Color printing problems

Problemsolving
   

Color printing problems

The following table lists common color printing problems and suggested solutions for resolving them.

Color printing problems

Printing black instead of color

Cause
Solution
Grayscale is selected in the software application or printer driver. Select Color mode instead of Grayscale or Monochrome mode in the software application or printer driver. See Printer information pages to learn how to print a configuration page.
The correct printer driver is not selected in your software application. Select the correct printer driver.
No color appears on the configuration page. Contact HP support.


Incorrect shade

Cause
Solution
The paper does not meet the specifications for this printer. See the HP LaserJet Printer Family Print Media Specification Guide.
Go to http://www.hp.com/support/clj3550 or http://www.hp.com/support/clj3700 (depending on the printer model) for HP LaserJet Printer Family Print Media Specification Guide ordering information. When you connect, select Manuals.
You are operating the printer in excessively humid conditions. Verify that the printer environment is within humidity specifications.
Calibrate the printer. See Print quality menu.
NOTE

For more information about color quality problems see Print quality troubleshooting.


Missing color

Cause
Solution
The HP print cartridge is defective. Replace the cartridge.


Inconsistent colors after installing a print cartridge

Cause
Solution
Another print cartridge may be low. Check the supplies gauge on the control panel or print a supplies status page. See Printer information pages.


Printed colors do not match screen colors

Cause
Solution
Extremely light screen colors are not being printed. The software application may interpret extremely light colors as white. If so, avoid using extremely light colors.
Extremely dark screen colors are being printed in black. The software application may interpret extremely dark colors as black. If so, avoid using extremely dark colors.
The colors on the computer screen differ from the printer output. For the HP Color LaserJet 3700 series printer only.

  1. In the printer driver’s Color tab, in the Color Options section, select Manual.

  2. Click Settings.

  3. In Manual Color Options, in the Color Options section, select Default (sRGB) for each desired object.

  4. Click OK to finish.

NOTE

Several factors can influence your ability to match printed colors to those on your screen. These factors include paper, overhead lighting, software applications, operating system palettes, monitors, and video cards and drivers. See Color for more information.




HP 3550 3700 Color printing problems