Overview
MSU Print Services offers a quick, easy way to print documents from supported workstations across campus, using electronic tokens (e-tokens). With e-tokens, you may print to Print Services laser printers without the assistance of staff members. E-token printing is available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, in many locations.This document will provide answers to many questions on using MSU Print Services.
Who is eligible to use Print Services?
Any user logged into a computer in a computer classroom has access to use Print Services. Click the "Available Printers" link under Help on the Print Services home page for locations.How do I buy e-tokens, how many do I need, and how much do they cost?
E-Tokens cost five cents each and may be purchased in quantities of 100 or more. They may be purchased at the MSU Computer Store, currently located in room 110 of the Computer Center, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. If you are a student, you may be able to purchase e-tokens online, billed through Student Receivables. Refer to "I am a student; why can't I buy e-tokens?" below for exceptions to this.To purchase e-tokens online, log in to https://netprint.msu.edu using your MSU NetID and password, then click the Purchase E-tokens link on the left of the Print Services page. Once you have purchased e-tokens, they are associated with your MSU NetID, and you may use them to print to any Print Services printer.
One black-ink, single-sided, white paper, 8.5x11 inch page requires 1 e-token per single-sided sheet to print. Double-sided (duplex) prints require 1 e-token per side printed. Color-ink prints require 8 e-tokens per single-sided sheet or 8 e-tokens per side for duplex prints.
Tabloid Print is also available in some locations (only in single-sided configuration at this time). Tabloid Print requires the following numbers of e-tokens: One black-ink, single-sided, white paper, 11x17 inch page requires 2 e-tokens per single-sided sheet to print. Color Tabloid prints require 16 e-tokens per single-sided sheet.
More information on buying e-tokens can be found in the Help topics section of the Print Services home page, under "Purchasing E-Tokens".
Do e-tokens expire when not used?
A positive balance of E-tokens retains value and may be used as long as the NetID is active.Why can't I buy e-tokens? (I am a student / staff)
Online methods of purchase include charging to student receivables or using Sparty Cash. Non-students as well as certain types of students and staff may see an error message when they try to buy e-tokens online. When this occurs, normally a message displays offering other methods, including:- Purchase E-tokens using Spartan Cash. Follow the instructions displayed.
- Purchase E-tokens at the MSU Computer Store.
The MSU Computer Store is located in room 110 of the Computer Center and is normally open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.
Printing Single or Double-Sided
Where double-sided printing is available, printers are set to print double-sided by default. The printer name in the print dialog box will reflect if a printer is available for single or double-sided printing..How do I print single-sided if double-sided is the default?
- Open the print dialog box (Windows)
- Click on the Name selection for a drop-down menu of the printer choices and select single-sided Etoken.
Notes:
In Mac labs, select the the preset "Simplex printing" or "Duplex printing" in the print dialog box.
Be sure you have matched the settings in the software program you are printing from to match the the single-sided or double-sided selection in the print dialoag. See the help pages for the program for specific instructions regarding settings for single-sided or double-sided printing.
An E-token(s) is required for each printed side. A double-sided page with printing on the front and back requires twice the e-tokens as a single printed side.
My print job didn't come out right; how do I ask for credit?
E-token credits are given for prints damaged by printer error or other situations where the error was the fault of either the printing system, not user error. To obtain your refund:
- Collect your damaged pages from the printer and hold on to them until your credit request has been approved.
- Fill out the Print Services E-token Credit Request Form (also found at the Help link under the Print Services "Credit Request" Help topic).
- You should receive notification within 24-48 hours (M-F). If your credit request is approved your account balance will be adjusted promptly.
I meant to send my printing to a different printer, what can I do?
Always double-check which printer you've selected and how many copies you're printing before sending the print job to the printer. We can only give credit for printouts damaged by printer error.What if I don't have enough e-tokens to cover my printing?
If your print job requires more e-tokens than you have in your account, your balance becomes overdrawn (negative balance). You will be unable to print again until you regain a positive balance by purchasing more e-tokens.What if I have more e-tokens than I need? What about an accidental purchase?
E-tokens purchased through Student Receivables may be refunded provided no portion of the purchase has been used.Why does it say "Error printing to LPT5" when I try to print?
This means you are out of e-tokens, and need to purchase more.Getting more help
If you need help, your first and best source of information is the Help topics section of the Print Services home page. If you don't find what you need there, or if there is a problem with the printer, if the printer is in a Computer Classroom that is unattended, pick up the service wall phone and you will be connected to a staff member who can assist you. You can also call the support line directly at 353-3960.Other popular information sources at MSU
- Admissions FAQ (Admissions can also be reached via email at admis@msu.edu)
- Office of the Registrar FAQ (The Registrar's office can also be reached via email at reg@msu.edu)
- Academic Computing and Network Services Help Desk FAQ
- Other frequently asked questions at MSU (MSUnet Wireless, AFS, etc)
