5x7 linen card stock printing inconsistently

[HMartin11]

My printer has suddenly started printing 5x7 cards inconsistently. I have used the same 5x7 linen cardstock to print hundreds of invitations and cards without an issue. I didn't change anything with my print settings, I've aligned the print head dozens of times, and have also restarted it multiple times. It prints 8.5x11 paper just fine still, but it cuts off the top half of the 5x7s or does print anything but black streaks on the paper. How do I fix this?

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @HMartin11 

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for posting your query! We're here to help you get back up and running.

The HP OfficeJet Pro 8035e All-in-One Printer does support printing on certain types of cardstock, but there are some limitations to keep in mind:

Supported Cardstock Weights: The printer is compatible with cardstock weights up to 110 lb (200 g/m²). Linen cardstock, depending on its weight and texture, may fall within this range.

Paper Type: Linen cardstock has a textured surface, which can sometimes cause feeding or print quality issues. Ensure the cardstock is not too thick or stiff, as this could exceed the printer's capabilities.

Settings Adjustment:

• When printing on linen cardstock, adjust the paper type in the printer settings to Thick Paper or Cardstock.
• Use the HP Smart App or printer software to fine-tune print quality settings for better results.

Test Printing: Before printing a large batch, test a single sheet to ensure the printer can handle the cardstock without jamming or smudging.

If you encounter issues, consider using a lighter or smoother cardstock, as heavily textured paper may not feed properly. 

Let’s troubleshoot this step by step to get your HP OfficeJet Pro 8035e back to printing 5x7 linen cardstock consistently:

Step 1: Check Paper Settings

1. Open the Print dialog box in your application.
2. Ensure the paper size is set to 5x7 and the paper type is set to Cardstock or Thick Paper.
3. Verify that the orientation matches the layout of your document.

Step 2: Inspect the Paper Tray

1. Ensure the 5x7 linen cardstock is loaded correctly in the paper tray.
2. Adjust the paper guides snugly around the cardstock to prevent misalignment during feeding.
3. Avoid overloading the tray—place only a few sheets at a time.

Step 3: Clean the Printhead

1. Open the HP Smart App or printer software on your computer.
2. Navigate to Printer Maintenance and select Clean Printhead.
3. Run the cleaning process multiple times if necessary.

Step 4: Align the Printhead

1. In the printer software, go to Printer Maintenance and select Align Printhead.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the alignment.

Step 5: Update Firmware and Drivers

1. Visit the HP Support website and search for your printer model.
2. Download and install the latest firmware and drivers for the HP OfficeJet Pro 8035e.
3. Restart your printer and computer after the updates.

Step 6: Test with Plain Paper

1. Print the same document on plain 5x7 paper to check if the issue persists.
2. If the plain paper prints correctly, the problem might be specific to the linen cardstock.

Step 7: Reset Printer Settings

1. Access the printer’s control panel and navigate to Settings > Printer Maintenance > Restore Defaults.
2. Confirm the reset and reconfigure the printer.

I hope these steps help you get back to printing beautiful 5x7 cards. Let me know how it goes or if you need further guidance! 😊

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye