PhotoSmart C309a locks when copying

[StlJim]

It seems the printer locks up like it's waiting for the scanning lamp to warm up but never turns the lamp on.  When it works after a restart it pauses while the lamp warms up but it actually turns the lamp on then completes the scan.  For me waking the printer like performing a print job or opening the CD tray, etc. does not make the function work normally, it only works if you power cycle the printer before trying to fax, scan or copy.  Keeping it powered off until use would make it work but is a ridiculous solution.  It is very annoying to wait for the printer to go through its startup routine.  I don't know what it is all doing but it takes longer to start from cold then most laser printers I've seen.  It does seem to use way too much ink, I don't know if the amount you get in the cartridges is a lot less (even though they are more expensive) or if it somehow wastes ink.  I replaced the original cartridges with the XL cartridges and now in short order they are almost empty and I don't do that much printing.  The PhotoSmart 2610 I had did not use even half as much ink under the same conditions.  One of the main features that influenced me to buy this printer was the DVD-CD printing function and that works well but I seem to have given up more then I gained.  Over all I can see why they discontinued this printer, I don't know if the newer ones are any better but I would be afraid to invest in one given the way HP is handling these problems.  Has anyone else made these observations with the scanning lamp starting or not starting?

[cheche13579]

Another user chiming in with this same problem as described, but unfortunately no solutions. Will be very interested to hear a fix from HP

[StlJim]

I found another thread on HP's forums regarding some issues with the Bluetooth on this printer and they have received the same kind of run around from HP that the people in this thread have received.  Someone there suggested the possibility that the firmware on this printer may not be field flashable and that may be why no firmware updates are available.  It would seem if HP cared about their loyal customers they would offer some kind of fix or compensation for the customers that were unfortunate enough to have purchased one of these problem printers.  There is also another thread about this printer concerning something that is listed as a firmware upgrade for users using XP that refuses to install.  The information from HP says that the firmware number does not increment with this upgrade which would seem to suggest it is not a true firmware upgrade they also say it is only for users with network problems running XP.  Again, the customers got the seemingly standard run around from HP.  I found these other threads by searching on my firmware number.  People were comparing their firmware numbers like they have in this thread.  Maybe we should start a new thread that combines all of the problems with this PhotoSmart C309a, it seems we have a lot in common.  I would hope that someone at HP monitors these forums to help them provide better service but that does not seem to be happening.

[peddlerp]

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StlJim wrote:

I found another thread on HP's forums regarding some issues with the Bluetooth on this printer and they have received the same kind of run around from HP that the people in this thread have received.  Someone there suggested the possibility that the firmware on this printer may not be field flashable and that may be why no firmware updates are available.  It would seem if HP cared about their loyal customers they would offer some kind of fix or compensation for the customers that were unfortunate enough to have purchased one of these problem printers.  There is also another thread about this printer concerning something that is listed as a firmware upgrade for users using XP that refuses to install.  The information from HP says that the firmware number does not increment with this upgrade which would seem to suggest it is not a true firmware upgrade they also say it is only for users with network problems running XP.  Again, the customers got the seemingly standard run around from HP.  I found these other threads by searching on my firmware number.  People were comparing their firmware numbers like they have in this thread.  Maybe we should start a new thread that combines all of the problems with this PhotoSmart C309a, it seems we have a lot in common.  I would hope that someone at HP monitors these forums to help them provide better service but that does not seem to be happening.

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Some good information. 

Based upon the comments from HP in this thread... oh sorry, there have not been any comments from HP in this thread.  I know they care.  They must NOT read this forum!

[Goobar]

Please keep this one alive - I have the same problem.

HP fix it - please!

[peddlerp]

As I've said in an earlier response, HP offered to replace my (almost) brand new unit with a 'replacement.'  I finally accepted, I received a Brown-box unit - obvious a refurb.  Since installing the new unit I have not had a repeat of the original problem.  Thank you HP.

NOTE:  The refurb unit is the printer only.  All accessories, things like faceplate, paper trays, power cords, etc. are not included.  You will need to take these items from your unit and replace them in the new unit.  No biggie... but after several months, I went to print on a CD and realized that I did not take the CD tray from the original... oh well!

[Goobar]

The unit I have now was a replacement for a wireless fault 3 months before the end of warranty, was replace around August last your IIRC. You may have gotten a recent firmware because my unit continues to hang when I try to fax or scan.

This can be serious problem especially if you expect  an important fax to be sent only to find out that it never got there because your fax machine froze.

So HP please take note, there are many situations where this could cause serious problems, {Content Removed: no legal discussion permitted} depending on your country.

As I speak, tha scan copy I initiated, times out, the machine displays "Cancelled" and is still flashing the power light and no copy! This is an unacceptable bug for such a "high end" machine.

I wonder if the 410a has the same issue? Sure looks the same, except its black.

[auquaholic]

I have the same issue. i wish HP could help. I think im just out of luck since its warrantee is expired. Extremely frustrating!!!

[StlJim]

It seems most have given up on a solution, I guess that is what usually happens if the company ignores it long enough.  I am very disappointed in HP, I guess there is no company one can count on to take care of their customers today.  I will be in a real quandary when I replace this printer, not knowing whose product to trust.  Too bad for this printer too as it had promise to be a really nice one.

[EEAndersen]

I dont know if this will help but I'll toss it out there. 

I also have a C309A that fails to print/scan/copy.  It is connected wirelessly, and I believe that problem stems from a poor "wake-up" when reconnecting to the network.

I have had some success if I cycle the Wireless Radio (in Network Setup).  That action forces a network reconnect.  I think a power cycle will do the same thing, but this a little faster.

My AIO has other issues, though.  HP makes great hardware, but not-so-good sopftware.