Pages print with grey background

[Sam_Amir]

I have the same issue. I have HP MFP M277dw and I'm using Windows 10. When I print a pdf (with no background) in Color Mode, the printed page is correct and has no background (so the toner and cartridge are fine). But when I print it in grayscale mode, the printed page has a light shade of gray on the background of the page. I tested this with Adobe Reader and Foxit and the issue persisted in both. Any suggestion what can be the cause of this?

[The_Fossette]

@Sam_Amir,

Welcome to the HP Forums!

Thank you for posting your query on this forum, it's a great place to find answers.

I reviewed your post and I understand that when you print in grayscale mode there is a shade of gray in the background.

Don’t worry, I assure you I will try my best to get this sorted.

In order that I may provide you with an accurate solution, I will need a few more details.

• When was the last time the printer was working fine?
• Do you face the same issue if print other documents?
• Are you using HP genuine toner?
• Does this happen when you make a copy?

Meanwhile, I recommend you trying to make a copy of the same document you have printed and check whether the issue persists.

If you face the same issue when you make a copy, I recommend you follow the steps in the below article and check if it helps.

https://hp.care/2BJt6Px

Let me know how it goes and you have a great day!

If you wish to show appreciation for my efforts, mark my post as Accept as Solution. Your feedback counts!

Cheers!

[Sam_Amir]

Hi,

Thank you for your help.

My printer always had this issue but because I was mostly printing in color mode, I was not encountering it. Recently, I have to print a lot of documents in grayscale and that's why I've noticed the issue now. But after I revisited some of my old printed documents, I saw the issue existed before as well.

The issue exists with some pdf files but not with all. For example, when I create a test document using MS Word and then save it as pdf, then printing that pdf in grayscale has no issues. But some other pdf files have this issue. However, when I printed those pdfs with a Brother printer in grayscale mode, there was no issue there. So these pdf files have no background, the adobe reader/foxit is printing them correctly in grayscale mode with the Brother printer, but then printing the same pdf files on my HP reults in a gray background. This background does not cover the entirety of the page, but only the readable part of it (there is a 1 cm white margin across the page). To just reconfirm, if I print these pdf files in color mode instead of gray mode, then there is no problem and my printer doesn't add any gray background.

I'm using HP's genuine toner. I haven't tested this with the copier yet.

[The_Fossette]

@Sam_Amir,

Thank you for the detailed information.

I recommend you do a copy and check.

If you continue to face the issue I recommend you perform a root level uninstall and then reinstall the printer and test.

1.) In Windows, search for and open Programs and features

2.) Select your HP Printer

3.) Select Uninstall

4.) In Windows, search for and open Devices and printers

5.) In the Devices and Printers windows look for your HP printer. If you see it listed right-click on it and choose 'Delete' or 'Remove Device'

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

7.) Type printui.exe /s and click Ok. (Note: there is a space in between "printui.exe" and "/s")

8.) Click on the "Drivers" tab

9.) Look for HP Printer driver. If you see it Click on it and click Remove at the bottom

10.) Select Ok

11.) Select Apply and Ok on the Print Server Properties windows

12.) Close Devices and Printers 

13.) Restart the PC

14.) Download and install the printer software from the below link.

http://hp.care/2nikIQ9

15.) Connect the USB cable ONLY when prompted and follow the on-screen instructions.

Let me know how it goes and you have a great day!

If you wish to show appreciation for my efforts, mark my post as Accept as Solution. Your feedback counts!

Cheers!

[Sam_Amir]

Thank you for your response. I contacted HP support. The issue was with the driver. Unfortunately, the original MFP277 driver generates the issue (even though it was the latest version), but after replacing that with the generic HP driver the issue was resolved.

[The_Fossette · Accepted solution]

@Sam_Amir,

Perfect, I am really glad to hear that! 

If any other questions arise, please feel free to write back to me.

If you wish to show appreciation for my efforts, mark my post as Accept as Solution. Your feedback counts!

Good day! Take care 🙂

Cheers!