Part of document prints and then the printer prints junk until I shut down and restart the computer

[jt1101]

First, when I try to print, I get a bad document (part of the document prints properly and then it's just a bunch of garbage). If I shut down and restart the computer, then I can print the document. Second, until recently, the printer was working fine with the software/application that was on the computer that did not require me to connect to the Internet to use it. Then one day, all of a sudden, that software worked no more. I called your people and they got me set up with “software” (I may not use the right terminology) that requires me to connect to the Internet. And that software does not seem to let me know what's in line to be printed so that I can cancel the printing. I would like to have my old software back so that I do not have to connect to the Internet to use the software on the computer. If not, I would at least like to know how I can see what is in line to be printed so that I can cancel it in the software that I have to connect to the Internet to use.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @jt1101 

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for posting your query! We're here to help you get back up and running.

It sounds like you're dealing with two frustrating issues—corrupted print jobs and a change in how your printer software functions. Let's tackle both.

Issue 1: Corrupted Print Jobs

If part of the document prints correctly and then turns into unreadable junk, it could be caused by:

• Driver conflicts
• Corrupt print spooler
• Incorrect printer settings

Steps to Fix:

Clear the Print Queue

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator (Win + X → Command Prompt (Admin)).
• Type: 
  net stop spooler
  del /Q /F %systemroot%\System32\spool\PRINTERS\*
  net start spooler
• Press Enter after each line.

Reinstall Printer Drivers

• Uninstall the printer from Device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager → Printers).
• Download the latest drivers from HP’s support page.
• Install and restart your computer.

Check Printer Connection

• If using USB, try a different port.
• If using Wi-Fi, ensure the printer is on the same network as your computer.

 

Issue 2: Software Now Requires Internet

HP has been shifting towards cloud-based printing solutions, which may explain why your old offline software stopped working.

Options to Restore Offline Printing:

Check for Legacy Software

• Visit HP’s driver page and look for an offline installer.
• If available, install it and disable HP Smart.

Use Windows Built-in Print Queue

• Open Control Panel → Devices and Printers.
• Right-click your printer and select See What’s Printing.
• Cancel jobs directly from this queue.

Try HP Print and Scan Doctor

• Download HP Print and Scan Doctor to diagnose software issues.

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye