2540 printer will not feed postcard size (5 X 7 in) photo paper.

[hawesbe]

 2540 printer will not feed postcard size (5 X 7 in) photo paper. It will feed normal paper of this size, and A4 size photo and normal paper.
It used to work.

[Dragon-Fur]

@hawesbe 

Welcome to the HP English Community --

Top loader printers can be fussy about paper loading.

The 5x7 inch paper size is not listed as a supported standard size.

The paper size / type group (small / medium / large) can perhaps be (re)checked / adjusted in the Embedded Web Server (if supported on your network connected printer).

EWS > HP Document / How-to (InkJet Printers – Original Format)

 Use the HP printer Embedded Web Server (EWS)

NOTE:  Find printer IP address

Section Open the EWS over a local network orientation

OR

 HP Laser Printers - Using the Printer Embedded Web Server (EWS)

Open your Browser > Type / enter the Printer IP address into URL / Address bar

Reminder:  If asked enter the printer’s PIN number – the default number is generally located on the back or inside the printer.

EWS – Tray and Paper Management

Original EWS

Open your Browser > Type / enter the Printer IP address into URL / Address bar

Tab Settings > Preferences > Tray and Paper (Management)

Select / Adjust settings for Paper Size / Type

Model and EWS version Dependent:  Advanced section

Example - EWS - Tray and Paper - DeskJet / Top Loading Printer

EWS_Tray_and_Paper_DeskJet_1

I do not find any information that the printer supports Custom paper sizes but it might do so, at least in MacOS.

Are you seeing any error messages or hints about what is happening (or not happening)?

What else?

Printer mechanics might be worn, making it more difficult to load smaller paper.

Supported paper sizes and types, even those that used to work, might balk if the printer cannot load and track the paper.

The model series is listed as having been introduced in 2014 -- long service life for a economy inkjet printer.

Media Size (facet)	Letter; A4; Legal; B5
Media Types	Paper (brochure, inkjet, plain), photo paper, envelopes, labels, cards (greeting), transparencies
Media Weight Recommended (imperial)	20 lb
Media Weight Recommended (metric)	A4: 60 to 90 g/m²; HP envelopes: 75 to 90 g/m²; HP cards: up to 200 g/m²; HP 10 x 15 cm photo paper: up to 300 g/m²
Media Weights Supported, By Paper Path (Imperial)	Letter: 16 to 32 lb; HP envelopes: 20 to 24 lb; HP cards: up to 110 lb; HP 4 x 6 inch photo paper: up to 145 lb

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References / Resources

HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources

Learn about your Printer - Solve Problems

“Things that are your printer”

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

NOTE: Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories: Warranty Check, Alerts, Troubleshooting, Ink & Paper, HP Software & Drivers / Firmware Updates, Setup & User Guides, Product Specifications, Account & Registration, Warranty & Repair

Open 

 Product Home - Printers

 Enter the device type and model name of your HP product

OR

 Select a saved product from HP Account Dashboard

OR

HP Deskjet 2540 All-in-One Printer series  

Thank you for participating in the HP Community --

Real people who own, use, and support HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You for the help !

Question / Concern Answered, Click my Post "Accept as Solution"

[hawesbe]

The printer certainly supports the paper size. I am using paper supplied by HP.

As I said, in the past I have printed lots of photos on this paper successfully. Normal paper of this size also works correctly.

It must be a problem with the feeder/roller system, but I do not know how to access them in order to clean them or ??

[Dragon-Fur]

@hawesbe 

OK

Open your printer's website support - HP Deskjet 2540 All-in-One Printer series  

Open Category Troubleshooting

Select Topic Printing > Select Sub-Topic Print Quality

Available documents and videos are listed.

For example, the cleaning steps outlined in this document might suffice:

HP DeskJet 1510, 2540 printers - Color or black ink not printing, other print quality issues

A quick check did not show how to open this printer model enough to access the inside for cleaning the rollers.

If you decide to try cleaning the printer without instruction, be sure the printer is unplugged before reaching anywhere inside the printer.

The videos for "HP Printers" appear to be for newer models --

Too, your printer lacks a touchscreen Printer Control Panel.

I might have missed something -- it is worth your time to recheck.

----------------------------------------------------

I am sorry I cannot offer more than the basics -- I am not familiar with the hardware.

Perhaps someone who has a vintage printer of this or a similar type can offer additional help.

What else?

If the printer will still print on A4 (full size) photo paper,  print the photo at the size you want onto larger paper.

Cut the printed photo from the paper.

Examples

The HP Smart application (Windows) can be used to print the photo at a smaller supported size on the larger paper.

HP_Smart_Win_Simple_Photo_Print_Letter_4x6_3

Windows Photos - Select 5x7 inch photo - print on full size paper

Photos_Print_Letter-5x7_5

Windows - Print Pictures - Print one or more photo on one sheet of paper at select size / number of photos

Print_Pictures_Multiple-Photos-on-One-Sheet-of-Paper_4

Thank you for participating in the HP Community --

Real people who own, use, and support HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You for the help !

Question / Concern Answered, Click my Post "Accept as Solution"