Black horizontal bars are on every page 4100 all in one

[drmamie]

I have replaced cartridges and aligned the printer. I still have dark, solid horizontal bars on every printed page, which wastes ink and renders all documents illegible.

[Sneha_01]

Hi @drmamie 

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

It sounds like you’re dealing with a frustrating issue of dark, solid horizontal bars appearing on every printed page with your HP 4100 All-in-One printer, even after replacing the cartridges and aligning the printer. There are a few potential causes for this problem, and I’ll guide you through some troubleshooting steps to hopefully get it resolved.

Step 1: Clean the Printhead

Even though you’ve replaced the cartridges, the issue could be related to a clogged or dirty printhead, which can cause horizontal streaks or bars on printed pages.

1. Open the printer and remove the ink cartridges.
2. Use a lint-free cloth or paper towel dampened with warm water to gently wipe the printhead area where the cartridges are seated. Make sure you clean any ink residue or buildup from the area, especially around the printhead nozzles.
3. Reinstall the cartridges, ensuring they are seated properly.

Step 2: Run the Printhead Cleaning Utility

Many HP printers, including the 4100, have a built-in printhead cleaning feature that can help clear any ink blockages.

1. On your printer's control panel, navigate to the Tools or Maintenance section (the exact location may vary based on your model).
2. Select Clean Printhead or Clean Cartridges. Follow the prompts to initiate the cleaning cycle. This process may take a few minutes and might need to be repeated a couple of times to fully clear the issue.

Step 3: Check for Toner or Ink Spills

If you’ve recently replaced the cartridges, it’s worth checking for any ink or toner spills inside the printer, as excess ink can cause marks or streaks on your pages.

1. Inspect the interior of the printer, especially the areas around the printhead and cartridges, for any spilled ink or toner.
2. If you find any, use a soft cloth or paper towel to gently wipe the affected area. Be careful not to touch the printhead directly with your hands.

Step 4: Check Cartridge and Printhead Alignment

You mentioned that you’ve already aligned the printer, but it’s worth checking again. Misalignment can also cause issues like horizontal lines or bars.

1. Go to the printer's menu and look for the Alignment or Printhead Alignment option.
2. Follow the steps to re-align the printer. Sometimes, re-aligning the printhead multiple times can fix issues with printing alignment.

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