OfficeJet 3830 Double-Printing Portions of Page

[Longtoe]

My OfficeJet 3830 has started to double print portions of pages.  Does not appear to be restricted to graphics.  Test print pages do not double print.  Happens with pdf's, word documents and webpages.   I have tried hard re-starts, re-installing the printer and driver, auto-cleaning print heads and changing ink cartridges.

[VikramTheGreat · Accepted solution]

Hi @Longtoe,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

Thank you for reaching out about your HP OfficeJet 3830 All-in-One Printer. I understand how frustrating it is when your printer starts double-printing portions of pages, especially after you’ve already tried many troubleshooting steps. I’m here to guide you through the steps that should help isolate and resolve the issue.

1. Check Print Settings in the Application

Sometimes specific applications override print settings.

• Open the document in Word or Adobe Acrobat.
• Click File > Print > Printer Properties.
• Ensure the print quality is set to “Normal” or “Best”, not “Draft”.
• Disable any “Double-sided” or “Mirror printing” options.

2. Manually Reinstall the Full Feature Software

Even if you've reinstalled before, using the HP full feature software (not just Windows default drivers) often solves deeper issues.

Download the full driver here:
👉 HP Officejet 3830 Drivers - Windows 11

• Download and completely uninstall the printer from "Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners".
• Disconnect the USB cable (if used) or turn off Wi-Fi on the printer temporarily.
• Reboot your PC.
• Run the HP Full Feature installer and connect the printer only when prompted.

3. Update Firmware

Outdated firmware can cause communication glitches.

• From the printer’s control panel, go to:
  Setup > Printer Maintenance > Update the Printer
  Or update via the HP Smart App.

4. Check Printer Alignment

Even though test prints are okay, misalignment may still cause print irregularities.

• On the printer panel:
  Settings > Printer Maintenance > Align Printhead

5. Switch PDF/Word Renderers

For PDFs, use Adobe Acrobat Reader (not browser print). For Word, try exporting as PDF and printing to see if the issue repeats.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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

VikramTheGreat

HP Support

[Longtoe]

@Vikramthegreat:  Thank you so much for the detailed solutions.  Of all the information I have found online and in this community, your response was the most well-thought out and detailed.

However, I stumbled on the solution as I noticed that the double-printing only occurred when the black ink cartridge was being used.  Red printing did not double-print.  I was using a non-HP brand black ink cartridge and when I replaced it with an HP cartridge, the double-printing disappeared.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Longtoe,

You're very welcome, and thank you for sharing your experience with the HP OfficeJet 3830 All-in-One Printer.
 

We’re glad to hear the issue is resolved, and your insight is spot-on. What you observed highlights an important point: In your case, the black ink’s alignment was off, likely due to how the printer’s printhead interacted with the third-party cartridge, leading to ghosting or double-printing. Since the issue was resolved when switching to a genuine HP black cartridge, that confirms the cartridge was the source. If you need any help, we're here if you have any further questions.

Take care and have a good day.

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

VikramTheGreat

HP Support