HP LaserJet 3050 User Manual

							3.Click  Properties , or click Printing Preferences .
4. Change the settings, and click  OK.
Identifying and correcting print defects
Use the checklist and print-quality issues charts in this section to solve print-quality problems.
Print-quality checklist
General print-quality problems can be solved by using the following checklist:
1. Make sure that the paper or print media that you are using meets specifications. See 
Media
specifications. Generally, smoother paper provides better results.
2. If you are using a special print media such as labels, transparencies, g\
lossy, or letterhead,
ensure that you have printed by type. See 
Controlling print jobs.
3. Print a Configuration page and Supplies Status page at the all-in-one control panel. See
Information pages . (HP LaserJet 3390/3392 all-in-one)
● Check the Supplies Status page to see if any supplies are low or empty. No information is
provided for non-HP print cartridges. (HP LaserJet 3390/3392 all-in-one)
● If the pages do not print correctly, the
 problem is with the hardware. Contact HP Customer
Care. See 
HP Customer Care  or the flyer that came in the all-in-one box.
4. Print a Demo page from the HP ToolboxFX. If the page prints, the problem\
 is with the printer
driver. Try printing from another printer driver. For  example, if you are using the PCL 6 printer
driver, print from the PS printer driver.
● Use the Add Printer Wizard in the  Printers (or Printers and Faxes in Windows XP) dialog
box to install the PS driver.
5. Try printing from a different program. If the  page prints correctly, the problem is with the
program from which you were printing.
6. Restart the computer and the all-in-one and try  printing again. If the problem is not resolved,
see 
General print-quality issues .
General print-quality issues
The following examples depict letter-size paper that has passed through the all-in-one short-edge-
first. These examples illustrate problems that would affect all of the pages that you print. The topics
that follow list the typical cause and solution for each of these examples.
ProblemCauseSolution
Print is light or faded. The media might not meet
HP specifications.Use media that meets
HP specifications. See 
Mediaspecifications
.
The print cartridge might be low. If you
use a non-HP print cartridge, no
messages appear on the all-in-one
control panel or in the HP ToolboxFX. Replace the print cartridge. See
Changing the print cartridge
.
If the print cartridge is not low or
empty, inspect the toner roller to see if
the roller is damaged. If it is, replace
the print cartridge.
ENWW Print problems 333
 
						

							ProblemCauseSolution
If the whole page is light, the print
density adjustment is too light or
EconoMode might be turned on.Adjust the print density, and disable
EconoMode in the all-in-one Properties.
Toner specks appear.The media might not meet
HP specifications.Use media that meets
HP specifications. See Mediaspecifications.
The paper path might need cleaning.Clean the paper path. See Cleaningthe paper path, or see the
HP ToolboxFX online Help.
Dropouts appear.A single sheet of print media might be
defective.Try reprinting the job.
The moisture content of the paper is
uneven or the paper has moist spots
on its surface.Try different paper, such as high-
quality paper that is intended for laser
printers. See 
Media specifications .
The paper lot is flawed. The
manufacturing processes can cause
some areas to reject toner.Try different paper, such as high-
quality paper that is intended for laser
printers. See 
Media specifications.
The print cartridge might be defective.Replace the print cartridge. SeeChanging the print cartridge.
If the error persists, contact
HP Customer Care. See 
HP CustomerCare  or the support flyer that came in
the all-in-one box.
Vertical streaks or bands appear on the
page.The print cartridge might be low or
defective. If you are using a non-
HP print cartridge, no messages
appear on the all-in-one control panel
or in the HP ToolboxFX. Replace the print cartridge. SeeChanging the print cartridge
.
334 Chapter 13   Troubleshooting ENWW
 
						

							ProblemCauseSolution
The amount of background toner
shading becomes unacceptable.The media might not meet
HP specifications.Use a different paper with a lighter
basis weight. See Media specifications.
The single-sheet priority input tray
might be installed incorrectly.Make sure that the single-sheet priority
input tray is in place.
The print-density setting is too high.Decrease the print-density setting
through HP  ToolboxFX or the
embedded Web server. This decreases
the amount of background shading.
Very dry (low humidity) conditions can
increase the amount of background
shading.Check the all-in-one environment.
The print cartridge might be low. If you
are using a non-HP print cartridge, no
messages appear on the all-in-one
control panel or in the HP ToolboxFX.Replace the print cartridge. SeeChanging the print cartridge.
Toner smears appear on the media.The media might not meet
HP specifications.Use media that meets
HP specifications. See 
Mediaspecifications .
If toner smears appear on the leading
edge of the paper, the media guides
are dirty, or debris has accumulated in
the print path.Clean the media guides and the paper
path. See Cleaning the paper path.
The print cartridge might be low. If you
are using a non-HP print cartridge, no
messages appear on the all-in-one
control panel or in the HP ToolboxFX.Replace the print cartridge. See
Changing the print cartridge .
The fuser temperature might be too low.In the printer driver, make sure the
appropriate media type is selected.
The toner smears easily when touched.The all-in-one is not set to print on the
type of media on which you want to
print.In the printer driver, select the  Paper
tab and set  Type is to match the type
of media on which you are printing.
Print speed might be slower if you are
using heavy paper.
The media might not meet
HP specifications.Use media that meets
HP specifications. See Mediaspecifications .
The paper path might need cleaning.Clean the all-in-one. See Cleaning theall-in-one.
The power source might be defective.Plug the all-in-one directly into an AC
outlet instead of into a power strip.
The print cartridge might be low. If you
are using a non-HP print cartridge, no
messages appear on the all-in-one
control panel or in the HP ToolboxFX.Replace the print cartridge. See
Changing the print cartridge.
Marks repeatedly appear at even
intervals on the page. The all-in-one is not set to print on the
type of media on which you want to
print.In the printer driver, make sure that the
appropriate media type is selected.
Print speed might be slower if you are
using heavy paper.
Internal parts might have toner on them. The problem typically corrects itself
after a few more pages.
ENWW Print problems 335
 
						

							ProblemCauseSolution
The paper path might need cleaning.Clean the all-in-one. See Cleaning theall-in-one.
The print cartridge might be damaged.If a repetitive mark occurs at the same
spot on the page, install a new HP print
cartridge. See 
Changing the printcartridge.
The printed page contains misformed
characters.The media might not meet
HP specifications.Use a different paper, such as high-
quality paper that is intended for laser
printers. See 
Media specifications .
If characters are incorrectly formed so
that they produce a wavy effect, the
laser scanner might need service.Verify that the problem also occurs on
the Configuration page. If so, contact
HP Customer Care. See 
HP CustomerCare or the support flyer that came in
the all-in-one box.
The printed page is curled or wavy.The all-in-one is not set to print on the
type of media on which you want to
print.In the printer driver, make sure the
appropriate media type is selected.
If the problem persists, select a media
type that uses a lower fuser
temperature, such as transparencies or
light media.
The media might have been in the
input tray too long.Turn over the stack of media in the
tray. Also, try rotating the media 180°
in the input tray.
The paper path is curling the media.Open the rear output door to print to
the straight-through output path.
The media might not meet
HP specifications.Use a different paper, such as high-
quality paper that is intended for laser
printers. See 
Media specifications .
Both high temperature and humidity
can cause paper curl.Check the all-in-one environment.
Text or graphics are skewed on the
printed page.The media might be loaded incorrectly
or the input tray might be too full.Verify that the media is loaded
correctly and that the media guides are
not too tight or too loose against the
stack. See 
Loading media into the
input trays.
The media might not meet
HP specifications. Use a different paper, such as high-
quality paper that is intended for laser
printers. See 
Media specifications
.
336 Chapter 13   Troubleshooting ENWW
 
						

							ProblemCauseSolution
The printed page contains wrinkles or
creases.The media might be loaded incorrectly
or the input tray might be too full.Turn over the stack of paper in the
input tray, or try rotating the paper 180°
in the input tray.
Verify that the media is loaded
correctly and that the media guides are
not too tight or too loose against the
stack. See 
Loading media into theinput trays.
The media might not meet
HP specifications.Use a different paper, such as high-
quality paper that is intended for laser
printers. See 
Media specifications .
The paper path is curling the media.Open the rear output door to print to
the straight-through output path.
Air pockets inside envelopes can
cause them to wrinkle.Remove the envelope, flatten it, and try
printing again.
Toner appears around the printed
characters.The media might be loaded incorrectly.Turn over the stack of paper in the tray.
If large amounts of toner have
scattered around the characters, the
paper might have high resistivity.Use a different paper, such as high-
quality paper that is intended for laser
printers. See 
Media specifications.
An image that appears at the top of the
page (in solid black) repeats farther
down the page (in a gray field).Software settings might affect image
printing.In your software program, change the
tone (darkness) of the field in which the
repeated image appears.
In your software program, rotate the
whole page 180° to print the lighter
image first.
The order of images printed might
affect printing.Change the order in which the images
are printed. For example, have the
lighter image at the top of the page,
and the darker image farther down the
page.
A power surge might have affected the
all-in-one. If the defect occurs later in a print job,
turn the all-in-one off for 10 minutes,
and then turn on the all-in-one to
restart the print job.
Media-handling problems
Use the information in this section when the all-in-one experiences media-handling problems.
ENWW Print problems 337
 
						

							Print-media guidelines
●For best results, make sure that the paper is of good quality, and free of cuts, nicks, tears,
spots, loose particles, dust, wrinkles, voids, 
staples, and curled or bent edges.
● For best-quality printing, use a smooth type of paper. Generally, smoother media produces
better results. For more information, see 
Media specifications.
● If you are unsure what type of paper you are loading (such as bond or recycled), check the label
on the package of paper.
● Do not use media that is designed for Inkjet printers only. Use media that is designed for
LaserJet printers.
● Do not use letterhead paper that is printed with low-temperature inks, such as those used in
some types of thermography.
● Do not use raised or embossed letterhead.
● The all-in-one uses heat and pressure to fuse toner to the paper. Make sure that any colored
paper or preprinted forms use inks that are compatible with this fusing temperature (200°C or
392°F for 0.1 second).
CAUTION
Failure to follow these guidelines could cause jams or damage to the all-in-one.
Solving print-media problems
The following problems with media cause print-quality deviations, jamming, or even damage to the
all-in-one.
ProblemCauseSolution
Poor print quality or toner adhesionThe paper is too moist, too rough, too
heavy or too smooth, or it is embossed
or from a faulty paper lot.Try another kind of paper, between 100
and 250 Sheffield, with 4 to 6%
moisture content.
Dropouts, jamming, or curlThe paper has been stored incorrectly.Store paper flat in its moisture-proof
wrapping.
The paper has variability from one side
to the other.Turn the paper over.
Excessive curlThe paper is too moist, has the wrong
grain direction, or is of short-grain
constructionOpen the rear output bin, or use long-
grain paper.
The paper varies from side-to-side.Turn the paper over.
Jamming, damage to all-in-oneThe paper has cutouts or perforations.Use paper that is free of cutouts or
perforations.
Problems with feeding The paper has ragged edges.Use high-quality paper that is made for
laser printers.
The paper varies from side-to-side.Turn the paper over.
The paper is too moist, too rough, too
heavy or too smooth, has the wrong
grain direction, or is of short-grain Try another kind of paper, between 100
and 250 Sheffield, 4 to 6% moisture
content.
Open the rear output bin, or use long-
grain paper.
338 Chapter 13   Troubleshooting
ENWW
 
						

							ProblemCauseSolution
construction or it is embossed or from
a faulty paper lot.
Print is skewed (crooked).The media guides might be incorrectly
adjusted.Remove all media from the input tray,
straighten the stack, and then load the
media in the input tray again. Adjust
the media guides to the width and
length of the media that you are using
and try printing again.
More than one sheet feeds at one time.The media tray might be overloaded.Remove some of the media from the
tray. See 
Loading media into the inputtrays.
The media might be wrinkled, folded,
or damaged.Verify that the media is not wrinkled,
folded, or damaged. Try printing on
media from a new or different package.
The all-in-one does not pull media from
the media input tray. The all-in-one might be in manual feed
mode.●
If 
Manual feed  appears on the all-
in-one control-panel display, press
 to print the job.
● Verify that the all-in-one is not in
manual feed mode and print your
job again.
The pickup roller might be dirty or
damaged.Contact HP Customer Care. SeeHP Customer Care or the support flyer
that came in the all-in-one box.
The paper-length adjustment control in
tray 2 or optional tray 3 (HP LaserJet
3390/3392 all-in-one only) is set at a
length that is greater than the media
size. Adjust the paper-length adjustment
control to the correct length.
Performance problems
Try the tips in this section if pages exit the 
all-in-one, but have nothing printed on them, or when the
all-in-one does not print any pages.
ProblemCauseSolution
Pages print but are totally blank.The sealing tape might still be in the
print cartridge.Verify that the sealing tape has been
completely removed from the print
cartridge.
The document might contain blank
pages.Check the document that you are
printing to see if content appears on all
of the pages.
The all-in-one might be malfunctioning.To check the all-in-one, print a
Configuration page. See 
Configurationpage .
 Certain media types can slow the print
job.Print on a different type of media.
Pages did not print. The all-in-one might not be pulling
media correctly.See Media-handling problems
.
ENWW Print problems 339
 
						

							ProblemCauseSolution
The media is jamming in the all-in-one.Clear the jam. See Clearing jams.
The USB cable might be defective or
incorrectly connected. ● Disconnect the USB cable at both
ends and reconnect it.
● Try printing a job that has printed
in the past.
● Try using a different USB cable.
Other devices are running on your
computer. The all-in-one might not share a USB
port. If you have an external hard drive
or network switchbox that is connected
to the same port as the all-in-one, the
other device might be interfering. To
connect and use the all-in-one, you
must disconnect the other device or
you must use two USB ports on the
computer.
340 Chapter 13   Troubleshooting
ENWW
 
						

							Fax problems
Problems receiving faxes
Use the table in this section to solve problems that might occur when receiving faxes.
NOTEYou must use the fax cord that came with the all-in-one in order to ensure that the all-
in-one functions correctly.
ProblemCauseSolution
The all-in-one cannot receive faxes
from an extension telephone.The extension-telephone setting might
be disabled.See Making an extension telephone
available to receive faxes  for
instructions about changing this setting.
The fax cord might not be securely
connected.Verify that the fax cord is securely
connected between the telephone jack
and the all-in-one (or another device
that is connected to the all-in-one).
Press 1-2-3 in sequence (tone-dial
mode only), wait for three seconds,
and then hang up.
The all-in-one dialing mode might be
incorrectly set, or the extension phone
might be incorrectly set.Verify that the all-in-one dialing mode
is set to  Tone. See Selecting tone-dialing or pulse-dialing mode . Verify
that the extension phone is set up for
tone dialing as well.
Incoming fax calls are not being
answered by the all-in-one. The answer mode might be set to
Manual.If the answer mode is set to 
Manual,
the all-in-one does not answer calls.
You have to start the fax-receiving
process manually. See 
Setting theanswer mode  for more information.
The rings-to-answer setting might not
be set correctly.Check the rings-to-answer setting for
your configuration. See Changing therings-to-answer setting  to determine
which setting you need.
The answer-ring pattern feature might
be turned on, but you do not have the
service, or you do have the service and
the feature is not set correctly.Check the answer-ring pattern feature
to verify that it is set properly. See
Changing ring patterns (distinctive ring) .
The fax cord might not be correctly
connected, or the fax cord is not
working.See the Getting Started Guide to check
the installation. Verify that you are
using the fax cord that came with the
all-in-one.
The all-in-one might not be able to
detect incoming fax tones because the
answering machine is playing a voice
message.Re-record your answering machine
message, leaving at least two seconds
of silence at the beginning of the
message.
Too many devices might be connected
to the telephone line. You should not have more than three
devices attached to the line. Try
removing the last device that was
connected and determine whether the
all-in-one works. If not, continue
removing devices one at a time and
retry after removing each one.
ENWW
Fax problems 341
 
						

							ProblemCauseSolution
The telephone line might not be working.Do one of the following:
●Increase the volume on the all-in-
one, and then press 
Start Fax on
the control panel. If you hear a
dial tone, the telephone line is
working.
● Disconnect the all-in-one from the
telephone jack, and then connect
a telephone. Try to make a
telephone call to verify that the
telephone line is working.
Incoming fax calls are not being
answered by the all-in-one.A voice-messaging service might be
interfering with the all-in-one as it
attempts to answer calls.Do one of the following:
●Disable the messaging service.
● Get a telephone line that is
dedicated to fax calls.
● Set the all-in-one answer mode to
Manual. In manual mode, you
must start the fax-receive process
yourself. See 
Setting the answermode
 for more information.
● Leave the all-in-one set to
automatic mode and lower the
rings-to-answer setting for the all-
in-one to a number less than the
rings-to-answer setting for the
voice mail (see 
Changing the
rings-to-answer setting
). The all-in-
one will answer all incoming calls.
The all-in-one might be out of paper
and the memory is full.Refill the media input tray. Press .
The all-in-one prints all of the faxes it
has saved in memory and then
resumes answering fax calls.
Faxes are not printing.The media input tray is empty.Load media. Any faxes that are
received while the input tray is empty
are stored in memory and will print
after the tray has been refilled.
The receive-to-PC option might be
selected, and faxes are being received
by the computer.Check to determine whether the
computer is receiving faxes. See
Sending and receiving faxes by using acomputer .
Faxes are printing on two pages
instead of one.The autoreduction setting might not be
set correctly.Turn on the autoreduction setting. SeeChanging autoreduction settings forincoming faxes.
The incoming faxes might have been
sent on larger media.Adjust the autoreduction setting to
allow larger pages to be printed on one
page. See 
Changing autoreductionsettings for incoming faxes.
Received faxes are too light or are
printing only on half of the page. The all-in-one ran out of toner while
printing a fax. The all-in-one stores the most recently
printed faxes. (The amount of memory
342 Chapter 13   Troubleshooting
ENWW