While they're mostly very reliable, fifty-fifty in the most demanding of environments, HP printers are still problematic from time to time. And nosotros all know printers fail at the nigh inopportune moments. For an IT support professional, it'southward critical to know how to fix the most common problems associated with these printers. I've identified ten problems you can expect to run into most often when dealing with an HP printer, and I've included suggestions on fixing them.

1. Newspaper jams
Among the most common bug with whatsoever make of printer are paper jams. A printer volition jam for any number of reasons: It'south dirty, the wrong paper blazon is being used, or the rollers on the printer that feed the paper through its pathway are worn downward. While cleaning the printer periodically and using the correct paper blazon are easy fixes, roller replacement tin be a difficult chore depending on the model of HP printer. For some HP printers, the rollers are easily accessible, just you'll need to completely tear down other models to remove the rollers. Regardless of the crusade, when removing a paper jam, always pull the paper in the direction of the newspaper path, because pulling it backwards can severely damage the printer.

Certain HP printers are more susceptible to newspaper jams than others. In my experience, any printer that holds the newspaper vertically and so pulls it downwards through the printer invariably ends upward having newspaper jam problems. These models aren't designed for heavy use, only many organizations brand utilize of them on individual systems and should be aware of this flaw. In improver, some people take trouble with the newer HP 4000 series printers' paper pickup rollers—which is odd, considering the older 4000 and 5000 series HP printers are considered rock solid and don't seem to accept any trouble with their pickup rollers.

2. Some or all of the printing on the page is faded
A faded print image is normally the result of i of iii conditions: The printer is getting depression on toner, the print density is gear up too low, or Economode printing is turned on. For the last two settings, a printer self-test (typically a separate button on the printer) will show what the current settings are. If Economode is on, and users are complaining virtually how low-cal the print is, turn it off and/or set the print density higher. If the toner is low, simply removing the cartridge and shaking it to redistribute the toner more than evenly tin can temporarily resolve the problem until you tin can replace the cartridge.

3. Ghosting
Ghosting is a condition where the epitome prints properly, but a much lighter copy of the paradigm besides prints elsewhere. This can be due to a trouble with the power outlet that is supplying power to the printer. Bank check the ability outlet by plugging in a different printer to see if the same results occur. Ghosting can also exist acquired when consumable printer parts (such as the drum or imaging kit) are near the finish of their life. All of the consumable parts in a printer are rated for a certain number of pages. Once a printer gets near that magic number, you lot'll demand to supervene upon those parts to eliminate ghosting.

4. Toner smears or does not stay on the paper
If words and images come off the paper when a hand is run into them, in that location are a few possible bug. Showtime, the fuser assembly may be damaged or at the stop of its life. The solution is to replace the fuser assembly. Repairing a fuser assembly is generally not recommended considering the fuser is considered a consumable printer office and not worth the time or effort to fix. Second, the toner cartridge may be defective and letting as well much toner out at one fourth dimension. In a black-and-white laser printer, the solution is to supersede the toner cartridge. In a color light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation printer, but replace the cartridge that is exhibiting the problem. Third, some toner may take spilled in the printer. If so, you'll need to clean it out.

5. Printer is displaying a l.4 error bulletin
A 50.4 mistake bulletin on some of the newer HP LaserJet printers indicates a problem with the power supply. If the printer is continued to a UPS, disconnect it, or disconnect it from a ability strip and plug it directly into a wall outlet. A laser printer should never be plugged into a UPS, because the UPS tin be damaged past the surges of power required by a printer to keep the fuser assembly warm. If that doesn't work, brand sure that all of the components in the printer are seated properly.

half-dozen. Can't find a driver for a particular operating arrangement
As new operating systems are released, new drivers will demand to exist loaded for your existing printers. Not all printers have a commuter for every OS. In these cases, it's all-time to consult the printer transmission and find out what printers the drivers volition emulate. While not all of the functionality of the printer will be available under this emulation, at to the lowest degree basic printing volition work. For example, most HP printers will print with the HP LaserJet Two driver installed, although specific options, such as duplexing, volition not work.

7. Printer is non printing from the expected paper tray
Look in ii places to correct this item fault. Start, look on the printing PC, and second, on the printer. If the application is set to print to the wrong paper tray, correct it inside the application by clicking on Printer Properties and finding the Tray Option source. On the printer, make sure that the paper sizes in the control console friction match what is actually in the newspaper trays.

eight. Printer picks up all the paper from the manual feed tray rather than 1 sheet
The pad that is responsible for separating the paper has probable worn out and needs to be replaced. You lot can order and install a new pad without sending the printer out for repair. It is too possible that the paper is moisture due to humidity. Make sure the newspaper is properly stored and that information technology is "fanned" before putting it into the printer.

ix. Printer is displaying a 79 error
A 79 error can be the result of a problem with the network print server that services the printer. When troubleshooting a 79 error, first open the Printer folder from the Start menu on the Impress server to make sure in that location are no jobs pending. A 79 mistake can also bespeak a failure of a printer add-on component, such equally an MIO card or a RAM module. All add together-ons should be removed and then added back to the printer one by 1 to determine which module may be at fault.

10. Trouble printing onto envelopes
Envelopes can crusade many problems for laser printers. Choose envelopes that are close to 20-lb paper in weight and thickness. Too, make certain that the adhesive on the envelope is capable of withstanding the heat that the fuser puts out to keep the press on the page. If you don't, the envelopes will come out of the printer already sealed. If envelopes are coming out of the printer wrinkled, they may be too potent for the paper path. Open the rear of the printer and let them exit at that location instead.

HP printers are considered to be amidst the near reliable in the industry. Merely but every bit any other piece of Information technology equipment, they're vulnerable to failure. And it seems the newer printers tin't withstand the same amount of abuse that the older models could. And then if you work on newer-model HP printers in a newspaper-intensive environs, wait more troubleshooting calls involving the problems I've described. Simply no matter what the historic period of your HP printer, this guide to common printing problems volition assist y'all diagnose and fix the problem speedily.