HP LaserJet Pro M203 - smears on paper edges

[Mikejoo]

We have a new HP LaserJet Pro M203 that started smearing ink on the paper edges. Printer only has ~200 pages printed with it. 

Screenshot of the supplies status page:

Inspecting the fuser drum, I can see a thick deposit of toner powder on both ends of the printing area.

The smears get worse if I use the duplexer to print both sides..

Is there anything I can do to fix this, or should I just discard the printer?

[A4Apollo]

Hi! @Mikejoo, Welcome to the HP Support Community.

Don't worry I'll try to help you out. Let me ask you a few questions in order to assist you better.

Did you make any changes to your printer?

Does the issue persist when you make a copy from the printer?

Have you tried checking with a different brand paper?

Have you tried printing using a different application?

Have you tried checking with a different toner cartridge?

Let's continue with the troubleshooting now.

Replace low, empty or faulty toner cartridges on the printer.

For computers with Windows, Open HP Printer Assistant, and then print a cleaning page.

1. Turn on the printer.

2. Search Windows for laserjet, and then click the printer name in the list of results.

   HP Printer Assistant opens.

3. Click Print, and then click HP Device Toolbox.

4. Click the System tab, and then click Service.

5. In the Cleaning Mode section, click Start to begin the cleaning process.

Check the print settings for your print job in Windows.

1. In the software application you are trying to print from, click File, and then click Print.

   The Print window opens.

2. Open the Properties dialog box.

   Depending on the software application, the button might be Properties, Options, Printer Setup, Printer, or Preferences.

3. Depending on your print job, you might consider modifying the following settings:

   • Paper Type: If you are printing on photo paper, select the type of photo paper you are attempting to print on.

   • Print Quality: If you are dissatisfied with the quality of your printouts, increase the print quality. To print more quickly, decrease the print quality. These options typically include Best, Normal, and Draft modes.

   • Paper Size: If you are printing on a different size of paper than you normally print on, select the correct paper size.

   • Black and White: If you want to print in black and white only, select the grayscale option.

4. After selecting the print settings, click OK to apply the settings, and then click Print.

Also, If the copy is works fine try uninstalling the printer drivers from root level on your PC and install the full feature printer software. (Windows Only)

In Windows, search for and open Programs and Features.

Select your HP printer.

Select Uninstall.

In Windows, search for and open Devices and Printers.

In the Devices and Printers window look for your HP Printer. If you see it listed, right-click on it and choose "Delete" or "Remove Device.”

Open up the run command with the "Windows Key + R" key combo.

Type printui.exe /s and click OK.

Click on Drivers tab.

Look for HP Printer driver. If you see it click on it and click remove at the bottom.

Select OK.

Select Apply and OK on the Print Server Properties windows.

Close Devices and Printers.

Update the full feature printer software using this link. Click Here

Also, Update the printer firmware to the latest version.

Refer this article to further troubleshoot print quality issues with the printer. Click Here

Let me know how it goes!

Have a wonderful day ahead! 🙂

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