neverstop printer has mismatched toner code have removed and shaken drum a few times code still on

[fitzcattle]

my hp neverstop printer prints a page  1 of 2 then just runs...no 2nd page..on the printer i have a toner code with an exclamation mark...we have had this doing it for a while   i have removed the drum...shaken the drum back and forth ..put it back in..and then it runs and says initializing on my hp screen..but then doesnt print/....and same codes on the top little screen on printer....

do i need a new drum ?

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @fitzcattle 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

I understand that your HP Neverstop printer is showing a toner code with an exclamation mark and is unable to complete the second page, even after you’ve removed and shaken the drum multiple times. It’s good that you’ve already tried reseating the drum and observed the initialization process on the printer screen.

To guide you accurately, could you confirm the exact HP Neverstop printer model you’re using and the toner reload kit or drum unit part number currently installed? Also, have you already tried any steps in the HP App, such as running the Diagnose & Fix tool or checking for firmware updates?

With those details, we can determine whether the issue points to a consumable replacement like the drum unit, or if it can be resolved through software and maintenance steps recommended by HP.

We're looking forward to helping you get back up and running! 

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

Note: Do not share any of your personal information in public, such as serial number, phone number, email ID, etc.

[fitzcattle]

hello  Thanks for that info

my printer model MFP1202 Drum 144A   

this morning   i partially took out drum to find the number, when i reinserted it  I got the code..and did the diagnostic on the app and got mismatched toner lever..then i turned off printer turned back on   & no code..  and printed a page!

its just sketchy !

Yes i have done the app..tools and thats where i get the toner mismatch code.. 

it will sometimes print one page then just run for minutes..  its not consistent...sometimes its ok..then not..and initalizes  for many minutes after reinserting the drum... the toner amounts are good..its just annoying and makes it unreliable when you want something printed.... your assistance appreciated

[Hawks_Eye]

Thanks for replying @fitzcattle 

I understand that your HP Neverstop MFP 1202 printer with the 144A drum is intermittently showing a toner mismatch code and sometimes only prints the first page before running without completing the job. It’s good that you’ve already checked the toner levels, reseated the drum, and run the Diagnose & Fix tool in the HP App.

Since the issue clears temporarily after reinserting the drum or restarting, but then reappears inconsistently, this points to either a drum unit recognition problem or a firmware/software alignment issue. To move forward with certainty, here are the next HP‑recommended steps:

Run Diagnose & Fix again in the HP App – ensure you allow it to complete and apply any suggested fixes.
Use Diagnose & Fix in the HP app to repair common printing issues (Windows, macOS) | HP® Support

Check for firmware updates – outdated firmware can cause recognition errors.
Update the firmware on an HP printer | HP® Support

Inspect the drum unit contacts – remove the 144A drum and gently check the metal contacts for dust or toner residue. Clean with a lint‑free cloth if needed.

Reinsert the drum firmly – make sure it clicks into place without movement.

If, after these steps, the mismatch code continues to appear and the printer remains unreliable, then replacing the 144A drum unit would be the recommended resolution.

Would you like me to share the official HP link for ordering the correct 144A drum unit so you can compare and confirm availability?

Regards,

Hawks_Eye

[fitzcattle]

Thank you for your help..I have done it all.  Now it will print one page..then idles for a few minutes then I get the toner mismatch code on the little,printer screen,    power it off ..wait a minute ,,then power it on code gone

And on the hp app it says ready....well when trying to print 7 pages..that does not  work

Replacing the drum seems like a futile option..what if it's something  else..

I do not even see this printer  at staples anymore...  I think a new printer is required

But it may not be HP

But thanks for assisting..

[Jerry_57]

Hi @fitzcattle,

Thank you for your response.

We request that you perform the factory settings on this printer and check:

Restore the factory-set defaults. Restoring the factory-set defaults returns all printer and network settings to their factory defaults. 

It will not reset the page count. 

To restore the printer to the factory-default settings, follow these steps. 

CAUTION: Restoring the factory-set defaults returns all of the settings to the factory defaults. 

1. Open the HP Embedded Web Server (EWS). For more information, see the Accessing and Using the Embedded Web Server (EWS) section of this HP Neverstop Laser MFP 1200 series. 

2. On the System tab, click Service. 

3. In the Restore Defaults area, click the Restore defaults button. The printer automatically restarts.