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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Ink Cartridges & Print Quality
- MFP M277dw - stripe of random colored dots to the left and s...

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07-24-2024 07:00 AM
My printer has started to behave like this (see attached image) - a stripe of random colored dots to the left and some random colored dot here and there. What can I do about it?
Collection of dots to the left and some random dots here and there
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Accepted Solutions
07-25-2024 12:43 PM
Hi @JoachimP,
Welcome to The HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
I understand your HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M277dw is experiencing issues with its print quality. This kind of problem is often related to the toner cartridges or the printer's imaging components.
Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and hopefully resolve the issue:
Check Toner Cartridges:
- Open the printer and remove the toner cartridges.
- Inspect them for any damage or leaks. If any cartridges appear damaged or low, consider replacing them with new ones.
- Gently shake the toner cartridges from side to side to distribute the toner evenly inside.
Clean the Printer:
- Use the printer’s built-in cleaning function if available. You can usually find this option in the printer’s settings menu.
- Clean the imaging drum and other components carefully. Dust or toner particles on the drum can cause streaks and dots.
Inspect the Imaging Drum:
- The imaging drum is a crucial component in laser printers that can affect print quality. Check for any visible damage or toner buildup on the drum.
- If your printer has a separate drum unit, remove it and clean it according to the HP User manual instructions.
Run a Printer Test Page:
- Print a test page or a printer diagnostic page from the printer’s menu. This can help you identify if the issue is consistent across different types of prints or isolated to specific documents.
Check for Paper Issues:
- Ensure that you’re using the correct type of paper and that it’s properly loaded. Sometimes, paper problems can affect print quality.
Perform a Printer Calibration:
- Many printers have a calibration feature that helps align the toner cartridges and improve print quality. Check your printer’s manual or settings menu for calibration options.
Update Printer Firmware: Update the firmware on an HP printer
- Ensure your printer’s firmware is up to date. Firmware updates can fix bugs and improve printer performance.
Refer to this document: HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M277dw User manual
HP Color LaserJet Pro M252, M274, M277 Printers - Fixing Poor Print Quality
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.
A_Gayathri
HP Support Community Administrator.
07-25-2024 12:43 PM
Hi @JoachimP,
Welcome to The HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
I understand your HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M277dw is experiencing issues with its print quality. This kind of problem is often related to the toner cartridges or the printer's imaging components.
Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and hopefully resolve the issue:
Check Toner Cartridges:
- Open the printer and remove the toner cartridges.
- Inspect them for any damage or leaks. If any cartridges appear damaged or low, consider replacing them with new ones.
- Gently shake the toner cartridges from side to side to distribute the toner evenly inside.
Clean the Printer:
- Use the printer’s built-in cleaning function if available. You can usually find this option in the printer’s settings menu.
- Clean the imaging drum and other components carefully. Dust or toner particles on the drum can cause streaks and dots.
Inspect the Imaging Drum:
- The imaging drum is a crucial component in laser printers that can affect print quality. Check for any visible damage or toner buildup on the drum.
- If your printer has a separate drum unit, remove it and clean it according to the HP User manual instructions.
Run a Printer Test Page:
- Print a test page or a printer diagnostic page from the printer’s menu. This can help you identify if the issue is consistent across different types of prints or isolated to specific documents.
Check for Paper Issues:
- Ensure that you’re using the correct type of paper and that it’s properly loaded. Sometimes, paper problems can affect print quality.
Perform a Printer Calibration:
- Many printers have a calibration feature that helps align the toner cartridges and improve print quality. Check your printer’s manual or settings menu for calibration options.
Update Printer Firmware: Update the firmware on an HP printer
- Ensure your printer’s firmware is up to date. Firmware updates can fix bugs and improve printer performance.
Refer to this document: HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M277dw User manual
HP Color LaserJet Pro M252, M274, M277 Printers - Fixing Poor Print Quality
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.
A_Gayathri
HP Support Community Administrator.