HP Envy 5640 - Suddenly second sheet is printing upside down when double sided.

[LynneEwart]

My printer has been working perfectly up until today printing the second sheet the correct way when double sided printing. It has now started to print the second one sided sheet upside down. I've looked at all the options but cannot see why this has suddenly happened or how I can correct it. Please help as I need to print double sided sheets urgently.

[Dragon-Fur]

@LynneEwart 

The way duplex is supposed to work is explained here:

 How to Print on Both Sides of the Paper (Windows) (Duplexing)

Printer Specifications > Paper Handling

Paper Handling - Duplex

Duplexer media sizes

Letter; Executive [all media lengths between 140 and 310 mm (5.5 and 12.2 in)]

General Check - Duplex installed?

Duplex feature installed? (Model Dependent)

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers >

Right-Click Printer > Printer Properties > tab Device Settings >

Under Installable Options > Automatic Duplexing Unit > Select / Verify Installed > OK

Tray and Paper - Printer Control Panel -  Media type (kind of paper) and Paper Size

1. After the printer paper is changed, tell the printer control panel what kind / size of paper is loaded in the tray.
2. Set the Preferences / printing shortcut to reflect the two sided print option.

User Guide > Starting on Page 11

Example

Check / Adjust / Retain the Paper at the Printer Panel

Open Printer Tray,

If you have not yet done so, add desired paper type

Close Tray

IF applicable for your printer:

Look for a message on the Printer Control Panel,

Click Modify (wording varies), set the paper size and type, Click OK

NOTE:  If the size of the Paper Size is not in the Drop-down list, Select Custom

Set the Preferences / Printing Shortcut - Windows

1. The following assumes the Full Feature Software has been installed.
2. Check / enable the printer as the “Default Printer”
3. Select and adjust settings in each category for the Media (kind of paper), source (tray), and paper size.

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers > Right-Click on your printer > Set as Default

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers > Right-Click on your printer > Printing Preferences >

Tab Printing Shortcuts > Click / Highlight preferred shortcut > Click Apply > Click OK to exit

If the printer software supports the feature, change the settings as desired, then use “Save as” to create a Custom Shortcut.

OR

Windows key + S (search for) Printers and Scanners

Left-Click on (your) Printer > Manage >

Printing Preferences

Select a shortcut and / or set “preferred settings” for paper, source (tray), other settings

Optional (if / as supported on the printer): Save As > enter a name for your custom shortcut

Click OK to save the preferences

General Example - Printing Preferences / Printing Shortcuts

9025_Printing_Preferences_Printing_Shortcuts_1

What if?  No Joy.

If all else fails, consider completely removing the printer software and installing a fresh copy of the Full Feature Software.

1. Read all through the information to better understand your options.
2. Consider starting Start at the "All the bits" section for the Uninstall.
3. Read and follow the uninstall instructions, including the removal of leftover printer software in the user account.
4. Install a fresh copy of the printer software.

Clean Remove and Reload Printer Software

Preparation and Important Information

NOTE:   There is less here than it appears - most of what is included are things you already know and have done or seen before.

Windows Updates

Before you install / reinstall printer software, do check and run Windows Updates.  Even if Windows Updates appears to have caused trouble in the past, it is always possible rerunning Updates again can resolve odd issues (for example, printer not recognized).

(How to) Create Restore Point

Before making any changes to your system, always create a Restore Point!

Stop all programs:  Browsers, games, Applications, etc.

Control Panel > icon view > System > System Protection > 

Click (Highlight) your main disk (C) > Select Create a Restore Point

OR

(As available)

Create a restore point now for the drives that have system protection turned on

Create

The Print and Scan Doctor

Trouble?  Before you try anything else, you may wish to download and run the HP Print and Scan Doctor - it does find and fix a number of issues, the software is easy to run, and it won't make anything worse.

The Doctor can help with several issues, including driver, connection, and "jobs stuck in the queue".

HP Print and Scan Doctor for Windows

HP Smart – The “Smart” New Printer Application for Windows 10

Looking for the HP Smart Application for Windows 10?

Getting “smarter” all the time, the HP Smart App provides all the print environment and setup you need to use your printer.

1. Add your printer to your network.
2. Download and Install HP Smart for Windows.

How-to

Open the Software and Drivers Support Website for your printer

Check the Box Get the App

OR

Links to HP Smart software for Windows and Mobile devices,  includes an FAQ section

 HP Printers - Using the HP Smart App (Windows 10)

Windows key > All Apps > scroll down to category H > click on HP Smart

HP_Smart_Start_Screen_Icon

Optional: Right-Click on the application to Pin to Start and / or Pin to Taskbar

Reminder:  For best results, after installing, be sure to log into the HP Smart app.

Adobe Reader DC – Needed Whether You Use It or Not

If you have not done so,

Reinstall / Update your PDF Reader (Adobe Reader DC /Optional  Foxit Reader)

HINT:  Watch out for and UNCHECK unwanted extra software

Adobe Reader DC software should be installed even if you do not open / view / print PDF files directly from the software.

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

The Basics – Short and Sweet - Reinstall Full Feature Software

When everything is generally OK and you (just) want to remove and reinstall the software.

Printer Software

• Uninstall the existing printer software from Programs and Features
• Restart the computer and log in
• Open Category Software and Drivers in your printer Support Website
• Download-and-Save the Full Feature Software or HP Easy Start Printer Setup for your Operating System version.
• Navigate to the folder in which you saved the software installation package (likely Downloads)
• Right-Click on the downloaded package and "Run as Administrator" to start the installation
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

OR

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

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

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 to assist with “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.

(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

If any devices are removed, 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

If any devices are removed, 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 Category Software and Drivers in your printer Support Website
• Download-and-Save the Full Feature Software or HP Easy Start Printer Setup for your Operating System version.

• 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 Support Website 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

Reminders

• Firmware is normally updated after the printer software is installed / functional.
• Firmware does not have to be updated if you change computers.
• Firmware does not have to be updated when you reinstall the printer Software.

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

Installation - 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 help and learn how to use 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 (Specifications), more

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

HP ENVY 5640 e-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.

[LynneEwart]

Thanks for that long and detailed reply but it has not solved my problem. I think it worth emphasising here that for three years I have been using this same printer and same computer without any problems whatsoever for automatic duplex printing.  The only thing that could possibly have changed my settings is the windows 10 update which had happened a day or two earlier which removed the home group and was supposed to be important so I do not want to restore to an earlier point. 

I have tried removing and reinstalling the software and also used the "app", have run troubleshooters, all to no avail. The second sheet still prints upside down. 

Would welcome a solution as need to print double sheeted sheets.

Lynne

[Dragon-Fur]

@LynneEwart 

You are welcome.

Not sure about the Windows 10 Update and whether there is a connection.  I would guess that if the issue is a sudden failure in the Updates we will start hearing about it fairly soon - millions of people use Windows and HP tech together.  Hopefully that is not the case.

You could try a Power Restart on the printer.  If the issue is simply something "stuck" in the printer hardware, this has the potential to kick it free.  Reference:  Printer Turns Off Unexpectedly or Repeatedly  See Step 2: Restart the printer

I do believe you are doing this correctly - not everyone has your skill level: It was worth providing the "should work this way" information "just in case".  After three years, the printer is likely OK and something has indeed messed with the software or the setup.  It is also possible there is a more sinister problem in the printer.  Unfortunately, unlike the computer, the simple printer has not any hardware diagnostics available to it.  Finally, I might have missed something.  I know a bit but not always enough.

I will think on it - when I find something useful to add I will edit this message or post back.

Thank you for participating in the HP Community Forum.

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

[LynneEwart]

Thanks for your help again. I've tried turning the printer on and off as per the instructions but again with no success as the second sheet is still printing upside down. I will have to wait a day or two and see if more reports are received as I can't help thinking it must be related to the windows 10 update which was quite a major one , taking far longer than usual. I guess this is a first world problem and one not to get too stressed about - no doubt it will come right in due course.

Regards

Lynne

[Dragon-Fur]

@LynneEwart 

Still checking... So far nothing really "new" pops out as a solution.  

Discussion and Easter Eggs (random searches for solution)

If the printer software were corrupted, then the full and complete removal of the software ("All the bits" and including removing the printer software in the User account) should have cleared that type of error condition.

Most solutions seem to go back to the type of document (Word / PDF) and the printing setup (simple duplex, booklet), and the vagaries of the Short-side flip compared to Long-side flip and Printing Preferences / Shortcut settings.

Perhaps re-creating / editing whatever shortcut you are using (Printing Preferences) would cause the setting to "reset" itself and start working as expected.

The software used to submit the job can affect the outcome - for example, if Adobe Reader DC is in need of an update / reload.   This is generally not an issue although other things being equal, reload / update of the Reader DC software is not particularly time consuming and may actually help.  Meh.

You could try uninstalling the latest Windows Update, of course.  I cannot speak to whether you "should" do so - simply that it might be an option.

Reliability Report

Another place to look in case something other than just Windows Updates was involved in recent changes:

Although this cool reporting tool has been around for quite a while, it might be overlooked because it is hiding in an unlikely spot in the Operating System.

Windows 7:

Control Panel > set icon view > Action Center

Windows 10:

Control Panel > set icon view > Security and Maintenance >

Under Maintenance > Open the Drop Down Menu >> Click on View Reliability Report

Method to start the Reliability Report software using Command Prompt

Open Admin cmd prompt

Windows key + X + (then) A

Type the command, followed by the "Enter" key

perfmon /rel

Various Resources - Reliability Report

Information at a glance > Reliability Report

How to use Windows 10’s Reliability Monitor to fix and fine-tune your PC

How to Troubleshoot Windows 10 with Reliability Monitor

Reliability Monitor is the Best Windows Troubleshooting Tool You Aren’t Using

How is the Operating System being loaded at boot?

If the Updates disturbed something (link, library, instruction) that is saved in the boot / start sequence, then forcing the computer to boot using onboard Operating System may help.  This is admittedly a bit of a "reach" and assumes that Windows 10 is actually OK but something is not reading or translating the instructions properly.

One way to make sure the computer is booting from the Operating System Disk as opposed to any "saved" configuration is to switch OFF Fast Start > shut down the computer > Start > log in

Switching off Fast Start removes the saved configuration database the system used for the swift startup.  

Booting without "Fast Boot" engaged takes (as a rule) several more seconds to complete the full start and login sequence.

If desired, Fast Start can always be switched (back) on.  This rebuilds the configuration database.  Using Fast Boot hastens the boot / start times by some degree (varies by model, components, network).

Unsolicited sidebar:  I have Fast Start switch off - never use it.  Personal choice.  

Switch off / on Fast Start / Fast Boot

Settings   > System > Power and Sleep > Additional Power Settings >

Choose what the power button does >

Click Change settings that are currently unavailable >

Remove Check (clear box) Turn on fast startup (recommended) >

Save

• Close programs (browsers, games, email, etc) and close any open windows

Windows key + X (opens a command list) > Click / Select Command Prompt (Admin) >

When the command window opens, type the following command and hit Enter:

shutdown /s /t 0

• Wait for the computer to shut down completely (a few seconds)
• Boot the computer > Log in > Wait around for a couple of minutes (yes, wait, do not rush) >
• Try shutting down the notebook from Windows key > Power

If all now works as expected, and you want to continue using Fast Boot,

Switch ON the fast boot / fast startup setting (optional)

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

Pile of Rubble - Hard Reset Sequence / Forced Reset

This hardware procedure used to be known as a Hard Reset.  The term should not be confused with Windows Reset, Recovery, or other operations that reload / rewrite the Operating System.

Forced Reset clears the driver instructions that usually persist from boot-to-boot.  The Forced Reset forces the computer to read the instructions from the drivers and software stored in the Operating System.   The action of clearing and forcing a new read of the on-disk drivers and software can resolve some problems.

• Stop programs, games, browsers
• Create a Restore Point

Control Panel > icon view > System > System Protection > 

Click (Highlight) your main disk (C) > Select Create a Restore Point

• Read the instructions, watch the video: Hard Reset

• Close all your programs and Shut down the notebook
• Disconnect external USB drives, external monitors, other "extra" bits (NOTE: Little Unifier for the keyboard / external mouse can stay)
• Perform the Hard Reset / Forced Reset procedure for your system model / battery type
• Boot the computer and log in

Reminder: 

A Hard Reset / Forced Reset clears the memory and reestablishes the software connections between the BIOS and the hardware.

Forced Reset is a device Reset.  The Forced Reset procedure does not wipe out your files nor does it destroy your Windows software or data. 

Video Help:

Performing a Hard or Forced Reset on Your HP Notebook (Fixed Battery)

Performing a Hard or Forced Reset on Your HP Notebook (Removable Battery)

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

Thank you for participating in the HP Community Forum.

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