Keep getting alignment failed message after replacing cartridge (HP7310)

[Iron3]

Have experienced printing problems on HP Officejet7310 since updating to windows10 on my PC earlier this year, firstly with colour and lately with b/w too. Now I can't print any document. It will go through the print motions but produced a ghost image of what should be printed.

I've twice tried replacing the cartridge but keep getting "alignment failed" message after inserting the new cartridge.

I get a very very weak image printedb but it is constant down the page (ie not good to start then fading out... as when out of ink).

[Jay_G24]

Hi @Iron3,

I'd like to help!

Follow the steps below to resolve the error -

Step 1: Complete the alignment process again

Print a new alignment page.

1. Load plain white paper in the input tray.

2. Adjust the paper width guides until they rest against the edges of the paper.

3. Print an alignment page.

   • Control panel (printers with menus): Open the Tools or Printer Maintenance menu, and then select the option to Align cartridges, Align printhead, or Print an Alignment Page.

   • HP Smart app (Windows 10, macOS, Android, iOS): In the app, click your printer, click Print Quality Tools, and then select the option to align the printheads or cartridges.

   • HP Printer Assistant (Windows): Click Maintain Your Printer, and then select the option to align the printheads or cartridges.

   • HP Utility (Mac): Click the option to align the printheads or cartridges.

4. If your printer has a scanner, follow the directions on the alignment page to scan it and complete the alignment.

If these tips do not resolve the error, continue to the next step.

Step 2: Reset the printer

Turning the printer off, and then on again might resolve an Alignment failed error message.

1. With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the printer.

2. Unplug the power cord from the power source.

3. Wait 60 seconds.

4. Reconnect the power cord to a wall outlet and to the printer.

Step 3: Clean the printhead or ink cartridge

Use a printhead or cartridge cleaning tool to help prevent streaks, smudges, or lines that can interfere with the alignment process.

• Control panel (printers with menus): From the Settings, Setup, or Tools menu, look for an option to clean the printheads or cartridges.

• HP Smart app (Windows 10, macOS, Android, iOS): In the app, click your printer, click Print Quality Tools, and then select the option to clean the printheads or cartridges.

• HP Printer Assistant (Windows): Click Maintain Your Printer, and then select the option to clean the printheads or cartridges.

• HP Utility (Mac): Click the option to clean the printheads or cartridges.

After the cleaning, evaluate the page that prints. You might need to clean the printheads or cartridges more than once.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

And, Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

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