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Check some of the most frequent questions about Instant Ink: HP INSTANT INK, HP+ PLANS: INK AND TONER.


Check out our Black or Color Ink Not Printing, Other Print Quality Issues info about: Print quality and Cartridge Issues.
HP Recommended
HP OfficeJet 4650
Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit)

I have tried everything.  I'm beyond frustrated.  When I print my test page, all the stuff in color prints just fine, so I know it's not the cartridge that's bad, but if I print from any of the Office products it will only print in black & white.  I've removed the drivers, software, & printer from my computer, reloaded new drivers & software, re-installed printer, still only prints in black & white.  Did all that again & installed the universal print driver & still no color.  I can't even print pictures on photo paper in color.  Have been fighting this for several months.  I've loved this printer up until this problem.  Ready to trash it & get another brand of printer, which sucks because I have back up ink cartridges for it, so those will go to waste too.

1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION

Accepted Solutions
HP Recommended

@LindaLou323 

 

The test print uses a different mechanism to get the print to the printer.  At least that works.

 

============================================================

First, the more obvious - Power reset the printer:

 

The instructions to "Reset" the printer are included in this document.

I realize the printer does power on - we are just making use of the "reset" bits...

 Printer Does Not Turn On

Section Internal power supply > Step 1

 

============================================================

Now, what?

 

Assuming for the moment that all the ink does work, the following is more of a "scan the information" exercise. 

 

Nonetheless, it is worth a few minutes to make sure the printer really is working as expected.  If there is something going on that is impacting the color printing, it is worth the time to test.

 

Solutions

Black or Color Ink Not Printing, Other Print Quality Issues

 

Note

Before you follow the suggestion to remove the printer software (somewhere in that document) - consider:  The general uninstall steps have not worked - it may be time to hit that "uninstall" procedure a bit harder...

 

Consider - if you can stand it - completely remove the printer software (yes, again), this time removing even the crumbs of the software left in your user account.

 

“Not Working” – Software does not work, won’t install, or is generally “stuck in the mud”?

 

The Detailed Procedure – “All the bits and extra steps”

 

Things to Know

 

NOTE

This procedure does not address File System errors in Windows nor does it fix issues in your network that are blocking or failing to find and accept the device on the network. 

 

  • Read through the following text, then proceed with the steps that are relevant to your situation.

 

  • For best results, do not ignore the suggested Restart

 

  • Procedure includes optional “extra bits” clear and clean steps for the purpose of training and to help “troubled” software installations. Extra sections are marked with an asterisk pair “**” front and back.

 

  • In general, most installations tend to work better if Windows Updates and your other computer Updates are already installed and current.

 

IMPORTANT – Things are changing:

Not every printer offers the Full Feature Software as a direct download.

 

  1. If available, use the Easy Start method to install your software: During the installation, select the Full Feature Software (full driver) when the option to select the software is presented. The name of the “full driver” might vary by printer model.  For example, the software might be called “Full Solution Software” or simply “Full Driver”.
  2. After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

 

 

(Start)

 

** Printer Software – Blocked in Security Software **

 

Check your Security Software to make sure the printer software is not being blocked.  Most Security software will allow you to make an exception for applications / software you want to use on your computer.

 

If you make changes to the security software setup, Restart your computer and log in.

 

 

Uninstall Existing Printer Software

 

Uninstall existing printer software from Programs and Features

 

Method One - Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features >

Method Two - Settings > Apps > Apps and Features >

Search or Scroll down

Uninstall the printer software

After the software is removed, Restart the computer and log in

 

If printer software will not uninstall, appears to be removed and then shows up again, or is otherwise not “going away” when you tell it to do so, try an Uninstaller program.

Microsoft:  Fix problems that block programs from being installed or removed

 

 

** Uninstall - Printer Software – Lurking in the Device Manager **

 

Check / Verify:  If the printer is still lurking in the Device Manager, remove it.

Control Panel > icon view > Device Manager

Expand category Printers

If any unwanted printer name or “Unknown Device” is listed,

Right-Click on the printer / device > Uninstall

Expand category Imaging Devices

If any unwanted printer name or “Unknown Device” is listed,

Right-Click on the printer / device > Uninstall

Restart the computer and log in

 

 

** Uninstall - Printer Drivers – Lurking in Devices and Printers **

 

Check / Verify:  If the printer drivers are still lurking in Devices and Printers, remove driver(s) related to the printer.

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers

Left-Click on any unwanted Printer found in the Printers list

Clicking on a printer, displays options along the ribbon (near the top of the Devices and Printers window)

Click Print Server Properties > tab Drivers

Click on Driver(s) in list, select Remove > OK to exit menu

Back in Devices and Printers > Right-Click on the printer > Remove Device

Restart the computer and log in

 

 

** Uninstall - Printer Software – Lurking in the User Account **

 

Check / Verify:  Printer related files and folders are stored in the User AppData hierarchy.  If you have had trouble getting the printer to work, complete this step to delete printer files from the Temp folder and the Local\HP folder

 

Clear Temp Folder in AppData

 

Method One

Open File Explorer > Navigate to C:\Users\YourAccount\AppData\Local\Temp

OR

Method Two

Windows key + X + R (Run command) > type %temp%

 

Delete the files in the Temp folder (It is expected that some files cannot be deleted, ignore these)

Restart the computer and log in

 

Clear HP Printer mention in AppData\Local\HP

 

Open File Explorer > Navigate to C:\Users\YourAccount\AppData\Local\HP

Remove / Delete any folder named for the printer you wish to remove

 

 

Installation – Full Feature Software

 

NOTES

 

  • If using USB, disconnect the USB cable between the printer and the computer before starting the installation. Connect the cable when instructed to do so (toward the end of the installation procedure).

 

  • Some (newer) printer models (only) provide the "Easy Start" install method. When applicable, the Easy Start installation will be found in the Software and Drivers website support page > Category Software

 

 

  • Within Easy Start, you will be given the opportunity to install the software that is available for the printer
    • Look for / Select the "Full Driver" software

 

HP Documents

HP Printers - Finding Drivers, Apps, and Updates for HP Printers

HP Printers - Uninstalling the Printer Software (Windows)

HP Printers - Updating or Upgrading Printer Firmware

 

Install - Manual Installation of the Downloaded Printer Software

  • Open File Explorer
  • Navigate to the folder in which you saved the installation file  (likely Downloads)
  • Right-Click on the installation package and “Run as Administrator

 

 

NOTES

  1. If you use the Easy Start method, select the Full Feature Software (full driver) when the option to select the software is presented. The name of the “full driver” might vary by printer model.  For example, the software might be called “Full Solution Software”.
  2. After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

 

 

** Install - Optional - Video help **

 

NOTE:  Videos may be found in one or more locations (depending on printer / software / version)

Open the printer Software and Drivers page >

Scroll down and select Related Videos > Click View All >

Find and view the relevant video

 

AND / OR

 

** Install - Printer Homepage – “Things that are your printer” **

Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, Videos, Bulletins/Notices, How-to, Troubleshooting, User Guides, Product Information, more

Open the printer Website Support Homepage >

Scroll down and select Video Tutorials > Click View All >

Find and view the relevant video

 

AND / OR

 

Install - HP Collection of “how-to” videos

HP Video Gallery

  • Use Categories and the search window to narrow the search. 

For example,

Category Printers and All-in-Ones > Install, Setup, Drivers

  • Select your Video

 

 

Firmware

 

Consider installing the printer Firmware

READ (when provided) all information and instructions before installing the firmware

If / After the firmware is installed, Restart the computer and log in

 

Reminder:  Firmware is normally updated after the printer software is installed / functional.

 

===================================================

Install - Optional / Extras

 

** Install - Optional - For Windows 10 Users – Compatibility Mode **

 

If you have been having trouble getting the printer software to fully install (Printer Assistant is functional and Scanning works), consider using Compatibility.  Note that this method only fixes “one type” of difficulty; installing this way may – or may not – make the necessary difference.

 

Right-Click on the downloaded installation file > Properties > Compatibility 

Check "Run this program in compatibility mode for"

Select Windows 8 (or the closest you can find)

Click Apply and OK to close the Properties menu

Right-Click on the installation file and select to Run as Administrator

 

 

 

** Install – Optional - Port Issues - Create a TCP/IP port **

 

The assigned port may fail to connect the printer or certain printer activities (Scan).  Create / Switch to a TCP/IP Port to facilitate communication and prevent ‘offline’ issues

 

How-to “Create TCP Port” Contributed by  greenturtle:

 

Create TCP IP port

1. Print a Configuration Page to get the printer's IPv4 address (you can also tap on the wireless icon on the Front panel of your Printer to get the IP address)
2. On your PC, go to Control Panel, from Devices and Printers, Right-Click the printer and Left-Click Printer Properties, select the Ports tab.
3. Click Add Port, select Standard TCP/IP Port, then select New Port and follow the wizard.
4. Type in the proper IP address for the printer.

This video resource will show you how to do it:
Create & Use TCP IP port

Note that you can ALWAYS revert back to the original port that the HP software installed by selecting the HP port under the Ports tab (in Printer Properties)

 

(Finish)

 

 

Reference and Resources – Places to find (more) help and learn about your Printer

Clarification of terms and "what the printer can do" (Specifications)

Printer Homepage – “Things that are your printer”

NOTE:  Content depends on device type and Operating System

HP Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, Lots of How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, Access to the Print and Scan Doctor (Windows), User Guides, Product Information, more

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

HP OfficeJet 4650 All-in-One Printer series

 

Thank you for participating in the HP Community Forum.

We are a world community of HP enthusiasts dedicated to supporting HP technology.

Happy New Year 2020Happy New Year 2020

 

Dragon-Fur

View solution in original post

3 REPLIES 3
HP Recommended

@LindaLou323 

 

The test print uses a different mechanism to get the print to the printer.  At least that works.

 

============================================================

First, the more obvious - Power reset the printer:

 

The instructions to "Reset" the printer are included in this document.

I realize the printer does power on - we are just making use of the "reset" bits...

 Printer Does Not Turn On

Section Internal power supply > Step 1

 

============================================================

Now, what?

 

Assuming for the moment that all the ink does work, the following is more of a "scan the information" exercise. 

 

Nonetheless, it is worth a few minutes to make sure the printer really is working as expected.  If there is something going on that is impacting the color printing, it is worth the time to test.

 

Solutions

Black or Color Ink Not Printing, Other Print Quality Issues

 

Note

Before you follow the suggestion to remove the printer software (somewhere in that document) - consider:  The general uninstall steps have not worked - it may be time to hit that "uninstall" procedure a bit harder...

 

Consider - if you can stand it - completely remove the printer software (yes, again), this time removing even the crumbs of the software left in your user account.

 

“Not Working” – Software does not work, won’t install, or is generally “stuck in the mud”?

 

The Detailed Procedure – “All the bits and extra steps”

 

Things to Know

 

NOTE

This procedure does not address File System errors in Windows nor does it fix issues in your network that are blocking or failing to find and accept the device on the network. 

 

  • Read through the following text, then proceed with the steps that are relevant to your situation.

 

  • For best results, do not ignore the suggested Restart

 

  • Procedure includes optional “extra bits” clear and clean steps for the purpose of training and to help “troubled” software installations. Extra sections are marked with an asterisk pair “**” front and back.

 

  • In general, most installations tend to work better if Windows Updates and your other computer Updates are already installed and current.

 

IMPORTANT – Things are changing:

Not every printer offers the Full Feature Software as a direct download.

 

  1. If available, use the Easy Start method to install your software: During the installation, select the Full Feature Software (full driver) when the option to select the software is presented. The name of the “full driver” might vary by printer model.  For example, the software might be called “Full Solution Software” or simply “Full Driver”.
  2. After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

 

 

(Start)

 

** Printer Software – Blocked in Security Software **

 

Check your Security Software to make sure the printer software is not being blocked.  Most Security software will allow you to make an exception for applications / software you want to use on your computer.

 

If you make changes to the security software setup, Restart your computer and log in.

 

 

Uninstall Existing Printer Software

 

Uninstall existing printer software from Programs and Features

 

Method One - Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features >

Method Two - Settings > Apps > Apps and Features >

Search or Scroll down

Uninstall the printer software

After the software is removed, Restart the computer and log in

 

If printer software will not uninstall, appears to be removed and then shows up again, or is otherwise not “going away” when you tell it to do so, try an Uninstaller program.

Microsoft:  Fix problems that block programs from being installed or removed

 

 

** Uninstall - Printer Software – Lurking in the Device Manager **

 

Check / Verify:  If the printer is still lurking in the Device Manager, remove it.

Control Panel > icon view > Device Manager

Expand category Printers

If any unwanted printer name or “Unknown Device” is listed,

Right-Click on the printer / device > Uninstall

Expand category Imaging Devices

If any unwanted printer name or “Unknown Device” is listed,

Right-Click on the printer / device > Uninstall

Restart the computer and log in

 

 

** Uninstall - Printer Drivers – Lurking in Devices and Printers **

 

Check / Verify:  If the printer drivers are still lurking in Devices and Printers, remove driver(s) related to the printer.

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers

Left-Click on any unwanted Printer found in the Printers list

Clicking on a printer, displays options along the ribbon (near the top of the Devices and Printers window)

Click Print Server Properties > tab Drivers

Click on Driver(s) in list, select Remove > OK to exit menu

Back in Devices and Printers > Right-Click on the printer > Remove Device

Restart the computer and log in

 

 

** Uninstall - Printer Software – Lurking in the User Account **

 

Check / Verify:  Printer related files and folders are stored in the User AppData hierarchy.  If you have had trouble getting the printer to work, complete this step to delete printer files from the Temp folder and the Local\HP folder

 

Clear Temp Folder in AppData

 

Method One

Open File Explorer > Navigate to C:\Users\YourAccount\AppData\Local\Temp

OR

Method Two

Windows key + X + R (Run command) > type %temp%

 

Delete the files in the Temp folder (It is expected that some files cannot be deleted, ignore these)

Restart the computer and log in

 

Clear HP Printer mention in AppData\Local\HP

 

Open File Explorer > Navigate to C:\Users\YourAccount\AppData\Local\HP

Remove / Delete any folder named for the printer you wish to remove

 

 

Installation – Full Feature Software

 

NOTES

 

  • If using USB, disconnect the USB cable between the printer and the computer before starting the installation. Connect the cable when instructed to do so (toward the end of the installation procedure).

 

  • Some (newer) printer models (only) provide the "Easy Start" install method. When applicable, the Easy Start installation will be found in the Software and Drivers website support page > Category Software

 

 

  • Within Easy Start, you will be given the opportunity to install the software that is available for the printer
    • Look for / Select the "Full Driver" software

 

HP Documents

HP Printers - Finding Drivers, Apps, and Updates for HP Printers

HP Printers - Uninstalling the Printer Software (Windows)

HP Printers - Updating or Upgrading Printer Firmware

 

Install - Manual Installation of the Downloaded Printer Software

  • Open File Explorer
  • Navigate to the folder in which you saved the installation file  (likely Downloads)
  • Right-Click on the installation package and “Run as Administrator

 

 

NOTES

  1. If you use the Easy Start method, select the Full Feature Software (full driver) when the option to select the software is presented. The name of the “full driver” might vary by printer model.  For example, the software might be called “Full Solution Software”.
  2. After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

 

 

** Install - Optional - Video help **

 

NOTE:  Videos may be found in one or more locations (depending on printer / software / version)

Open the printer Software and Drivers page >

Scroll down and select Related Videos > Click View All >

Find and view the relevant video

 

AND / OR

 

** Install - Printer Homepage – “Things that are your printer” **

Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, Videos, Bulletins/Notices, How-to, Troubleshooting, User Guides, Product Information, more

Open the printer Website Support Homepage >

Scroll down and select Video Tutorials > Click View All >

Find and view the relevant video

 

AND / OR

 

Install - HP Collection of “how-to” videos

HP Video Gallery

  • Use Categories and the search window to narrow the search. 

For example,

Category Printers and All-in-Ones > Install, Setup, Drivers

  • Select your Video

 

 

Firmware

 

Consider installing the printer Firmware

READ (when provided) all information and instructions before installing the firmware

If / After the firmware is installed, Restart the computer and log in

 

Reminder:  Firmware is normally updated after the printer software is installed / functional.

 

===================================================

Install - Optional / Extras

 

** Install - Optional - For Windows 10 Users – Compatibility Mode **

 

If you have been having trouble getting the printer software to fully install (Printer Assistant is functional and Scanning works), consider using Compatibility.  Note that this method only fixes “one type” of difficulty; installing this way may – or may not – make the necessary difference.

 

Right-Click on the downloaded installation file > Properties > Compatibility 

Check "Run this program in compatibility mode for"

Select Windows 8 (or the closest you can find)

Click Apply and OK to close the Properties menu

Right-Click on the installation file and select to Run as Administrator

 

 

 

** Install – Optional - Port Issues - Create a TCP/IP port **

 

The assigned port may fail to connect the printer or certain printer activities (Scan).  Create / Switch to a TCP/IP Port to facilitate communication and prevent ‘offline’ issues

 

How-to “Create TCP Port” Contributed by  greenturtle:

 

Create TCP IP port

1. Print a Configuration Page to get the printer's IPv4 address (you can also tap on the wireless icon on the Front panel of your Printer to get the IP address)
2. On your PC, go to Control Panel, from Devices and Printers, Right-Click the printer and Left-Click Printer Properties, select the Ports tab.
3. Click Add Port, select Standard TCP/IP Port, then select New Port and follow the wizard.
4. Type in the proper IP address for the printer.

This video resource will show you how to do it:
Create & Use TCP IP port

Note that you can ALWAYS revert back to the original port that the HP software installed by selecting the HP port under the Ports tab (in Printer Properties)

 

(Finish)

 

 

Reference and Resources – Places to find (more) help and learn about your Printer

Clarification of terms and "what the printer can do" (Specifications)

Printer Homepage – “Things that are your printer”

NOTE:  Content depends on device type and Operating System

HP Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, Lots of How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, Access to the Print and Scan Doctor (Windows), User Guides, Product Information, more

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

HP OfficeJet 4650 All-in-One Printer series

 

Thank you for participating in the HP Community Forum.

We are a world community of HP enthusiasts dedicated to supporting HP technology.

Happy New Year 2020Happy New Year 2020

 

Dragon-Fur

HP Recommended

Muah!!!  It's printing in color again!!!  I have to admit, I was like really? Uninstall again?  But I followed all of the steps (with a few modifications because files weren't in the same place), & it worked!!  I'm so thrilled!!  Thank you so much for your help!!

HP Recommended

@LindaLou323 

 

You are welcome.

 

Save your "clean and clear" procedure - as much trouble as it is to check and double-check each location, sometimes it is worth the extra effort.  Smiling.

 

Happy color printing!

 

Thank you for participating in the HP Community Forum.

We are a world community of HP enthusiasts dedicated to supporting HP technology.

Dragon-Fur

† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the <a href="https://www8.hp.com/us/en/terms-of-use.html" class="udrlinesmall">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/t5/custom/page/page-id/hp.rulespage" class="udrlinesmall"> Rules of Participation</a>.