Printer prints oblique

[ericzuerich]

Hello Everyone!

I have had this printer for one and a half years approximately and am very happy. Up until 6 months ago everything was fine.

But for the last couple of months the printer sometimes doesn't print correctly, meaning that the text of a word document for example isn't in the middle of the paper and crooked.

I already tried the tool to align the printhead, but it doesn't help.

I tried putting the paper in a different way, since there is some room for it to move right and left in the paper tray.

What other things can I do? It's not a problem of the computer, since i tried it on different ones and it's the same result everytime.

Whenever I want to print out official documents and they come out slant it is very frustrating.

Thank you for your help!

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@ericzuerich 

Welcome to the HP User Community.

If you have not done so...

Printer might need a good cleaning ...

Both of these documents include instructions to clean the feed rollers:

An 'Out of Paper' error displays, printer does not pick paper

and

 Paper Jam Error

Less likely, but possible...

The paper size & type settings might need to be checked.

For example, If the printer thinks the paper loaded in the printer does not match the settings in the current job, it might be expecting a different type of paper.

Example

Example - Retain / Modify (Edit) / Check the Paper Size & Type - Tray and Paper Management

Retain_Printing_Preferences_10

Printing Preferences - Shortcut - "Everyday Printing"

9025_Printing_Preferences_Everyday_3

Less likely - possible...

The paper itself might be the source of the problem.

• Paper that is curled, too damp, too dry, or otherwise unsuitable can cause trouble.
• Paper that is not of a supported weight - or is not properly selected for the job - can cause "crooked" prints.
• Paper that is stacked too tight - or when there is too little or too much paper in the tray can result in paper that does not track properly or paper that sticks or drags.
• Paper that is stuck together might "catch" a bit.  Remove the stack from the tray, gently flex (do not "fan") > replace stack in the tray and go through the "Tray and Paper management setup to identify the paper to the printer.

"Paper that does not work" is a bit different from selecting the right paper for the printer Tray and Paper and this is not generally a paper selection issue. 

What else?

Generally not an issue until a printer has been in service for a long time,

The rollers might be worn and unable to correctly respond to properly configured settings and "good paper".

HP Printer Support Home Page - References and Resources – Learn about your Printer  - Solve Problems

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HP OfficeJet Pro 8730 All-in-One Printer series 

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[ericzuerich]

Hi Dragon Fur!

Thank you very much for your extensive help.

I did all the steps and also tried different paper. The tray and paper management is also correct.

I think after cleaning the rollers it is a little better now. If you look on the sides of paper you can see how there is more space in the bottom-left, than in the bottom-right. Maybe after some more extensive cleaning it will be perfect.

From far you don't see much, but if you read to the end of the page, you can really see it.

For now I think it's ok. If it gets worse again, maybe I'll have to replace it.

Best,

Eric

[Dragon-Fur]

@ericzuerich 

You are welcome.

It might be normal wear and tear that is causing the tilted print.  

I agree that using the printer as long as it will serve is a good option.

I had an OfficeJet Pro 8740 (for a year as a loaner) - really nice printer. 

One thing I can tell you having had a few of these top-line OfficeJet Pro machines - they do spoil you for the number of features they include.  When it is time to replace your 8730 be sure to read the specs on the new printer to make sure it does what you expect.  For example, look for the single pass (or double pass) duplex scanning option.  If you send documents / content via Scan to Email / Scan to Network Folder, make sure the printer includes digital send SMTP support.

Thank you for participating in the HP Community.

Our Community is comprised of volunteers - people who own and use HP devices.

Click Helpful = Yes to say Thanks!

Question / Concern Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"