Printing blank pages

[Dineyar]

2 days back my printer was working well. Since yesterday, the printer is printing blank pages only, be it color or b/w. I tried 4-5 ties to use the feature such as "Clean printhead", "Align Printhead" and "Clean Smear". I even reinstall HP  Smart as well as Printer diagnostic tool. But nothing seems to work.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Dineyar,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

I understand how frustrating it is when your HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 suddenly starts printing blank pages, especially after working perfectly just two days ago. You've already tried all the right steps, cleaning the printhead, aligning, and reinstalling HP Smart and the diagnostic tool, which shows your dedication. Let's go a bit deeper to resolve this.

Advanced Troubleshooting for Blank Page Printing

1. Check Ink Cartridge Vent and Installation

• Remove each cartridge and inspect the vent area (small hole on top).
• If clogged, gently clean with a pin or soft cloth.
• Reinsert cartridges firmly, and make sure they click into place.

2. Perform a Semi-Full Reset

This reset goes deeper than a factory reset and can clear firmware glitches.

Steps:

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Unplug the power cord from both the printer and the wall.
3. Wait 60 seconds.
4. Press and hold the Power button for 30 seconds.
5. Plug the printer back in and turn it on.

3. Print a Diagnostic Page

• On the printer control panel, go to: 
  • Setup > Reports > Print Quality Report
• If this page is also blank, it confirms a printhead or ink delivery issue.

4. Try a Different App or File Type

Sometimes the issue is with the document or app:

• Try printing a Word document, PDF, or Notepad file.
• Avoid printing from browsers or third-party apps during testing.

5. Check for Firmware Updates

• Go to HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 All-in-One Printer | HP® Support
• Install the latest firmware update and restart the printer.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!

Regards,

VikramTheGreat

[Dineyar]

Hi @Vikramthegreat,

Thank you for your help and the steps specified. 

1) I had already cleaned the cartridge vents with a soft cloth, but had no impact.
2) Semi-full reset - no impact.

3) print quality report is still blank.

4) printed pages from pdf, doc and txt files. - all are blank.

5) Firmware is already the latest.

Maybe it is time to replace my printer. I guess these devices only have 3-4 yrs life expectancy. My printing needs were not heavy, maybe crossed 25 pages a month on an average. In last 3 years of InstantInk, I have received only twice cartridges from HP.

Regards,

Dineyar

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Dineyar,

Thank you for sharing all the detailed troubleshooting you’ve already completed with your HP OfficeJet Pro 6978. Since the print quality report and all document types are still coming out completely blank even after a semi-full reset, cartridge vent cleaning, and latest firmware update, it strongly indicates a printhead hardware failure.
 

While HP printers are designed for longer lifespans, the printhead is a consumable component and can fail earlier depending on usage, ink type, and environment. Given that your usage was light, it is understandable that this feels disappointing.
 

At this stage, replacement of the printhead assembly or the printer itself would be the next step. 

If you would like ot plean for a new printer, we can get some options.

Let me know

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!

Regards,

VikramTheGreat

[Dineyar]

This was helpful, but unfortunately it did not resolve my issue. 

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Dineyar,

Thank you for getting back and letting me know. At this point, it sounds like you’d like to explore a new printer. Please let me know, and I can help check all the latest models and assist in finding the one that best suits your needs.

Keep me posted

Regards
VikramTheGreat