Ghost print on top and bottom of page

[JorisvdV]

I bought my printer a little over a year ago, and it has worked perfectly until now. Since a week or two, each printed page shows a ghost print, not only on the bottom of every page (after the original print) but also on the top of each page (preceding the originial print). The spacing between the ghost prints is approx. 18,8 - 19,0 cm.

I have already tried:

- cleaning the printer inside and out, as much as practically possible without fully disassembling

- updating firmware

- reinstalling the printer

None of the above have solved the problem. I take it, it shouldn't be a drum or fuser issue since they are brand new (only 636 images printed thus far compared to a 20.000 image life cycle) and look perfectly fine and undamaged.

[Raj_05]

Hi @JorisvdV,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

Ghost printing issues like the one you're experiencing can be frustrating, especially after your printer has worked well for a long time. Since you’ve already attempted cleaning, updating firmware, and reinstalling the printer without success, here are a few additional troubleshooting steps you can try.

Check the Toner Cartridges:

• Ensure the toner cartridges are properly seated and there are no obstructions. Sometimes, misaligned or poorly seated cartridges can cause ghosting.
• If you have spare toner cartridges, try replacing the cartridges one at a time to see if the issue resolves.

Adjust Print Settings:

• Check the print settings in the printer driver. Try adjusting the print quality settings (e.g., from 'Normal' to 'Draft' or 'Best') to see if it affects the ghosting.

Run a Print Quality Diagnostic:

• Most HP printers have a built-in diagnostic tool. You can usually access this via the printer's control panel or the HP Smart app. This will help identify any potential issues with print quality.

Perform a Hard Reset:

• Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source. Wait for about 60 seconds before plugging it back in and turning it on again. This can sometimes reset internal settings.

Check for Software Conflicts:

• Ensure that the software you're using to print (e.g., Adobe, Microsoft Office) is up to date. Sometimes, certain applications can have bugs that affect printing.

Inspect the Transfer Belt:

• If your printer has a transfer belt, inspect it for any signs of wear or damage. A faulty transfer belt can cause ghosting issues.

Check for Background Images:

• Ensure that there are no background images or patterns in the documents you are printing that could appear as ghosting.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Alden4

HP Support 

[JorisvdV]

Thanks. I will give these steps a try and get back to you later this week with feedback if these steps helped.

[Raj_05]

Hi @JorisvdV,

Thank you for your response, 

Please feel free to reach out to us. We are here to assist you and provide any necessary support.

I will be archiving this case for now however, you can respond to the same thread to continue the conversation.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Take care and have a great day ahead!

Alden4

HP Support 

[JorisvdV]

Hi @Alden4,

Unfortunately, the above steps have not helped. My local reseller has sent me new toner cartridges which I installed. This seemed to reduce the ghost printing (though not fully eliminating it) for the first few prints but it is now gradually returning. I have tried the other steps you suggested, but without any result. The ghost printing still occurs.

Any other ideas?

[Raj_05]

Hi @JorisvdV,

Thank you for your response, 

If you're still experiencing ghost printing after trying the initial troubleshooting steps, here are some more advanced techniques to consider.

Inspect the Drum Unit:

• If your printer uses a separate drum unit, it might be the source of the ghosting issue. Inspect the drum for scratches or damage. If it's worn, replacing it may resolve the problem.

Clean the Printer Internally:

• Dust and debris inside the printer can affect print quality. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to carefully clean the interior components, especially around the toner and drum areas. Avoid touching any sensitive components directly.

Check for Firmware Updates:

• Sometimes, issues like ghost printing can be related to firmware bugs. Check the HP website for any firmware updates specific to your printer model. Install any updates available.

Test with Different Paper Types:

• Certain paper types or qualities can cause printing issues. Try using a different brand or type of paper to see if the ghosting persists.

Use a Different Computer or Device:

• If possible, try printing from a different computer or mobile device. This can help determine if the issue is related to your original device’s software or drivers.

Adjust Printer Configuration Settings:

• In the printer properties, look for settings related to image optimization or toner density. Experiment with these settings to see if they improve print quality.

Replace the Fuser Unit:

• If the printer has a fuser unit, consider replacing it. A worn or malfunctioning fuser can cause poor print quality, including ghosting. This is particularly relevant for laser printers.

Run a Printer Maintenance Cycle:

• Many printers have maintenance features that can help clear up issues. Look for options such as "cleaning," "aligning," or "calibrating" the printer from the printer settings or control panel.

By systematically working through these advanced steps, you should be able to pinpoint the cause of the ghost printing and resolve the issue. 

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Alden4

HP Support

[JorisvdV]

Unfortunately, none of the above steps have helped the problem. I have three follow-up questions:

1. I can’t perform a factory reset. I have tried a hardware factory reset (holding the wifi button and cancel button) and a software factory reset (through the EWS and HP Smart app). However none of these methods work. In the EWS, there is no option to perform a factory reset and in the HP Smart app there are no advanced settings that I can access. How can I factory reset my printer?
2. When I clean the drum, there is always some toner left after I give it a turn. Is this how it’s supposed to be?
3. I’m not content with my printer performance and by now I have spent over a month trying to fix the issue without any result. I would like to get a refund.