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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Ink Cartridges & Print Quality
- dirty print with hp mfp179

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03-20-2024 07:22 AM
My printer prints with two smeared black lines. It is still under warranty and has barely reached a year.
I have changed ink cartridges several times, but not the drum yet as i feel it could be too early and i m not sure if it would solve my problem if i replace it. HP virtual assistant is not smart enough to address my complex questions and now HP does not provide agents to support.
i have reached out to the virtual assistant, browsed online and the solutions available were not satisfactory.
How can HP assist me, i am stuck with this problem. I wouldnt want to experiment changing the drum before i can be assured its time to change.
03-22-2024 10:01 AM
Hi @etniesfa,
Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
I understand your frustration with the virtual assistant and the lack of support from HP. Since you've already tried changing the ink cartridges without success, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take to try and resolve the issue with the smeared black lines.
- Check for Obstructions: Open up the printer and inspect the printer path for any obstructions or debris that might be causing the smearing. Clean the printer thoroughly, especially the area around the print head.
- Run Printer Cleaning Cycle: Most printers, including HP models, have a built-in cleaning cycle that can help remove any dried ink or debris from the print head. Look for this option in your printer's settings or control panel and run it.
- Check Printer Settings: Make sure your printer settings are configured correctly for the type of paper you're using. Sometimes, using the wrong paper settings can cause smearing or other printing issues.
- Inspect the Drum: While you're hesitant to replace the drum, it's possible that it could be the cause of the issue, especially if it's reached the end of its lifespan or if it's damaged in some way. Check the drum carefully for any signs of damage or wear.
- Test with Different Paper: Try printing on a different type of paper to see if the issue persists. Sometimes, low-quality or incompatible paper can cause smearing or other printing problems.
- Update Printer Drivers: Ensure that your printer drivers are up to date. Sometimes, outdated drivers can cause printing issues.
I hope this helps.
Take care and have a good day.
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Alden4
HP Support
HP Support Community Moderator