My Color LaserJet MFPM281fdw printer won't print a manually fed 5 1/2' X 8 1/2" eBay-generated label

[Bookman-ron]

My Color LaserJet MFP M281fdw printer won't print a manually fed 5 1/2' X 8 1/2" eBay-generated label, although I've done this many times in the past.  When printing these shipping labels, I begin with an 8 1/2" X 11" page containing two labels.  When I feed the full page, the bottom label prints.  After tearing off the printed label, I refeed the blank remaining label.  The label feeds but doesn't print.  Does anyone have any advice?

[Meghana_10]

Hello @Bookman-ron, Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding the HP Color LaserJet MFPM281fdw printer. 

We appreciate the opportunity to assist you and are glad we could help work toward a resolution. We hope our support has been valuable.

To help us get started on resolving your issue, could you please try a few troubleshooting steps provided below so that I can assist you further?

1. Verify Paper Size Settings

Make sure the print job matches the actual label size:

• Open the print dialog before printing
• Go to Printer Properties / Preferences
• Set:
  • Paper Size: 5.5" x 8.5" (or closest custom size)
  • Paper Type: Labels or Thick Paper
  • Source: Manual Feed or Tray 1
• Ensure the same settings are selected in the application (e.g., browser or PDF viewer)

2. Enable Correct Manual Feed Behavior

• On the printer control panel:
  • Navigate to Setup > System Setup > Paper Setup
  • Confirm Tray 1 Size and Type match your label
• When prompted on the printer screen, confirm the paper settings

3. Reprint Instead of Refeeding Old Job

Since the label feeds but does not print:

• Avoid reusing the same print job after tearing
• Reprint the label fresh from eBay or the saved PDF
• This ensures the printer processes a new page instead of skipping a completed job

4. Use Custom Paper Size (Recommended)

• Create a custom paper size (5.5" x 8.5") in printer settings
• Save it and select this size before printing
• This helps the printer properly align and process partial sheets

5. Check Paper Detection

• When inserting the half sheet:
  • Insert it properly aligned and adjust guides snugly
  • Wait for the printer prompt to confirm media type/size
• If no prompt appears, the printer may not be recognizing the media correctly

6. Reset the Printer

• Turn the printer ON
• Disconnect the power cord from the rear and wall
• Wait 2–3 minutes
• Press and hold the Power button for 30 seconds
• Reconnect directly to a wall outlet and power ON

Take care and have an amazing day!