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- HP Community
- Printers
- LaserJet Printing
- Printing issues; syntax error and pages with random numbers

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04-08-2019 10:21 AM
I'm using a Mac and printing on Color Laser Jet Pro MFP M477f.
I am trying to print docs from Office for Mac so mainly word documents using normal fonts (arial, times new roman etc).
I have been able to print OK. A couple of weeks ago, when I printed docuements I started to get a series of pages come out with a line at the top of random numbers and letters, last one came out as follows:
elf5051215d 2626042827112b281e2d292...... etc it goes on across the page.
At other times there are decimals in it: 0 13.89000000 15.03000000 33.350000000 27.81000000 11.1100000 27.810000 was the last one but the numbers are always different.
I also sometimes get a Syntax Error Offending command: ' " 4 A N" [ ] !6$C& P)]
I have tried trying to reset by deleting the printer and re adding. Also unplugged printer and at wall etc. This has helped on occasions but then issues return after a few prints.
I can usually eventutally get the page to print but waste a load of paper with the above nonsense in the meantime.
Just spent £300 to replace all of the 4 toners (the issue was also happening before and they are official HP toners but also had issues with ink dots) so dont want to give up on the printer just yet.
Its out of warranty so not able to get much support.
Any help would be gratfeul appreciated- I am not very techy so please be gentle!
Many thanks
04-08-2019 11:16 PM
The symptoms are what we normally see when either the printer driver is bad, the document contains incorrect formatting or the communication cable (usb or network) is bad. Also ensure that you have the most current firmware installed.
I am a volunteer, offering my knowledge to support fellow users, I do not work for HP nor speak for HP.
04-25-2019 08:30 AM
Welcome to HP community!
This is issue occurs if the printer driver is not compatible with the application you are using. Please click on the link below and update the latest driver - https://support.hp.com/in-en/drivers/selfservice/hp-color-laserjet-pro-mfp-m477-series/7326560