Kareena Rindani

I've serviced a few of these old workhorses. They're built like tanks but not super user-serviceable. Before you open it ask yourself why. If it's for cleaning you can often clean the print head path with compressed air and a lint-free cloth through the openings. If it's for a repair like replacing a ribbon or fixing gears you might need to open it.

The process: Unplug it. Take off the paper tractor. Flip it over and remove the four large screws on the bottom (sometimes under rubber feet). There might also be screws inside the paper feed area. Then carefully separate the top cover from the bottom. It's tight and has plastic clips along the sides—go slow with a plastic spudger. Once open you'll see the main mechanism. Be super careful with the plastic gears and the delicate print head cable. Take pictures as you go so you remember how to put it back. Honestly unless you're experienced consider finding a technician—these old dot matrix printers can be finicky.