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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Paper Jams & Feed Issues
- Paper jams in hp office jet pro 8720

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02-27-2025 04:58 PM
HP Office Jet Pro 8720 suddenly decided to start jamming just as paper starts to feed from tray. Maybe 1/4 of the paper feeds before it jams. And sometimes it prints leaving several black skid marks across the back and sometimes it doesn't print at all but still leaves the skid marks across the back.
03-05-2025 08:15 AM
@ak1401, Welcome to the HP Support Community!
Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding paper jam issue!
We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.
It sounds like your HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 is experiencing a paper feed issue, possibly caused by worn-out rollers, debris, or internal hardware problems. The black skid marks suggest an issue with the rollers or ink buildup. Try these steps to fix it:
Check for Paper Jams
- Turn off and unplug the printer.
- Open the front and rear access doors.
- Remove any jammed paper gently, pulling it in the direction it would normally feed.
- Check for small torn paper bits stuck inside.
- Close all doors and turn the printer back on.
Clean the Paper Feed Rollers
- Turn off and unplug the printer.
- Remove the paper from the tray.
- Dampen a lint-free cloth with distilled water and wipe the rollers inside the printer and paper tray.
- Let them dry for a few minutes before reinserting paper.
Use the Automatic Cleaning Tool
- On the printer control panel, go to Setup > Printer Maintenance > Clean Paper Feed.
- Follow on-screen instructions and check if the issue persists.
Check Paper Type and Quality
- Ensure you're using the correct paper type (not too thick or damp).
- Adjust the Paper Type settings in the printer menu to match the paper being used.
- Fan the paper stack before placing it in the tray to prevent sheets from sticking.
Clean the Ink Smudges
- Open Setup > Printer Maintenance > Clean Page Smears to remove ink buildup causing skid marks.
- Print a test page to check if marks still appear.
Reset the Printer
- Turn off the printer and unplug it for about 60 seconds.
- Plug it back in and turn it on.
- Try printing again.
Let me know if you need further troubleshooting! 🚀
Take care, and have an amazing day!
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Regards,
ZOEY7886
I am an HP Employee