HP OfficeJet Pro 8740 with Postcard Feed issue

[PasIntervention]

Trying to print some 4x6 postcards on HP OfficeJet Pro 8740 but it keeps getting stuck in the feeder in the back of the printer.  I have tried it with only one postcard, two postcards and even a small stack of paper in the paper tray.  And still it keeps happening.  It can print paper no problem.  Just these postcards get stuck.  Paper is set to postcard on the printer and on the computer.

[Max3Aj]

@PasIntervention, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

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

I understand you're having trouble printing 4x6 postcards on your HP OfficeJet Pro 8740, where the postcards keep getting stuck in the rear feeder. Let's walk through some steps to help resolve this issue.

Check Media Compatibility

Ensure the postcards you're using meet the printer's supported media specifications:

• Size: 4 x 6 inches is supported. Heavier cardstock may not feed properly.
• Type: Use HP-branded or inkjet-compatible postcards for best results.

Load Postcards Correctly

• Use the main input tray, not the rear feeder, for postcards.
• Load the postcards print side down and short edge forward.
• Adjust the paper width guides snugly against the edges of the postcards.

Tip: Avoid overloading the tray. Try with 5–10 postcards at a time.

Set Paper Type and Size Properly

On the printer control panel:

• Go to Settings > Paper Setup > Tray 1.
• Set Paper Size to 4x6 in and Paper Type to Cardstock or Postcard.

On your computer:

• In the print dialog, go to Printer Properties or Preferences.
• Match the paper size and type to what you set on the printer.

Clean the Paper Feed Rollers

Dust or residue on the rollers can cause feeding issues:

• Power off the printer and unplug it.
• Open the rear access door.
• Use a lint-free cloth lightly moistened with distilled water to clean the rollers.
• Let them dry for 10 minutes before closing the door and powering on.

Update Firmware

Outdated firmware can cause paper handling issues:

• Visit the HP Software and Driver Downloads page.
• Search for your printer model and install the latest firmware.

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Select "Yes" on the bottom left to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support 

[PasIntervention]

Sadly, this did not work.  Is the heavy stock paper option thicker than the one for card stock?  Or is there something else that might be causing the problem?

[Max3Aj]

@PasIntervention, Thanks for the update, and I’m sorry to hear the issue persists. Let’s dig a bit deeper.

Understanding Paper Type Settings: Cardstock vs. Heavy Paper

On HP printers like the OfficeJet Pro 8740:

• Cardstock is typically used for thicker, coated or glossy cards (like photo postcards).
• Heavy Paper is often slightly thinner than cardstock but thicker than standard paper.

In some cases, "Heavy Paper" may actually feed better than "Cardstock" depending on the coating, stiffness, and texture of the postcard you're using. So yes, trying the "Heavy Paper" setting instead of "Cardstock" is a good next step.

Additional Steps to Try

1. Switch to Heavy Paper Setting

• On the printer: Go to Settings > Paper Setup > Tray 1, and set:
  • Paper Size: 4x6 in
  • Paper Type: Heavy Paper
• On your computer: In the print dialog, match the same settings.

2. Try Manual Feed (if available)

Even though the rear feeder is problematic, some users have had success feeding one postcard at a time manually through the main tray with the Heavy Paper setting.

3. Check for Warping or Curl

Postcards that are slightly curled or warped can jam more easily. Try flattening them or using a different batch.

4. Use HP Advanced Photo Paper (as a test)

If available, try printing on HP Advanced Photo Paper (4x6) using the Photo Paper or Heavy Paper setting. This helps isolate whether the issue is with the paper stock or the feed mechanism.

I hope this helps!

If my response resolves your issue, please click “Accepted Solution” to help others find the answer. Also, don’t forget to click the “Yes” button to say thanks!

Take care and have a great day.

Max3Aj

HP Support

[PasIntervention]

The printer does NOT have a setting for heavy paper. It has plain paper, thick only or card stock.

[PasIntervention]

Also, this is NOT photopaper.  It is Staples 12499 Matte white postcards injet.

[Max3Aj]

Thank you for reverting back. 

You're using Staples 12499 Matte White Postcards (Inkjet), which are designed for inkjet printers and are matte, not glossy, so coating shouldn't be the issue. Since the printer only offers Plain Paper, Thick, and Card Stock settings, and you're still experiencing jams, here’s a refined approach:

Updated Troubleshooting Steps

Use the “Thick” Setting

Since “Card Stock” may be too aggressive for this media, and “Plain” too light, “Thick” is the best match for Staples 12499 postcards.

On the printer:
Settings > Paper Setup > Tray 1

• Paper Size: 4x6 in
• Paper Type: Thick

On your computer:
In the print dialog, match the same settings.

Use the Main Tray Only

The rear feeder on the OfficeJet Pro 8740 is not optimized for small or stiff media like postcards. Use the main input tray instead:

• Load 5–10 postcards at a time.
• Ensure they are aligned and flat.
• Adjust the paper width guides snugly against the stack.

Clean the Feed Rollers

Even light dust or wear can cause slippage with thicker media:

• Power off and unplug the printer.
• Open the rear access door.
• Use a lint-free cloth dampened with distilled water to gently clean the rollers.
• Let dry for 10 minutes before closing and powering on.

Try Printing One Postcard at a Time

If the stack still jams, try loading just one postcard in the main tray and printing. This can help isolate whether the issue is mechanical or media-related.

Check for Firmware Updates

Make sure your printer is running the latest firmware:

• Go to HP Software and Drivers
• Enter your printer model and install any available firmware updates.

If the Issue Persists

If jams continue even with the “Thick” setting and clean rollers, the issue may be due to:

• Slight warping or edge curl in the postcards
• Feed rollers losing grip (especially if the printer is older)
• A mechanical alignment issue in the feed path

I hope this helps!

If my response resolves your issue, please click “Accepted Solution” to help others find the answer. Also, don’t forget to click the “Yes” button to say thanks!

Take care and have a great day.

Max3Aj

HP Support

[PasIntervention]

Still getting stuck.

[Max3Aj]

@PasIntervention, Thank you for your response,  

I'm sending a private message to assist you with the next action. 

  

Please check your Private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Community profile Next, to your profile Name, you should see a little blue envelope, please click on it or simply click on this link. 

  

I hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

  

Max3Aj

HP Support