Printing / Ink Issues

[C__K]

Hi, I am having a persistent issue with my HP Deskjet 4122e printer. I have only used this printer a handful of times since I purchased it and this issue is on going.

Even after PQ reports, cleaning, etc, printing an image of varying colours from any device whether it's from my phone or Chromebook or laptop, colours appear like a 'negative' of a photograph or 'colour reversed'. Black doesn't print accurately and is often displays in an 'outlined font'. When printing in Black and White only, the black appears as a navy, sometimes grey.

There is no black appearing on printed PQ reports, alignment reports etc and the colours that do appear are not bursting with colour.

I have replaced what I now know as perfectly fine and full ink cartridges thinking that was the issue.

Please can you advise me. Many thanks.

[A_Gayathri]

Hi @C__K ,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

I understand you're dealing with a few different issues with your HP DeskJet 4122e. Here’s a step-by-step approach to troubleshoot and resolve the problem:

1. Check Ink Cartridges

• Ensure Proper Installation: Double-check that the cartridges are properly installed. Remove them and reinsert them to make sure they are seated correctly.
• Check for Protective Tape: Make sure that any protective tape or plastic cover was removed from the cartridges before installation.
• Inspect Cartridges: Look for any visible signs of damage or leaks on the cartridges. If you have spare cartridges, try replacing them to see if the issue persists.

2. Perform a Print Head Cleaning

• Use Printer Software: Most HP printers have a built-in print head cleaning utility accessible via the HP Smart app or the printer’s control panel. Run the cleaning cycle a few times to see if that improves print quality.
• Manual Cleaning: If software cleaning doesn’t help, you can try manually cleaning the print head. Refer to the printer's manual for specific instructions on how to do this safely.

3. Check and Adjust Printer Settings

• Print Quality Settings: Ensure that the print quality settings are set to a higher resolution. Sometimes, print quality issues can be due to the printer being set to a draft or economy mode.
• Color Management: Check if the color management settings on your devices (phone, Chromebook, laptop) are configured correctly. Sometimes, incorrect color settings can affect how colors are printed.

4. Run Diagnostic Tests

• Print Quality Report: Print a quality diagnostic page or print head alignment page through the printer's menu or software. This can help identify any issues with ink flow or alignment.
• Printer Software Updates: Ensure that your printer’s firmware and drivers are up to date. Visit the HP support website to check for any available updates.

5. Perform a Factory Reset

• Reset Printer: If all else fails, consider performing a factory reset on the printer. This will restore the printer to its original settings and can sometimes resolve persistent issues.

6. Check for Printer Hardware Issues

• Inspect for Clogs: Check for any potential clogs in the printer’s ink delivery system. 

Refer to this document: HP DeskJet 4122e All-in-One Printer User manual 

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day.

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