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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Ink Cartridges & Print Quality
- Bad printing quality HP Color laser 178nw

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07-13-2024 03:46 AM
Hello
I have a problem with printing quality on my HP Color Laser MFP 178nw printer. It smudges the printed image and part of the image is printed repeatedly like a shadow at the end of the page. I have tried cleaning the inside of the printer and I inspected the imagining drum but I didn´t find any damage on it. I don´t know what could be the problem. Any help is appreciated. Thank you.
07-14-2024 09:31 AM
Hi @EliskaCadova,
Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and improve the print quality on your HP Color Laser MFP 178nw:
1. Check Toner Cartridges
- Inspect Toner Levels: Ensure that the toner cartridges are not low or empty.
- Reinstall Cartridges: Remove and reinstall the toner cartridges to ensure proper contact.
2. Clean the Imaging Drum
- Even if it looks fine, sometimes residue can cause issues. Use a lint-free cloth to gently wipe the drum surface. Avoid touching the drum directly with your fingers.
3. Run the Cleaning Cycle
- Use the printer's built-in cleaning feature, if available. This can help remove any debris or toner buildup affecting print quality.
4. Check for Paper Quality
- Ensure you’re using the correct type and quality of paper recommended for your printer. Low-quality or incompatible paper can lead to print issues.
5. Adjust Print Settings
- Check the print settings on your computer. Make sure you’re using the appropriate print quality setting for your document type.
6. Update Printer Drivers
- Ensure that your printer drivers are up to date. Visit the HP support website to download the latest drivers.
7. Inspect the Fuser Unit
- If the fuser unit is worn or damaged, it can cause smudging. If possible, check the fuser for any issues or consider replacing it if needed.
8. Print a Configuration Page
- Print a configuration page from the printer’s menu to check for any issues with the printer’s internal components.
I hope this helps.
Take care and have a good day.
Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.
Rachel571
HP Support
Sneha_01- HP support