Looks like it's "skipping" lines (i.e., printing every other line or so)

[patrick764]

The printer has the latest firmware according to the app.

It is printing about every other line of any given document, whether spreadsheets, text files, or graphics (e.g., border lines on spreadsheets). Or another way to put it, is there are wide horizontal lines where nothing is printed at all, making it look like lines or graphics have been skipped.

I tried aligning, it says it failed.
I tried cleaning, it got an B87668C2 error.
I followed the instructions to recover from that error as described here: 
https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Printing-Errors-or-Lights-Stuck-Print-Jobs/Officejet-Pro-8035e-printer...

After restarting the printer, I checked the firmware again and the app says it is up to date.

I tried cleaning (up through level 3).

You can tell from the cleaning printout that it is still "skipping" lines.

Trying to align the printer says the alignment fails and to try cleaning, which of course I've now done several times.
There is plenty of ink the cartridge according to both the app and the fact that those lines that do print look good enough (dark black).

I followed all the steps regarding hiding the printer from the app, removing the app from Windows, removing the printer, restarting the computer, re-adding the printer and/or whatever else it said to do:
https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/ish_9799629-5876039-16?jumpid=in_r11839_us/en/WIN11_PrintLandi...

Printing a test page still shows that lines are missing (i.e., none of the above have worked at all).

[Max3Aj]

Hi @patrick764, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

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

It looks like your HP ENVY Inspire 7255e has a persistent printhead issue, possibly due to clogged nozzles or hardware failure. Since you've already tried the recommended cleaning and alignment processes, here are some additional steps that might help:

Perform a Hard Reset

1. Turn off the printer and disconnect the power cord.
2. Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
3. Wait at least 5 minutes.
4. Plug the printer back in and turn it on.

Check Ink Cartridge Venting

Blocked ink cartridge vents can cause skipping lines. Try this:

1. Remove the black ink cartridge.
2. Locate the vent on the top (small slit or hole).
3. Use a pin or needle to gently clear any clogs.
4. Reinsert the cartridge and try printing again.

Run a Print Quality Diagnostic Report

1. Open the HP Smart app or printer control panel.
2. Look for Print Quality Diagnostic Report.
3. Check for missing lines in the black grid.

Clean the Printhead Manually

If the cleaning cycle from the printer fails, you may need to manually clean the printhead:

1. Remove the ink cartridges.
2. Dampen a lint-free cloth with distilled water.
3. Gently wipe the printhead nozzles.
4. Let the printhead air dry for 5 minutes before reinstalling.

Try Different Paper & Print Settings

• Use HP paper to rule out paper issues.
• Go to Printer Properties > Maintenance > Change the print quality to “Best.”

Update Drivers Manually

Even though the firmware is updated, manually reinstall the printer driver:

1. Uninstall the printer from Devices & Printers.
2. Download and install the latest drivers from HP website:
   HP ENVY Inspire 7255e Drivers
3. Restart your PC and re-add the printer.

If all else fails, your printhead may be defective. You will have to visit the nearest HP authorized service center. Kindly follow this link to locate the nearest HP service center: HP® Service Center Locator - United States | HP® Support
(Select the country from the dropdown menu and enter the city name or pincode) 

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! 

Max3Aj

HP Support 

[patrick764]

There are no vent holes or slit on the cartridge that I can see. It is an HP 64XL cartridge. Nothing remotely looks like a vent hole or slit on the top of the cartridge. Please show a picture.

[Max3Aj]

@patrick764, HP 64XL cartridges do not have visible vent holes like some older cartridges. Instead, they use a pressure-regulated ink delivery system. The venting is done internally, so there’s no need for manual vent cleaning.

However, skipping lines can still happen if:

1. The cartridge nozzles are clogged.
2. The electrical contacts are dirty.
3. The printhead (inside the printer) is faulty.

Here’s what you can try next:

1. Clean Cartridge Contacts (Manually)

1. Turn off the printer and unplug it.
2. Open the cartridge door and remove the black cartridge.
3. Take a lint-free cloth (or coffee filter) and slightly dampen it with distilled water.
4. Gently wipe the gold-colored contacts on the cartridge.
5. Do the same for the corresponding contacts inside the printer.
6. Let it dry completely, then reinstall the cartridge.

2. Try a Different Black Cartridge

If possible, try replacing the black ink cartridge with a new or known-working one. If the issue disappears, the problem is with the cartridge.

3. Run a Power Drain

1. Turn off the printer and unplug the power cord.
2. Hold the Power button for 30 seconds.
3. Plug it back in and turn it on.

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! 

Max3Aj

HP Support 

[patrick764]

None of that worked, nor did any of the several other troubleshooting steps I've found on youtube and elsewhere.

This piece of junk is going to the recycling center and I'll never buy another HP product again.

The counters show that it had printed a total of just over 200 pages in its whole lifetime, and it has already failed. What garbage.