1. Home
  2. Electronics Repair
  3. HP deskjet -- does everything except print

HP deskjet -- does everything except print

Hello everywhere,

This is a 3820, fairly new, clean(FWIW) unit. When I open a document and click print the Windows(XPPro)dialog box opens, the printer is selected, click OK, then the HP dialog box opens with the images of the ink resevoirs and "printing..." appears. The green light on the unit blinks to say a document is being printed. But, nothing happens! No motors whirr, no carriage moves, no mesgs appear on the screen.

When unplugged and replugged: then the motors whirr and the carriage moves back and forth. The different lights on the front panal of the unit blink alternately. Also when the cover is left open things move and leds blink.

No debris, jammed paper or any obvious damage.

Anyone?

-gl

Reply to
blissfix
Loading thread data ...

There is usually a way to run a self test and the unit need not be connected to a PC. I suggest you visit the HP support site and see how that is done. Many times you hold both the buttons in simultaneously when powering up for a second or two and the unit runs the self test followed by a printed page with the result.

If this works, then verify you have the correct print driver and the printer was installed correctly under the control panel/printer settings. If this also looks good, look under the printer properties or a utility program if one came with the printer and find the services tab. From there you can usually check the computer communications to verify the cable is good, etc. If this passes, then try to print a test page from the computer.

So, in summary, the possible causes of your problem are: defective printer, wrong or improperly installed printer or driver, bad printer or USB cable, defective computer hardware port.

Good luck

Bob

Reply to
Bob Shuman

blissfix--

Has it ever printed? You've checked I'm sure your ink cartridge:

  1. Has ink
  2. Plastic tape removed from back of cartridge

Tut

Reply to
cnctut

blissfix,

Your firmware may be the fault--suggest you go to the HP website (HP.com) and download latest firmware version. Also, they have live support available to help diagnose your problem.

(I assume you have ink and cartridge protective tape in back is removed)

Good luck,

Tut

Reply to
cnctut

ElectronDepot website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.