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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Ink Cartridges & Print Quality
- Printer Not Printing

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04-30-2024 12:17 PM
My printer stopped printing completely. So I cleaned the print heads, then cleaned everything else I could access, but still no change. So I opened up the cartridge compartment again and looked inside the printer with a torch and saw that underneath where the cartridge cradle sits when it's at rest, a whole lot of ink had collected beneath the cartridge cradle. I cleaned up what I could, but really the whole thing needs dismantling and cleaning properly. Is it possible to do this myself?
05-01-2024 02:17 PM
Hi @citizenZ,
Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
It sounds like you've already taken some good troubleshooting steps. Ink buildup underneath the cartridge cradle could indeed cause printing issues. Here are a few additional steps you can try to resolve the issue.
- Clean the Ink Residue: Use a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with water or isopropyl alcohol to carefully clean the area where the ink has collected. Be gentle to avoid damaging any components.
- Check for Obstructions: Make sure there are no obstructions or debris blocking the movement of the cartridge cradle. Even a small piece of paper or debris can disrupt the printing process.
- Reset the Printer: Sometimes, a simple reset can resolve various issues. Unplug the printer from the power source, wait for a few minutes, and then plug it back in. Turn the printer on and see if the issue persists.
- Update Firmware/Drivers: Ensure that your printer's firmware and drivers are up-to-date. HP often releases updates to address known issues and improve performance.
- Inspect Cartridges: Check the ink cartridges for any signs of damage or leaks. If a cartridge is damaged or leaking, it may need to be replaced.
Hopefully, one of these steps will help resolve the issue and get your printer back up and running.
I hope this helps.
Take care and have a good day.
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Alden4
HP Support
HP Support Community Moderator