Incorrect printer output

Problemsolving
   

Incorrect printer output


The following table lists common printer output problems and suggested solutions for resolving them.

Incorrect printer output

Incorrect fonts are printed

Cause
Solution
The font has not been correctly selected in the software application. Re-select the font in the software application.
The font is not available to the printer. Download the font to the printer or use another font. (In Windows, the driver does this automatically.)
The correct printer driver is not selected. Select the correct printer driver.


Unable to print all characters in a symbol set

Cause
Solution
The correct font is not selected. Select the correct font.
The correct symbol set is not selected. Select the correct symbol set.
The selected character or symbol is not supported by the software application. Use a font that supports the selected character or symbol.


Drifting text between printouts

Cause
Solution
Your software application is not resetting the printer to the top of the page. See the documentation for the software or the PCL/PJL Technical Reference Package for specific information.


Erratic, missing characters or interrupted printout

Cause
Solution
The interface cable is of poor quality. Try using a different, higher quality IEEE-compliant cable. Parallel cables can be no longer than 10 meters (30 feet).
The interface cable is loose. Disconnect and reconnect the interface cable.
The interface cable is damaged or bad. Try using a different interface cable.
The power cable is loose. Disconnect and reconnect the power cable.
You are attempting to print a PCL job with the printer configured for PostScript Emulation. From the printer control panel, select the correct printer personality, and then resend the print job.
You are attempting to print a PostScript job with the printer configured for PCL. From the printer control panel, select the correct printer personality, and then resend the print job.


Partial printout

Cause
Solution
A memory error message appears on the printer control panel.
  1. Free up printer memory by deleting unneeded downloaded fonts, style sheets, and macros from printer memory.

    or

  2. Add more memory to the printer.

The file you are printing contains errors. Check the software application to verify that the file does not contain errors.
  1. Print another file that you know is error-free from within the same application.

    or

  2. Print the file from another application.


Manual 2-sided print job is ordered incorrectly

Cause
Solution
A manual 2-sided print job was requested with the option Correct Order for Rear Bin selected, but the lower rear door (rear output bin) was not open. Open the lower rear door (rear output bin) and send the print job again.


Smears, vertical lines, toner specks, or repetitive marks appear on printouts

Cause
Solution
The printer engine needs to be cleaned. Clean the printer. See Cleaning the printer. If the problem persists, see Print quality troubleshooting.




This section provides information about the following topics:

HP 3550 3700 Incorrect printer output