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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Ink Cartridges & Print Quality
- Printer Only Printing 1/3 of Page or Not Printing at All

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03-11-2025 10:22 PM
Hello,
I'm experiencing an issue with my [Printer Model] where it only prints about 1/3 of the page, or sometimes it doesn't print at all. When I send a print job, it either stops partway through, leaving the rest of the page blank, or nothing comes out at all.
I've already tried:
Checking ink/toner levels
Restarting the printer and my computer
Updating or reinstalling printer drivers
Running the HP Print and Scan Doctor (if applicable)
Ensuring the printer is connected properly (Wi-Fi or USB)
Despite these steps, the problem persists. Any advice or troubleshooting suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you.
03-18-2025 11:42 AM
@HermioneDove, Welcome to the HP Support Community!
Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding your printer only printing 1/3 of page or not printing at all!
We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.
You’ve already covered some important troubleshooting steps — that’s a great start! Since the issue persists, let’s try a few more things:
Check for Paper or Obstructions:
Open the printer and check if there’s any paper jam or debris inside that might be interrupting the printing process. Even a small piece of paper can cause misfeeds.
Clean the Printhead:
Sometimes clogged printheads can cause incomplete printing. You can clean the printhead through the HP Smart app or the printer's control panel:
- Open the HP Smart app → Go to Printer Settings → Select Maintenance → Choose Clean Printhead.
Set Printer as Default:
Make sure the DeskJet 2742e is set as the default printer on your computer:
- Go to Control Panel → Devices and Printers → Right-click your printer → Set as Default Printer.
Print a Test Page:
Try printing a test page to see if the issue persists:
- On the printer's control panel, press and hold the Cancel button and the Start Color Copy button together.
Reset the Printer:
A simple reset can sometimes fix deeper issues:
- Turn off the printer → Unplug it from the power source → Wait for about 60 seconds → Plug it back in and turn it on.
If none of these steps resolve the issue, let me know — we can explore more advanced troubleshooting together. 😊
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Take care, and have an amazing day!
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Regards,
ZOEY7886
I am an HP Employee