Printer printing test page every time I turn it on.

[mad_bum]

I've lived with that problem for over a year before I got to looking into it.  Recently looked at the HP forum to find answers and tried to scan a copy of the test page and it did not work?  I then looked into my printer where the color cartridges are and noticed that my two cartridges were not aligned with the opened in order to remove them from the printer so I gentially pushed the cartridge carrier over to the right some but it did not budge.  I scared at it some wondering if I should nudge it harder and all the sudden the printer magically moved it for me!!  Looked up at the pesky blinking light (insert page for test) and all the sudden it went away!!  I tried this a second time with the same results.  

So the root cause for my machine is that my cartridge carrier (holder) is misaligned (get stuck) and needs manual assistance!!  If the scan after test page doesn't work, you may want to try my resolution.

[iahawk]

Same problem with my officejet 6000.  Never used to happen.  Now it has started, and there are times I have to shut the printer off completely, and each time it prints a test page.  Incomprehensible why HP can't come up with a solution to this given so many have complained.

[JOJOWOLAK]

I believe I figured out the problem.  I have an HP Deskjet 2512.  I changed one of the cartridges and the same thing happens.  Everytime I turn the printer on I get a new test sheet that prints up.  Ugh!  I scan it everytime and it still prints a new sheet every time the printer is turned on.  What a huge waste of ink and ever so frustrating!  I think the problem is solved if you scan the test sheet to your "Documents" folder.  Once you do that it seems to stop printing up the God Forsaken test sheets.  I always have my scanned items go to my desk top and I think that is where there was a problem...perhaps the printer cannot make adjustments or recognize the test sheet unless it's scanned to the "DOCUMENTS" folder????  Seems to have solved the problem!

[NotKidding]

I've read the replies, does anyone believe that the printer (or computer) will magically absorb the scanned pic. First of all HP makes an unbreakable, great computer, truth be known. I've owned one since "Windows 3.1", now with that said I've had the same ink reprinting problem since then. Through a plethora of printers all HP, one would think I should have learned by now.

You must replace the cartridge with another NEW one. The printed circuitry is probably misalign and therefore trying to reset itself, until it runs out of ink. It's not your fault, it's an archaic method they use, but it generates profit. They know how people behave. How many of us return the ink cartridge as JUNK and note how hard it is to use a refilled cartridge if you can at all. Just like all the "junk programs" that are loaded into your new computer (revenue). I'm taking the time to write this, because I'm just tired of BS. We are not all fooled, many of us simply can't correct the problem. "What model do you have?" "Authority to novice", like it makes a difference, or it's "the first time we're hearing of this". It's an inkjet with a built-in flaw that's the model, the answer was the same.

Don't throw it out the window, or shoot it. Best way is a left hook to the right side of the printer maybe several. Then, return the printer "negative revenue". Enough people do that and the problem will go away. Make junk, we are not all sheep nor are we happy being scammed.

Of-course this is figuratively speaking, I'm not advocating breaking any laws or anyone to take a stand for something. Enough said

[3031frustrated]

I  just leave the **bleep** thing on all the time. I figure the small amount of energy is cheaper than paper and the ink...

[MissTeriLynn]

Hello all,

I'm sorry to see that so many of you have been having similar issues with different printers, but I'd be happy to help any of you that are looking to troubleshoot your issue and try to find a resolution/work around

Anyone that would like me to help, please reply back with the answers to the following questions:

1. What model HP printer do you have?
2. What version of Mac or Windows do you have?
3. Is the printer plugged directly to a wall outlet? If not, please move it to one.
4. What does the page look like that it keeps printing? Is it the alignment page, a printer status sheet or a page of random characters?
5. Have you recently had any errors on the printer before this started? Perhaps a paper or carriage jam?
6. Are there any errors that come up on the printer or the PC when the page prints?

If you don't want to post anything here, please feel free to create a new thread/post and private message me that you have done so, and I can help you there as well. Please just be sure to provide the answers to the above 6 questions so I can assist you to the best of my ability

For anyone using Windows, you can always try downloading and running the HP Print and Scan Doctor as well. If it finds anything wrong that it can't fix just let me know so I can help fix it!

I look forward to working with anyone who would like the help!

[gardener29]

It's a 3050A. I assumed it was deliberate blackmail by HP to force me to stop using remanufactured cartridges - but this is for church business and we don't have much money to spare. It insists on printing and trying to align a test page TWICE every time I want to print. Maddening!

[Bob_Headrick]

The conspiracy theories aside - the page is an alignment page that will print once a cartridge is changed.  For some models the alignment process is automatic, for others some user action is required to complete the alignment.  Once the alignment completes it will not print another alignment page until a cartridge is changed.

For your Deskjet 3050a the alignment process is semiautomatic.  The alignment page will need to be scanned shortly after printing as described in the document here.  To be successful the black and cyan portions need to printer properly. 

[djdave29]

I have a C3180 and am disgusted with this new problem.

It's NEVER happened before and now you can see 100's of people having the same issue. The whole ink market is manipulated and exploited and the prices are ridiculously high for a cartridge. 

Amazing how it can work for so long and now this new "problem" suddelny arises out of nowhere. I will NEVER buy an HP product again unless there is an immediate solution provided.

I am using Windows 7 with a HP Photosmart C3180. Changed the black ink cartridge the other day and, surprise surprise, it's printing an alignment page every time I start the printer up. The printer is plugged directly into the wall.

[djdave29]

In addition, if I now press "scan" the power light on the printer just blinks for 20 seconds and nothing happens.

Never again will I buy a HP product. This is an absolute joke.

Also, anyone from HP care to enlighten us how this mystery "problem" has suddenly arisen?? Amazing how something can work without a problem and all of a sudden, out of nowhere, hundreds of users are having the same issue.