HP Officejet Pro 9730 Print Quality in DRAFT mode horrible and terrible

[travelling001]

I just purchased a brand new HP Officejet Pro 9730, one week ago, to replace my Officejet Pro 7740. Now, I would have thought this printer would have been SO MUCH BETTER than my old Officejet Pro 7740, but I am seriously now thinking of abandoning HP all together.

The issue I am having is, I am used to printing text documents and mixed text/picture documents in DRAFT printing mode, to save on ink. Since the first day of setting up and installing this Officejet Pro 9730, I have the most bizarre and strange issue when printing mixed text with picture documents. Whenever I print using the DRAFT print quality mode, the pictures  that are printed in COLOUR, are NOT clear but blotchy and SEVERELY pixelated, to the point where you cannot make out what the pictures are. The photos have a strange "zig zag pixelation" pattern, with black/dark blocks. Some parts of the picture are fine, but most of the pictures are severely blotched and pixelated.

I resorted to reinstalling the HP drivers (offline), DID NOT WORK. Then I tried the HP Smart App, still SAME PROBLEM/ISSUE. Then I tried to print the same document on another computer,  using DRAFT print quality mode, where NO HP printer drivers were installed previously,  and still DID NOT WORK. I then tried REINSTALLING WINDOWS 10 FRESH COPY and then installing the HP drivers again, and STILL, the printer is NOT printing pictures on the documents correctly. 

I have tried doing a Reset of the Printer, installing new Ink Cartridges (NOT using Setup Cartridges), and also changing the paper type. NOTHING has fixed the problem.

When I print the document on NORMAL print quality mode, THEN it prints okay. But then what is the point having DRAFT mode?

When I printed the SAME document on my Officejet Pro 7740, in DRAFT print quality mode, it printed perfectly fine, as it always did.

What is the problem and why is this happening to a new printer????? I have updated the firmward recently as well, and then I RESET the printer again, and also ran the print alignment command TWICE and also did Level 2 ink cartridge cleaning. 

This is REALLY a TERRIBLE situation. In fact, I now REGRET buying this Officejet Pro 9730 printer. I was literally thinking this printer would have CORRECTED and SOLVED all the problems the old Officejet Pro 7740, but in fact this Officejet Pro 9730 is WORSE than the Officejet Pro 7740! I think it is seriously time to go for an Epson Multifunction All in One Ink Tank Printer. Yes, it costs three times more BUT it has a FANTASTIC review.

Please give me an ACTUAL SOLUTION, as I have tried EVERYTHING. HP, fix the problem!!!!!! Or else I will NEVER buy another HP Printer ever again!

[travelling001]

Any reply or help????? No one from HP wants to help????

[Sneha_01]

Hi @travelling001,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

I'm sorry to hear about the frustrating experience you're having with your HP OfficeJet Pro 9730. It sounds like you've already taken significant steps to troubleshoot the issue. Here are a few additional suggestions to help resolve the print quality problem in DRAFT mode:

1. Check Print Settings

• Ensure that you’re using the correct settings in the print dialog. In DRAFT mode, sometimes settings can default to a lower quality for images.
• Verify that the paper type selected matches the actual paper you’re using (e.g., plain paper vs. photo paper).

2. Test Different Documents

• Try printing a variety of documents (different types of images and texts) to see if the issue is consistent across all documents. This can help isolate the problem.

3. Run the HP Print and Scan Doctor

• Download and run the HP Print and Scan Doctor tool from the HP website. This tool can automatically diagnose and fix common printing issues.

4. Check for Ink Issues

• Even with new cartridges, check that the ink is flowing properly. Perform a printhead cleaning to ensure no clogs are affecting print quality.

5. Change Color Management Settings

• Access the printer properties via your computer's control panel. Under the "Color Management" settings, ensure that the settings are optimized for your printer.

6. Disable Photo Enhancements

• Sometimes, photo enhancements can interfere with DRAFT mode printing. In the print settings, look for an option to disable any photo enhancements or adjustments.

7. Try Different Software

• Print from different applications to see if the issue persists. For instance, try printing from Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, or a different browser.

8. Firmware Rollback (if applicable)

• If the firmware update coincided with the onset of the problem, check if there’s an option to rollback to a previous version.

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

[travelling001]

I have tried all the steps you have mentioned but the issue is STILL not resolved at all. Have already done every step you told me. This is 100 percent a printer firmware or manufacturing issue.

I found another person on an online forum who also has a Officejet Pro 9730. Experiencing EXACT same issue problem. I asked him to check Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat PDF and also through Windows, and every single time he printed in DRAFT print quality, it was blotchy, pixilated and had big pixilated blocks as well. So now I have a BRAND NEW PRINTER AND EVERYONE ELSE WHO OWNS THIS OFFICEJET PRO 9730, with a MANUFACTURING DEFECT FROM THE FACTORY! I am so angry I want to just get rid of this printer now. I would rather buy a NEW OFFICEJET PRO 7740, rather than this. Better yet maybe I should just buy an EPSON!