HP PhotoSmart A626 User Manual

							Print postcards
Guidelines
• Use only cards and small media that meet the printer paper-size specifications. For
more information, see “
Printer specifications” on page 81.
• Do not exceed the paper tray capacity when loading media. For more information,
see “
Printer specifications” on page 81.
Prepare to print
1.Verify the printer is turned on.
2.Load cards. For more information, see “
Paper basics” on page 19.
Print
1.Open the Print Properties dialog box. For more information, see “
Printer Properties
dialog box” on page 39.
2.Click the Features tab, and then specify the following print settings:
•Paper Type: Click More, click Specialty Papers, and then select an appropriate
card type.
•Print Quality: Normal or Best
•Size: An appropriate card size
3.Select any other print settings that you want, and then click OK.
Use the Whats This? help to learn about the features that you see on the Printer
Properties dialog box. For more information, see “
Whats This? help” on page 40.
NOTE:If an out-of-paper message is displayed, see “Paper basics” on page 19 for
help in resolving the problem.
Related topics
“
Change the print settings for the print job” on page 43
Print black and white photos
Guidelines
• To print a photo that is already black and white you do not need to adjust the color
settings; simply follow the instructions for the type and size of photo you want to print.
See “
Print from a computer” on page 39 for some basic photo print options.
• To print a color photo in black and white, use the Print in grayscale color option.
To print in grayscale
1.Open the Print Properties dialog box. For more information, see “
Printer Properties
dialog box” on page 39.
2.Click the Color tab.
3.Select the Print in grayscale option.
4.Select any other print settings that you want, and then click OK.
Chapter 5
50 Print from a computer
 
						

							Print panoramic photos
For true panoramic printing, you must have taken a panoramic photo. Also, use
HP panorama paper 10 x 30 cm (4 x 12 inch).
To create a panoramic print from a non-panoramic photo, see the panorama photos
section of “
Specialty printing projects” on page 33.
Guidelines
• To learn how to use the photo printing features, see “
photo enhancing” on page 42.
• Verify that the photo paper you are using is not rippled or curled.
• Do not exceed the paper tray capacity when loading media. For more information,
see “
Printer specifications” on page 81.
• For maximum fade resistance, use HP Advanced Photo Paper.
Prepare to print
1.Verify the printer is turned on.
2.Load paper. For more information, see the “
Paper basics” on page 19 section.
Print
NOTE:If the software program you are using includes a photo printing feature, follow
the instructions that are provided with the software program. Otherwise, follow these
instructions.
1.Open the Print Properties dialog box. For more information, see “Printer Properties
dialog box” on page 39.
2.On the Printing Shortcuts tab, select Photo printing-borderless or Photo
printing-with white borders in the Printing Shortcuts list, then set the following
options:
•Print quality: Best
•Paper type: The appropriate photo paper type
•Paper size: The appropriate borderless photo panorama paper size
•Orientation: Portrait or Landscape
3.Set the following options as appropriate:
•“
HP Real Life technology options” on page 42
•“
Use advanced color settings” on page 45
•“
Print black and white photos” on page 50
4.Select any other print settings you want, then click OK.
Use Whats This? help to learn more details about each of the features in the Printer
Properties dialog box. For more information, see “
Whats This? help” on page 40.
Related topics
“
Change the print settings for the print job” on page 43
Print photos 51
 
						

							Print on index cards and other small media
Guidelines
• Use only cards and small media that meet the printer paper-size specifications.
• Do not exceed the paper tray capacity when loading media. For more information,
see “
Printer specifications” on page 81.
• Print quality decreases when printing on plain paper such as index cards. This is to
be expected and does not indicate a problem. Printing on plain paper is useful for
print jobs, such as drafts, where print quality is not important.
Prepare to print
1.Verify the printer is turned on.
2.Load paper. For more information, see the “
Paper basics” on page 19 section.
Print
1.Open the Print Properties dialog box. For more information, see “
Printer Properties
dialog box” on page 39.
2.Click the Features tab, and then specify the following print settings:
•Paper Type: Plain Paper
•Size: An appropriate card size
3.Select any other print settings that you want, and then click OK.
Use the Whats This? help to learn about the features that you see on the Printer
Properties dialog box. For more information, see “
Whats This? help” on page 40.
NOTE:If an out-of-paper message is displayed, see “Paper basics” on page 19 for
help in resolving the problem.
Related topics
“
Change the print settings for the print job” on page 43
HP Photosmart software
The HP Photosmart software coordinates the functions of HP imaging devices: scanners,
cameras, printers, and all-in-one devices. Depending on the devices you have installed
and their capabilities, you can quickly and easily organize, edit, and share digital images.
Organize, edit, and share digital images in creative ways
If you performed the default installation of the printer software, you also installed the
Photosmart Essential software. This software lets you easily:
• Print photos and digital images
• Transfer images from a camera or memory card
• Edit images
• Share photos with friends and family
For more information, see the HP Photosmart Software Help.
Chapter 5
52 Print from a computer
 
						

							6 Maintenance
This section contains basic maintenance procedures that can help keep your printer
performing well and producing top-quality photos.
•
Toolbox dialog box
•
Align the print cartridge
•
Clean the print cartridge automatically
•
View estimated ink levels
•
Insert or replace the print cartridge
•
Remove ink from your skin and clothing
•
Get print cartridge ordering information
•
Print a test page
•
Print a sample page
•
HP Digital Imaging Monitor icon
Toolbox dialog box
The Toolbox contains useful tools to enhance printer performance.
•
Open the Toolbox
•
Use the Toolbox
Open the Toolbox
From the Windows taskbar
1.
Double-click the HP Digital Imaging Monitor 
 icon.
2.Make sure the correct printer is selected, and then click the Settings button in the
HP Solution Center.
3.Select Print Settings > Printer Toolbox.
Use the Toolbox
Use the Toolbox to do the following:
•“
Align the print cartridge” on page 53
•“
Clean the print cartridge automatically” on page 54
•“
Print a test page” on page 57
•“
Print a sample page” on page 57
•“
View estimated ink levels” on page 54
•“
Get print cartridge ordering information” on page 56
•“
Configure Bluetooth” on page 26
Align the print cartridge
The printer automatically aligns the print cartridge after a new one is installed. You can
also align the print cartridge at other times to ensure optimal print quality. Indications that
Maintenance 53
 
						

							you need to align the print cartridge manually include documents that print at an angle,
colors not printing satisfactorily, or poor print quality.
To align the print cartridge from the printer
1.Load a sheet of HP Advanced Photo Paper in the input tray.
2.Touch the Menu icon in the quick touch frame, and then touch Cartridge.
3.Touch Align Cartridge and follow the prompts.
To align the print cartridge from a connected computer
1.Load a sheet of HP Advanced Photo Paper in the input tray.
2.Open the Toolbox dialog box. For more information, see “
Toolbox dialog box”
on page 53.
3.Click Align the Print Cartridges.
4.Click Align, and follow the onscreen instructions.
Clean the print cartridge automatically
If the printed pages are missing lines or dots or contain ink streaks, the print cartridge
might be low on ink or need to be cleaned.
CAUTION:Clean the print cartridge only when necessary. Unnecessary cleaning
wastes ink and shortens the life of the cartridge.
If the print cartridge is not low on ink, follow these steps to clean the cartridge either from
the printer or from a connected computer:
To clean the print cartridge from the printer
1.Touch the Menu icon on the quick touch frame, and then touch Cartridge.
2.Touch Clean Cartridge and follow the prompts.
To clean the print cartridge from a connected computer
1.Open the Toolbox dialog box. For more information, see “
Toolbox dialog box”
on page 53.
2.Click Clean the Print Cartridge.
3.Click Clean.
4.Follow the onscreen instructions.
If the documents are still missing lines or dots after cleaning, replace the print cartridge.
View estimated ink levels
You can view the estimated ink level of the print cartridge installed in the printer either
from a connected computer or on the printer itself.
Chapter 6
54 Maintenance
 
						

							NOTE:Ink from the cartridges is used in the printing process in a number of different
ways, including in the initialization process, which prepares the device and cartridges
for printing, and in printhead servicing, which keeps print nozzles clear and ink flowing
smoothly. In addition, some residual ink is left in the cartridge after it is used. For more
information see 
www.hp.com/go/inkusage.
To view the estimated ink level of the print cartridge on the printer itself
▲Check the ink level icon on the printer status bar at the top of the touch screen.
The ink-level icon shows the approximate amount of ink remaining in the cartridge
(100%, 75%, 50%, 25%, and nearly empty):
100%
75%
50%
25%
Low on ink (less than 25%).
To view the estimated ink level of the print cartridge from a connected computer
1.Open the Toolbox dialog box. For more information, see “
Toolbox dialog box”
on page 53.
2.Click the Estimated Ink Levels tab.
Insert or replace the print cartridge
Use the HP 110 Tri-color Inkjet print cartridge to print black-and-white and color photos.
HP Vivera Inks deliver true-to-life photo quality and exceptional fade resistance, resulting
in vivid colors that last. HP Vivera Inks are specially formulated and scientifically tested
for quality, purity, and fade resistance.
CAUTION:Check that you are using the correct print cartridges. Also, note that HP
does not recommend modifying or refilling HP cartridges. Damage that results from
modifying or refilling HP cartridges is not covered by the HP warranty.
For best print quality, HP recommends that you install all retail print cartridges before the
date stamped on the box.
Insert or replace the print cartridge 55
 
						

							To insert or replace a print cartridge
1.Make sure the power is on and you have removed the cardboard from inside the
printer.
2.Open the print cartridge door of the printer.
3.Remove the bright pink tape from the cartridge.
NOTE:Do not touch the copper-colored contacts on the print cartridge.
4.If you are replacing a cartridge, push down and pull outward on the cartridge in the
cradle to remove it.
5.Hold the replacement cartridge with the label on top. Slide the cartridge at a slight
upward angle into the cradle so the copper-colored contacts go in first. Push the
cartridge until it snaps into place.
6.Close the print cartridge door.
The printer starts print cartridge alignment. See “
Align the print cartridge”
on page 53 for more information.
Recycle the old cartridge. The HP Inkjet Supplies Recycling Program is available in
many countries/regions and lets you recycle used print cartridges free of charge. For
more information, go to 
www.hp.com/hpinfo/globalcitizenship/environment/recycle/
inkjet.html.
Remove ink from your skin and clothing
Follow these instructions to remove ink from your skin and clothing:
SurfaceRemedy
SkinWash the area with an abrasive soap.
White fabricWash the fabric in cold water and use chlorine
bleach.
Color fabricWash the fabric in cold water and use sudsy
ammonia.
CAUTION:Always use cold water to remove ink from fabric. Warm or hot water can
set the ink into the fabric.
Get print cartridge ordering information
To view print cartridge ordering information and order cartridges online
1.Open the Toolbox dialog box. For more information, see “
Toolbox dialog box”
on page 53.
2.Click the Estimated Ink Levels tab.
3.Click Print Cartridge Information.
If you are connected to the Internet, you can click the Shop Online button to order
cartridges online.
Chapter 6
56 Maintenance
 
						

							To order HP papers and other supplies, go to www.hp.com/buy/supplies. If prompted,
choose your country/region, follow the prompts to select your product, and then click one
of the shopping links on the page.
Print a test page
The information on a test page can be helpful if you need to contact HP support. It also
contains information about ink levels, print or ink cartridge performance, printer serial
number, and so on. You can print a test page either from the printer or, if the printer is
connected to a computer, from the printer driver software.
To print a test page from the printer
1.Touch the Menu icon on the quick touch frame.
2.Touch Tools, and then touch Print Test Page.
To print a test page from a computer
1.Open the Toolbox dialog box. For more information, see “
Toolbox dialog box”
on page 53.
2.Click the Device Services tab.
3.Click Print a Test Page.
4.Click Print Page.
Print a sample page
Print a sample page to test the printer photo printing quality and to make sure the paper
is loaded correctly.
To print a sample page from the printer
1.Touch the Menu icon on the quick touch frame.
2.Touch Tools, and then touch Print Sample Page.
To print a sample page from a computer
1.Open the Toolbox dialog box. For more information, see “
Toolbox dialog box”
on page 53.
2.Click the Device Services tab.
3.Click Print a Sample Page.
4.Click Print Page.
HP Digital Imaging Monitor icon
After you install the printer software, the HP Digital Imaging Monitor icon appears in the
Windows taskbar. This icon helps you perform a variety of tasks.
Print a test page 57
 
						

							The HP Digital Imaging Monitor icon shows the status of the printer:
The HP Digital Imaging Monitor icon has a green check mark when the printer is in an
idle state.
The HP Digital Imaging Monitor icon has an exclamation mark when there is an error. An
error message also appears. Click the error message or HP Digital Imaging Monitor icon
to return the icon to its idle state.
• Double-click the HP Digital Imaging Monitor icon to open the HP Solution Center.
• Right-click the HP Digital Imaging Monitor icon to select from the following menu
items:
•HP Photosmart A620 series > About: View the printer software version,
installed printers, and the printer name and serial number.
•Launch/Show HP Solution Center: Opens the HP Solution Center.
•About: Shows the version of the HP Digital Imaging Monitor icon.
•Close HP Digital Imaging Monitor: Removes the HP Digital Imaging Monitor
icon from the Windows taskbar. The icon reappears when you restart the
computer.
•HP Photosmart A620 series > Display Status: Describes the current status of
the printer.
Chapter 6
58 Maintenance
 
						

							7 Troubleshooting
Before contacting HP support, read this section for troubleshooting tips or go to the online
support services at 
www.hp.com/support.
Before you begin, make sure:
• All the cable connections between the printer and computer are secure.
• You are using the most recent version of the printer software.
TIP:HP recommends using a USB cable 3 meters (10 feet) or less in length. Using
a longer USB cable may cause errors.
This section contains troubleshooting information for the HP Photosmart A620 series
printer.
•
Software installation issues
•
Printing and hardware issues
•
Bluetooth printing problems
•
Device messages
Software installation issues
•The printer software did not install successfully
•
One or more system components did not meet minimum system requirements
•
The computer did not read the HP Photosmart CD
•
A There was an error writing to Dot4 message appeared
•
Missing HP Photosmart Software
The printer software did not install successfully
Cause:There may be a conflict with the virus protection application or another
software application that is running in the background on the computer that prevented
a successful software installation.
Solution:
1.Uninstall the printer software:
a. From the Windows Start menu, go to Programs > HP > HP Photosmart
A620 series > Uninstall Devices.
b. Follow the onscreen instructions.
2.Pause or disable any active virus protection applications.
3.Quit all software applications.
4.Reinstall the printer software according to the setup instructions that came with
the printer.
Troubleshooting 59