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Check out our Black or Color Ink Not Printing, Other Print Quality Issues info about: Print quality and Cartridge Issues.
HP Recommended
HP Color LaserJet MFP M281fdw
Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit)

I replaced the ink with the approved cartridges for black (HP 202A Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge, CF500A) and color (HP 202A 3-pack Cyan/Magenta/Yellow Original LaserJet Toner Cartridges, CF500AM) and the print quality is terrible. When printing black and white it's barely light grey, faded. Colors are very light, faded. I've cleaned the cartridges, didn't change anything. I've taken them out and "shaken" them, that gets me about 1 or 2 prints that are slightly better but still poor quality, then it returns to very faded, almost can't read them. I've turned the printer on/off, unplugged it. I tried talking to the bots and got no where. I use this printer for work and personal, I need it to print properly. I've googled everything and can't find anything that helps. So frustrating! Please help!

1 REPLY 1
HP Recommended

Hello @klink10 ,
Welcome to the HP Support Community!

 

  1. Step 7: Print a cleaning page 
  2. then calibrate the printer
  3. print a supplies status page and scan in and upload here

Hope this helps! Keep me posted.
Andreas

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