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Resolving Print Quality Issues

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Issue
Print quality or paper output is not as expected.
Graphic: Garbled, jumbled, or illogical text.
NOTE: If you are experiencing garbled, jumbled or illogical text, incomplete printouts, or missing text or graphics, see Resolving Strange, Garbled or Illogical Text, Incomplete Printouts, or Missing Text or Graphics (c01177917) (in English).
Examples of print quality issues
The following tables contain examples of general and color print quality issues.
General print quality issues
Sample issueSymptom
Fuzzy, blurry, or bold areas (graphic)Blurry, fuzzy, or dark print
Page with skewed print (graphic)Crooked or skewed output
Creased or wrinkled paper (graphic)Creased or wrinkled paper
Curled or Wavy paper (graphic)Curled or wavy paper
Example of character shadow (graphic)Character shadows
Distorted characters (graphic)Distorted characters
Dropped out text (graphic)Dropped-out text
Dropped edges (graphic)Dropped edges
Dull, faded or light text (graphic)Dull, faded, or light print
Gray shading or background (graphic)Gray shading or background
Vertical repetitive marks (graphic)Repetitive toner marks
Vertical lines or streaks (graphic)Streaks or vertical lines
Image with white vertical linesStreaks or vertical lines (photos)
Example of smeared toner (graphic)Toner smears
Example of toner smearing when touched (graphic)Toner smears easily when touched
Toner Specks (graphic)Specks or other marks
Vertical white stripes (graphic)Vertical white stripes
Water droplets on the printed page (graphic)Water droplets on the printed page
Marks on unprinted side of the page (graphic)Marks repeatedly appear at even intervals on the unprinted side of the page
Image repeats farther down the page (graphic)Solid black image at the top of the page repeats farther down the page in a gray field
Color print quality issues
Sample issueSymptom
Only black printing (graphic)Document prints black when it should print color
One or more colors are not printing (graphic)One or more colors do not print, or are inaccurate
Color inconsistency after loading new print cartridge (graphic)A color prints inconsistently after installation of new print cartridge
Colors on the page do not match colors on the screen (graphic)Colors on printed page do not match colors on the screen
Finish on printed page is inconsistent (graphic)Inconsistent finish on the printed color page
Solutions
If you are experiencing any of the print quality issues listed in the tables, the following solutions can help resolve most issues. Even if your issue is not listed, the solutions might help.
NOTE: If you are familiar with the HP Toolbox that comes with the HP software, you can use it to troubleshoot print quality issues in addition to trying the solutions listed in this document.
Try the following solutions in the order presented to resolve the issue. When one of the solutions resolves the issue, there is no need to continue troubleshooting.
Solution one: Remove any protective tape from the print cartridges
Print quality issues occur if protective tape remains on the print cartridges.
  1. Open the print cartridge door completely.
  2. Pull out the print cartridge drawer completely.
  3. Check each print cartridge and remove any protective tape.
    Figure 1: Remove protective tape from print cartridges
    Illustration of removing the protective tape from the print cartridges.
    CAUTION: Do not touch the imaging drum on the bottom of the print cartridge. Fingerprints on the imaging drum can cause print quality issues.
    Figure 2: Do not touch imaging drum
    Illustration: Do not touch imaging drum.
  4. Close the print cartridge drawer completely.
  5. Close the print cartridge door completely.
  6. Try printing again.
  • If these steps resolved the issue , you do not need to continue troubleshooting.
  • If the issue persists , continue to the next solution.
Solution two: Print from a different software program
Try printing from a different software program. If the page prints correctly, the problem is with the software program from which you originally printed.
Solution three: Adjust, reload, and change the paper
The most common cause for print quality issues is paper that is not compatible with the product. This can result in poor paper feeding, or in poor toner adhesion. Make sure that the paper or media type meets HP's specifications.
Step one: Adjust and reload the paper
  1. For the best paper-feeding conditions, make sure of the following:
    • Examine the paper for dust, lint, or signs of humidity. If the paper is dusty, too dry or too moist, replace it with fresh paper.
      NOTE: Extreme temperatures or humidity can directly affect paper quality. If you live in an area with extreme conditions, protect your paper supply by storing it in a plastic airtight container.
    • Turn over the paper stack, rotate it 180°, and then reload the paper into the paper tray.
    • Adjust the paper guides so that they are not too tight or too loose against the paper stack.
      NOTE: A small amount of skew is normal and might be noticeable when using preprinted forms. Largely crooked or skewed printouts can result if the guides are not fit snugly against the paper.
    • Make sure that the paper tray is in place, and that it is not overloaded.
  2. Try again to print.
  • If these steps resolved the issue , you do not need to continue troubleshooting.
  • If the issue persists , see the next step.
Step two: Change the paper
  1. Change the paper to a high-quality paper that is compatible with your HP laser product.
    • If you are experiencing curled or wavy paper , the paper might be too light, too thin, or too moist.
      Replace the paper with fresh, dry paper, or change the paper type to one with a heavier basis weight.
    • If you are experiencing creased or wrinkled paper , the paper might be too textured, too thin, or too moist.
      Replace the paper with fresh, dry paper, or change the paper type to one with a heavier basis weight or a smoother texture.
    • If you are experiencing distorted characters , the paper might be too glossy or too textured.
      Change the paper type to one with a matte finish or a smoother texture.
    • If you are experiencing faded text , dropped-out text , or toner scatter , the paper might be too moist, too thick or too glossy, and is resisting the toner.
      Replace the paper with fresh, dry paper, or change the paper type to one with a matte finish or a smoother texture.
      NOTE: Small amounts of toner scattered on the paper is normal for laser printing. If large amounts of toner scatter occur, the paper might be resisting the toner. Some paper manufacturing processes can cause paper to reject toner.
  2. Try again to print.
  • If these steps resolved the issue , you do not need to continue troubleshooting.
  • If the issue persists , continue to the next solution.
Solution four: Check the printer environment
The product environment can directly affect print quality and is a common cause for print quality or paper feeding issues.
  1. For the best possible print quality, make sure of the following:
    • Move the product away from drafty locations such as open windows or doors, or air conditioning vents.
    • Make sure the product is not exposed to high temperatures or extreme humidity.
      • Very dry (low humidity) conditions can increase the amount of background shading .
      • Very wet (high humidity) conditions can fog up the laser scanner optics, cause drop-outs , cause uneven dark, light or fuzzy print , or leave water droplets on the printed page.
    • Remove the product from confined spaces such as a cabinet.
    • Remove anything blocking the top vents. Make sure that there is good air flow throughout the product, including the top.
    • Protect the product from airborne debris, steam, grease, or other elements that can leave residue inside the product.
  2. Try again to print.
  • If these steps resolved the issue , you do not need to continue troubleshooting.
  • If the issue persists , see the next solution.
Solution five: Check the product connections
Devices attached between the computer and the product, or between the product and the wall outlet, can sometimes interfere with communication to and from the product. This can result in character shadows, areas of fuzzy or dark print, or toner marks. To resolve this issue, follow these steps:
  1. Connect the product directly to the computer.
  2. Connect the product directly to the wall outlet.
  3. Try again to print.
  • If these steps resolved the issue , you do not need to continue troubleshooting.
  • If the issue persists , see the next solution.
Solution six: Clean inside the product
During the printing process, paper, toner, and dust particles can accumulate inside the product. Over time, this buildup can cause print quality issues such as toner specks, smears, or marks. To resolve this issue, follow these steps to clean inside the product using Toolbox .
NOTE: This solution might require the full HP software. If you did not install the full software when you installed your product, right-click the following link to go to the Software and Drivers page to download and install it now.
  1. Open Toolbox .
    • Windows XP: Click Start ( ), click All Programs , click HP , click your product, and then click HP Color LaserJet CP1210 Series Toolbox .
    • Windows Vista: Click the Windows icon ( ), click All Programs , click HP , click your product, and then click HP Color LaserJet CP1210 Series Toolbox .
  2. Click the Help folder, and then click the Troubleshooting page.
  3. In the Cleaning Mode area, click Start to begin the cleaning process.
    A page feeds through the product slowly. Recycle or discard the page when the process ends.
  4. Try printing again.
  • If these steps resolved the issue , you do not need to continue troubleshooting.
  • If the issue persists , see the next solution.
Solution seven: Check the driver settings
Try to resolve the issue by adjusting the driver settings.
Step one: Check the printer default
  1. Open the Printer or the Printers and Faxes window.
    • Windows XP : Click Start , and click Printers and Faxes .
    • Windows Vista : Click the Vista icon ( ), click Control Panel , click Hardware and Sound , and then click Printer .
  2. Find your product, and check whether it is selected as the default printer.
    • If the product icon appears with a checkmark ( ), skip to the next step.
    • If the product icon does not appear with a checkmark ( ), right-click the product icon, and select Set as Default Printer .
NOTE: If the wrong printer driver is selected during software installation, toner marks or smears might show on the printed page.
Step two: Check the paper type, print quality, and color mode settings
  1. In the Printer or the Printers and Faxes window, right-click the product icon, and then click Printing Preferences .
  2. Click the Paper/Quality tab.
  3. In the Type is drop-down list, click the paper or media type you are using.
    • For thinner paper, select Light or Thin .
    • For thicker paper, select Heavy or Thick .
    TIP
    HP does not recommend the use of heavily textured paper, extremely thin paper, or paper with a basis weight heavier than 90 g/m2 (24 lb).
  4. If you are experiencing the following issues, change the settings in the Type is drop-down list to adjust the fuse temperature.
    TIP
    Unlike ink printers, laser printers use heat to fuse a plastic toner to the surface of the paper. Make sure that you use heat-resistant paper, and labels and envelopes that use adhesives compatible with the heat and pressure of the product’s fusing process.
    Paper is curled or wavy
    • Decrease the fuse temperature. To do this, click Light , Thin or Transparency .
    • Use the archive print feature to improve toner fusing. To do this, click Archive or Bond .
    Printout has areas of fuzzy or dark print, or toner scatter
    • Increase the fuse temperature setting. To do this, click Heavy or Thick .
    • If this does not resolve the fuzzy, dark print, or toner scatter issues, use a lower basis weight or thinner paper.
  5. If you are experiencing the following issues, change the settings in the Print Quality area.
    Entire page is too dark
    1. Click 600 dpi from the drop-down list.
    2. Select the EconoMode check box.
    Entire page is too light
    1. Click FastRes 1200 from the drop-down list.
    2. Click the EconoMode check box to clear it.
  6. If the document is printing in black when it should be printing in color , click the Color tab, and then click the Print in Grayscale check box to clear it.
  7. When you finish changing the settings, click Apply , click OK , and then close the Printing Preferences window.
Step three: Check the print density settings
  1. In the Printer or the Printers and Faxes window, right-click the product icon, and then click Properties .
  2. Click the Device Settings tab.
  3. If you are experiencing the following issues, change the Print Density settings.
    • Printout has areas of gray shading or a gray background
      Decrease the print density setting. To do this, slide the bar to the left .
    • Printout has light, dull or faded areas
      Increase the print density setting. To do this, slide the bar to the right .
  4. Click Apply , click OK , and then close the Properties window.
  5. Try the print job again.
    If these steps do not resolve a light, dull or faded issue, a print cartridge is almost empty. See Solution eleven: Identify and replace the problem print cartridge .
Solution eight: Print a configuration page
Follow these steps to print a configuration page to test the hardware.
  1. On the product control panel, press and hold the Resume button ( ) for 2 to 3 seconds.
    Figure 3: Example of a configuration page
    Example of a calibration page
  2. Check the configuration page.
    Example of how the color alignment bars look when the calibration is correctExample of how the color alignment bars look when the calibration is incorrect
    Example of the color alignment bars when the calibration is correctExample of the color alignment bars when the calibration is incorrect
    • If the configuration page prints correctly , try printing again. If you are still experiencing print quality issues, see the next solution.
    • If the configuration page does not print correctly , see Solution ten: Calibrate the printer .
Solution nine: Restart the printer and the computer and try printing again
Consider bookmarking this page on your Web browser, so that you can reference it after restarting the computer.
  1. Flip the power switch to turn off the product.
  2. Restart the computer.
  3. Flip the power switch again to turn on the product.
  4. Try again to print.
Solution ten: Calibrate the printer
Follow these steps to calibrate the product.
  1. Open Toolbox .
    • Windows XP: Click Start ( ), click All Programs , click HP , click your product, and then click HP Color LaserJet CP1210 Series Toolbox .
    • Windows Vista: Click the Windows icon ( ), click All Programs , click HP , click your product, and then click HP Color LaserJet CP1210 Series Toolbox .
  2. Click the Device Settings folder, and then click the Print Quality page.
  3. Under Print Quality , click Calibrate next to Calibrate Now .
  4. Click OK when the 'Your request has been sent to the device ' message appears on the computer. The calibration process begins.
    NOTE: Calibration might take 2 to 3 minutes. Do not turn the product off during calibration.
  5. When calibration ends, try printing again.
    • If the issue is resolved, stop troubleshooting.
    • If you are still experiencing print quality issues, repeat steps 1 through 5 in this solution. You can recalibrate the printer as many as 3 times. If, after 3 calibration attempts, you are still experiencing print quality issues, see the next solution.
Solution eleven: Identify and replace the problem print cartridge
Follow these steps to identify and replace the problem print cartridge.
Step one: Identify the problem print cartridge
Follow these steps print a Print quality troubleshooting page to identify which print cartridge is causing the issue.
  1. Open Toolbox .
  2. Click the Help folder, and then click the Troubleshooting page.
  3. Click Print , to print the page.
    The page prints five bands of color, which are divided into four overlapping sections. By examining each section, you can isolate the problem to a particular print cartridge.
    Figure 4: Print quality troubleshooting page bands
    Illustration: Print quality troubleshooting bands.
    1 - Yellow
    2 - Cyan
    3 - Black
    4 - Magenta
    • If a mark or line appears in only one section, replace the print cartridge that corresponds to that section.
    • If a mark or line appears in more than one section, replace the print cartridge that matches the color of the mark or line.
Step two: Replace the problem print cartridge and try printing again
These steps are only basic instructions for installing a new print cartridge. If you prefer detailed steps, see step-by-step instructions on replacing print cartridges (c01548609) (in English).
  1. Remove the old print cartridge.
  2. Remove the new print cartridge from its packaging.
  3. Remove the orange, plastic shield from the bottom of the new print cartridge. Do not remove the protective tape from the print cartridge yet.
  4. Insert the new print cartridge into its color-coded slot.
  5. Pull the tab on the left side of the print cartridge straight up to completely remove the protective tape.
  6. Wait until the product is idle and silent, and then try the print job again.
  • If these steps resolved the issue , you do not need to continue troubleshooting.
  • If the issue persists , see the next solution.
Solution twelve: Service the product
If you have completed all the steps listed above and are still experiencing a problem, service the product.
Causes
Review the following tables for possible causes of print quality issues.
SymptomCauses
Character shadowsPaper quality is poor
Product is not connected directly to computer or wall outlet
Crooked or skewed outputPaper fed incorrectly due to paper type or poor paper quality
Media guides are too tight or too loose
Color does not print at allColor mode is not selected in the software program or printer driver
Correct printer driver is not selected in the software program
Product not correctly configured
Colors not printing or inaccurateSealing tape still on the print cartridges
Print cartridge is damaged
Paper quality is poor, likely due to extremely high or low humidity
Color printing inconsistently after installing new cartridgeThe product is set to override the Replace <Color> Cartridge message and to continue printing
Another print cartridge is damaged
Colors on the printed page do not match the colors on the screenColors on the computer monitor might differ from the product output
Software program might interpret extremely light colors as white or extremely dark colors as black
Paper quality is poor
Curled or wavy paperPaper quality is poor
Paper is too thin
Fuse temperature is too high
Toner fuse setting needs adjusting
Distorted charactersPaper quality is poor
Paper is too glossy or too textured
Product is not connected directly to computer or wall outlet
Dropped edgesPaper quality is poor
Dropped out textPaper quality is poor
Paper is too thick or too glossy and is resisting the toner
Print cartridge is almost empty
Print cartridge is damaged
Paper path is dirty
Dull, faded or light textPaper quality is poor
Paper is too thick or too glossy and is resisting the toner
Print cartridge is almost empty
Print cartridge is damaged
Print settings need adjusting
Paper path is dirty
Finish on the printed color page is inconsistentPaper path is dirty
Paper too rough
Fuzzy, blurry, or bold areasPaper quality is poor
Extreme humidity conditions
Product is exposed to environmental conditions
Product is not connected directly to computer or wall outlet
Print settings need adjusting
Print cartridge is damaged
Gray shading or backgroundPaper quality is poor, likely due to extremely high or low humidity
Paper tray is not correctly in place
Product is not connected directly to computer or wall outlet
Print settings need adjusting
Print cartridge is damaged
Marks repeat on unprinted side of pagePaper path is dirty
The fuser might be damaged or dirty.
Toner smearsPaper is too glossy and is resisting the toner
Print cartridge is damaged
Toner specksPaper is too thick or too glossy and is resisting the toner
Print cartridge is damaged
Paper path is dirty
Streaks or vertical linesPrint cartridge is almost empty
Print cartridge is damaged
Paper path is dirty
Streaks or vertical lines (photos)Print cartridge is almost empty
Print cartridge is damaged
Product is not connected directly to computer or wall outlet
Repeating imageSoftware settings need adjusting
Power surge might have affected the product
Order of images printed might affect printing
Repetitive marks at even intervalsPaper path is dirty
Product is not connected directly to computer or wall outlet
Vertical white stripes or bandingPrint cartridge is almost empty
Print cartridge is damaged
Scanner is dirty
Water droplets on the printed pageExtremely high humidity
Wrinkled or creased paperPaper fed incorrectly
Media guides are too tight or too loose
Paper type is too thin, too textured, or too moist
Media path is obstructed


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