; do I have to pay it now?
Account balances of less than $10.00 are not charged interest and can be paid once the account balance exceeds this amount; all balances owed to the University must be paid prior to graduating or leaving McGill.
FAQs for Faculty & Staff
Do I have to enter in my McGill password every time I swipe my McGill ID card? Why is this only applicable to some users?
Faculty and staff members have the password prompt disabled by default. Affiliates, casuals, and McGill service providers, must enter a password. For added security, you can enable the password prompt after swiping your McGill ID card. Go to Minerva and use the Employee (or External) Menu > uPrint - Campus Printing Menu > Password Waiver form. Keep in mind, however, that if you lose your McGill ID card, you no longer have this extra layer of security, and someone can use your card to bill print/copy jobs to your assigned FOAPALs.
I made a change to a FOAPAL / enabled the password prompt in Minerva, but the changes don't appear when I sign in to a uPrint device. What's going on?
Any changes made through Minerva will only take effect after the next data update period. These occur daily (Monday to Friday, excluding holidays) at 7 a.m., 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
I have multiple FOAPALs assigned to me. How can I change my Default FOAPAL or assign tags to my FOAPALs to make them easier to pick from on a uPrint device?
Go to Minerva > Employee (or External) Menu > uPrint - Campus Printing Menu > View / Modify assigned FOAPALs form. Click the Edit icon (in the Action column) to:
- Assign a Tag of up to six characters to help you easily identify the FOAPAL on the device's Account screen.
- Change your Default FOAPAL. You should set your Default FOAPAL to the one you will use most frequently. A “Y” indicates which FOAPAL is your default.
Can I purchase a local printer for my office (not on the uPrint service)?
If your printing or scanning needs cannot be met through the uPrint solution, you may request to purchase a local / non-uPrint printer. Such requests will be reviewed and approved on a case-by-case basis. Submit your request, with explanation of your special needs, via the webform: Request approval to purchase a local printing device.
See Purchasing Procedures for printing devices, posted on the Procurement Services website.
Billing and charges (faculty & staff)
Where can I see what jobs I have been charged for?
- Log into Minerva and go to the Employee Menu
- Click uPrint - Campus Printing Menu
- Click Review uPrint charges
Will I be charged the same costs for printing of labels, envelopes, letterheads, or transparencies, even if I supply my own media?
Yes, the cost-per-impression (CPI) is the same whether or not you choose to use your own media or print non-standard formats.
FAQs for uPrint shared account users
I'm a student but I also work at McGill. How can I make sure I'm not charged for printouts that are for work purposes?
The department you work for should provide a uPrint Shared Account and a uPrint card that can be used for printing. If you have not received these, contact your supervisor.
To send print jobs using a uPrint Shared account:
- Log into the computer using your own McGill credentials, when the Print dialog box appears in your application, select either uPrint Mono [Popup] or uPrint Colour [Popup].
Enter the McGill Username of the uPrint Shared Account in the Print Job Details popup box that appears on screen.
If you do not enter the correct username, the job will not be sent to the uPrint queue.
To release your job(s) at a uPrint machine:
- Place your uPrint card associated with the uPrint Shared Account against the uPrint sticker on the device.
If the department you work for has not already provided you with a uPrint card for your uPrint Shared Account you should contact your supervisor. Please note that the password has to be waived on the uPrint card; otherwise, you will not be able to log into the uPrint machine with your uPrint card. If the password has not been waived on your uPrint card, please contact your supervisor.
I don't know the Username of the uPrint Shared Account. Where can I find it?
If you are the sponsor of the uPrint shared account:
Go to SailPoint IIQ. Note: If you are off campus, you must be connected to the VPN in order to access it, or you can ask the department administrator.
If you are not the sponsor of the uPrint shared account:
- Go to Microsoft Azure. If prompted, log in with your McGill credentials. Click Azure Active Directory.
- In the sidebar, click Users. Search the name of the uPrint shared account and click on the correct result.
- Click Properties.
- The resource account's short username is listed under Contact Information, as Mail nickname.
Other users (retired, alumni, guests, affiliates)
Can retired staff or users with affiliate accounts be assigned a FOAPAL for printing?
Users with affiliate accounts may be assigned a FOAPAL for printing at the discretion of their department or unit. The department can also choose to provide them with a Prepaid Guest Card if they prefer. Guests, retired staff, and alumni may purchase Prepaid Guest Cards for their printing needs.
Where can I get a Prepaid Guest Card?
See uPrint - Campus Printing with Prepaid Guest Cards
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